Chancellor

The State Center Community College District (SCCCD) includes four colleges—Fresno City College, Reedley College, Clovis Community College, and Madera Community College—and additional campus locations serving urban and rural territories. The District employs over 2,800 employees, enrolls nearly 70,000 students, and covers more than 5,743 square miles spanning four counties, serving approximately 1.8 million people and 38 unified and high school districts. The ideal candidate will share a commitment to the District’s mission of delivering a comprehensive array of postsecondary educational programs and support services to meet diverse student needs and goals, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, transfer, employment-ready certificates, and lifelong learning.

About the role

State Center Community College District (SCCCD) is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the next Chancellor for its multi-college district. The Chancellor will provide unifying and participatory leadership to a dynamic, complex, and diverse district, building upon its strong legacy of achievement. As the chief executive officer, the Chancellor is responsible to the Governing Board for the administration of the District in accordance with the California Education Code and District policies. The Chancellor exercises general supervision over the offices of the College Presidents, Deputy Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, Executive Directors of Public and Legislative Relations and Foundation, General Counsel, and Chief Technology Officer.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the chief executive officer of the District, advising the Board of Trustees and implementing Board policies, regulations, and operational processes.
• Provide leadership to a large, complex multi-college district committed to student success, supporting quality instructional programs and services for an increasingly diverse population.
• Ensure equitable allocation of resources and program management through fiscal leadership, fundraising, and budget management.
• Navigate complex financial challenges, align resource decisions with student and campus needs, and develop proactive strategies and contingency plans.
• Promote a high-wage, high-demand workforce and economic development initiatives responsive to regional and state needs.
• Articulate a clear and compelling vision for the future of SCCCD, fostering a culture of innovation, including emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
• Enhance professional development for faculty and classified professionals to strengthen teaching, learning, and student support services.
• Improve workforce readiness through timely and relevant professional learning opportunities.
• Create a culture of inquiry and effective decision-making based on data analysis, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement while respecting participatory governance.
• Foster a culture that invests in, retains, and attracts dedicated and talented employees by strengthening internal relationships, supporting professional growth, and improving morale and workplace conditions.
• Demonstrate a commitment to integrity, trust, and transparency to cultivate and maintain confidence across the District and community.
• Advance the objectives of the State Chancellor’s Vision 2030 and support the work of State Center Vision 2035.
• Build and strengthen relationships with K-12, college, and university partners to support career and transfer pathways.
• Manage and direct the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, work processes, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals and objectives.
• Address challenges and opportunities in state and federal budget allocations, district-wide allocation models, staffing plans, aging facilities, and technology development.

Requirements

• Earned master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
• Five years of senior-level administrative experience in education, defined as an executive position reporting directly to a governing body or chief executive officer and responsible for a broad operational segment of the organization with significant fiscal and programmatic oversight (e.g., academic affairs, student services, administrative services, college campus).
• Evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices.
• A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program.

Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Community college Presidential experience.
• Administrative experience in a large single-college district or in a multi-college district.
• Proven ability to advocate at various levels of government on behalf of the District and its colleges.
• Experience and skill in addressing issues of equity for racially minoritized students.
• Demonstrated leadership in providing support for the comprehensive student experience.
• Commitment to fostering a supportive and transparent organizational culture by actively engaging with employees at all levels, strengthening communication, and promoting trust, collaboration, and shared decision-making.
• Proven record of successful management of resources, including integrated planning and budget development, during both increasing and decreasing budget cycles.
• Demonstrated experience effectively navigating the complex policy, legal, and accreditation environment of the California community college system or a comparable system.
• Successful external resource development experience, including pursuit of grant funding and community support through partnerships and foundations.

Skills

• Equity-minded leadership, including:
  • Understanding the importance of accountability for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices.
  • Reframing inequities as a problem of practice and viewing their elimination as both an individual and collective responsibility.
  • Encouraging positive race-consciousness and celebrating the diversity and humanity of all people.
  • Reflecting on institutional and teaching practices to create a culturally responsive environment.
  • Strategically building buy-in and participation for equity-related initiatives.
• Strategic and visionary leadership with a focus on innovation, including emerging technologies.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills to foster collaboration across the District and with external partners.
• Ability to navigate complex financial and operational challenges while maintaining a student-centered focus.
• Commitment to participatory governance and transparent decision-making.

Benefits

State Center Community College District offers a comprehensive fringe benefit package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Sick leave and vacation benefits.
• Enrollment in the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) or Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).

Pay

Salary and benefits are competitive and negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The successful candidate should be available for service no later than January 1, 2027.