Department Director I

Classification Description

TITLE: Department Director I

CATEGORY: Management

FLSA: Exempt

GRADE: M

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President, Vice President or District President oversees a narrower-scope department with District-wide impact, such as Public Safety, Affirmative Action, Grants, and/or other applicable area. Incumbents have overall accountability for providing leadership in long-range planning, program development, problem solving, and staff development in an assigned administrative department. Responds to inquiries from College departments, the community, and/or external agencies and supervises administrative services professionals, paraprofessionals, and technical/support staff. May serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Department Director I is the first level in a three level Department Director series. The Department Director I is distinguished from other Department Directors by its responsibility for a department narrow in scope and lower in complexity. Areas of responsibility tend to be homogenous, requiring job knowledge in fewer areas. The impact of work and decisions can have a short-term impact on the entire District.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises administrative services professionals, paraprofessionals, technical/support and classified staff and performs both direct and indirect supervision through subordinates. Hires, evaluates, trains, disciplines and recommends dismissal of staff as necessary.
Provides oversight and directs the implementation of internal operations for an assigned administrative department, which includes planning, coordinating, administering, and evaluating programs, projects, processes, procedures, systems, standards, and/or service offerings; ensures compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards; coordinates activities between multiple service areas; works to integrate and coordinate service areas.
Provides primary leadership in guiding, planning, implementing, evaluating, and modifying programs, processes, and operations related to department; interprets and applies federal and state mandated guidelines. Plans, implements, administers, and evaluates related programs, projects, and services impacting the college.
Ensures departmental adherence and compatibility with organizational goals, objectives, and strategic initiatives, as well as all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Directs and reviews a variety of reports, reconciliations, work papers, promotional efforts, communications, schedules, tables, and/or statements to and from internal departments, financial institutions, governmental entities, and external agencies.
Develops and administers department budgets; approves expenditures; reviews financial statements; manages financial operations; implements and allocates resources following budget approval; approves expenditures.
Responds to requests for information and provides subject-matter-expert guidance to other departments, consumers, the general public, and/or outside agencies.
Develops, recommends, and administers policies, procedures, and processes in support of departmental operations; implements and monitors compliance with approved policies, procedures, and processes.
Collects and analyzes a variety of complex data and information. Performs statistical analysis and summarizes findings in applicable reports or other communication mediums.
Participates in/on a variety of meetings, committees, task forces, and/or other related groups to communicate information regarding services, programs, areas of opportunity, and/or other pertinent information as appropriate. Serves as a liaison to external agencies.
Serves as a liaison with other departments and students within the College in order to provide information on available resources, programs, and/or services.
Positions in this classification may perform all or some of the responsibilities above and all positions perform other related duties as assigned.

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic & Student Affairs

Positions assigned to Academic & Student Affairs may also be responsible for:

Developing and promoting District-wide grant-seeking priorities, ensuring alignment with the College’s Educational Master Plan.
Directing the preparation of complex and varied grant proposals in support of College goals.
Serving as the lead internal consultant to College executives, administrators, faculty, and staff regarding grant-seeking and resource development opportunities.

Public Safety

Positions assigned to Public Safety may also be responsible for:

Developing emergency plans and programs.
Consulting with internal executives, administrators, faculty, staff, and students regarding crime victimization, vulnerability, criminal justice system issues, public safety problems, parking issues, civil liability, and/or other public safety issues.

Marketing and Communications

Positions assigned to Marketing and Communications may also be responsible for:

Leads development of the College’s Integrated Marketing and Communications Plan and related communications strategies to reach and engage the College’s target audiences.
Oversees marketing, public relations, media relations, and strategic communications for the College.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in business administration or related area. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Ten years of progressively responsible, professional experience related to area of assignment, including four years in a senior administrative capacity.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

Leadership and managerial principles;
Budgeting principles and practices;
Advanced theories and principles related to area of assignment;
Strategy development principles and procedures;
Applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, rules, and regulations;
Public administration principles and practices;
Policy and procedure development and administration principles and practices;
Conflict mediation principles and practices;
Public relations principles;
Strategic management principles and practices;
Program management and development principles;
Higher education principles and practices.

Demonstrated Skill in:

Directing and providing leadership to subordinate staff;
Providing strategic leadership;
Planning, implementing, improving, and evaluating programs, policies, and procedures;
Developing, administering, and managing budgets;
Speaking in public;
Managing multiple priorities simultaneously;
Analyzing and developing policies and procedures;
Managing change and sensitive topics;
Planning, analyzing, and evaluating programs and services, operational needs, and fiscal constraints;
Evaluating research to identify potential solutions, resolve problems, or provide information;
Working with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff;
Utilizing computer technology for communication, data gathering and reporting activities;
Communicating effectively through oral and written mediums.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is generally performed in an office environment with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and materials is needed to perform the job satisfactorily.