Associate Dean for the College of Social Sciences and Education

Job Description

Associate Dean

College of Social Sciences and Education

(Internal to CSU only)

California State University, Bakersfield invites applications for the position of Associate Dean of College of Social Sciences and Education (SSE). The person selected for this position reports to the Dean of SSE and assists the Dean in leading the departments and programs to carry out the College’s mission and goals in alignment with CSUB’s strategic plan. The Associate Dean collaborates with the Department Chairs and Program Directors, College staff and faculty, and other university administrators to achieve common goals and outcomes.

About CSUB

California State University, Bakersfield is a regional comprehensive public university committed to offering excellent undergraduate and graduate programs that advance the intellectual and personal development of its students. An emphasis on student learning is enhanced by a commitment to scholarship, diversity, service, global awareness, and life-long learning. The University collaborates with partners in the community to increase the region's overall educational attainment, enhance its quality of life, and support its economic development. The University was founded in 1965 and opened for classes in fall, 1970. The University's faculty is world-class, with nearly 80% holding the highest degrees in their respective fields. A part of the 22-campus California State University (CSU) System, CSUB has a student body that reflects the diversity of the southern San Joaquin Valley, with approximately 70% of the student body being of Hispanic origin. Almost two-thirds of undergraduates are the first in their families to pursue a bachelor’s degree. CSUB's vision is to be the leading campus in the CSU system in terms of faculty and academic excellence and diversity, quality of the student experience and community engagement.

The University serves more than 10,000 students including the main campus in Bakersfield and the Antelope Valley Center and counts approximately 64,000 alumni from its four colleges: Arts and Humanities; Business and Public Administration; Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering; and Social Sciences and Education. The University offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral degrees and credential programs, and CSUB's Extended Education serves the community by offering additional professional development, certificate, and degree programs. For more information about CSUB, please visit www.csub.edu .

About SSE

Serving about 4,000 students, the College of Social Sciences & Education (SSE) at California State University, Bakersfield is home to eleven departments: Advanced Educational Studies, Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, Human Development and Family Studies, Criminal Justice, Kinesiology, Political Science, Psychology, Ethnic Studies, Social Work, Sociology, and Teacher Education. SSE offers high-quality undergraduate, credential, and graduate programs across the social sciences and education disciplines. SSE prepares students to become educators, counselors, social workers, law-enforcement professionals, health professionals, researchers, civic leaders, and community advocates - empowering them to positively impact the quality of life in their communities locally, regionally, and beyond. Through an integrated environment of academic instruction, professional preparation, and community engagement, SSE strives to cultivate compassionate, informed, and effective leaders who contribute to social betterment, equity, and lifelong learning.

The Location

CSUB is located in Kern County (population approaching 900,000), spanning the southern San Joaquin Valley and Western Mojave. Bakersfield (metropolitan population approaching 600,000) is a growing community projected to double in population in twenty years. The city is within two hours of Pacific Ocean beaches and Sierra Mountain locations and is just an hour and a half north of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. For more information see the following links:

http://www.bakersfieldchamber.org

http://www.kedc.com

http://www.visitbakersfield.com

Duties & Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Strategic Planning
Assist the Dean in the development and implementation of the College’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with university-wide goals. Coordinate and oversee scheduling in collaboration with department chairs, administrative staff, and advisors. As ex-officio member of the SS&E curriculum committee, support curriculum development by reviewing proposals for new courses and programs, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and academic policies. Lead initiatives to expand interdisciplinary collaborations between departments within the College and across other academic units. In collaboration with the Dean, provide direction and oversight to the SSE credential staff. Assist the Dean in budget planning and resource allocation, ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources. Oversee faculty and staff workload assignments, ensuring efficient distribution of responsibilities and adherence to university policies and collective bargaining agreements, while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence. Ensure compliance with university policies, CSU regulations, and accreditation standards related to financial management. Coordinate space and facilities management within the College and between the College and Academic Operations, ensuring that classrooms, laboratories, and performance spaces meet academic needs. Coordinate college-wide assessment initiatives, department review process and college contribution to the WSCUC review process.
Faculty Affairs & Development
In coordination with the Dean, provide oversight and mentorship in faculty recruitment efforts, ensuring diversity and excellence in hiring practices. Serve as an advisor and consultant for programs developing RTP criteria and standards, ensuring transparency and adherence to university guidelines. Organize professional development workshops, research grant-writing training, and instructional enhancement opportunities. Assist faculty and chairs in resolving workplace conflicts and fostering a collegial and supportive work environment. Support faculty in securing external funding to enhance research, scholarship, and creative activity. Develop and implement initiatives that promote inclusive excellence and equitable opportunities for faculty advancement.
Student Success & Engagement
Assist the Dean in developing and overseeing initiatives that promote student recruitment retention, engagement, and timely graduation. Collaborate with academic advisors, coordinators, and department chairs to create structured pathways for degree completion and academic support. Partner with Student Affairs Strategic and Enrollment Management (SASEM) and serve on advising-related committees. Facilitate clear and consistent communication with academic departments. Serve as the liaison between the College and the Tutoring Services Coordinator. Oversee the resolution of student appeals, grievances, and academic integrity cases, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies. In collaboration with constituencies, support the development of experiential learning opportunities, including service-learning projects, internships, and study abroad programs. Lead efforts to improve first-year experience programs and bridge programs that facilitate student transitions.
Collaboration & Community Engagement
Serve as a liaison between the College and university administration, faculty governance bodies, and external stakeholders. Represent the College and Dean’s Office in university-wide committees, CSU system meetings, and professional academic organizations. Assist the Dean in developing strategic partnerships with local organizations, cultural institutions, and industry leaders to enhance student opportunities and faculty collaborations. Promote the College’s visibility through community outreach and educational initiatives. Work with alumni and donors to strengthen ties between the College and external constituencies, fostering a culture of philanthropy. Assist in developing efforts to expand community-based learning initiatives, enhancing student civic engagement and regional impact.
Other Job Duties
Perform other job-related duties and assist the Dean with special projects as assigned. Attend training and maintain skill currency as appropriate to safely and effectively complete assignments. All MPP employees are considered Disaster Service Workers, (CA Gov. Code Section 3100), and are required to attend trainings and possibly hold a position in the CSUB Emergency Operations Center (EOC), as assigned.
Required Qualifications

Education & Experience - An earned doctorate from an accredited institution in a field appropriate to one of the departments in the College, and an outstanding record of teaching, scholarship, and service commensurate with appointment as a Full professor with tenure in a discipline represented by the College. Demonstrated prior leadership experience as an administrator, department chair, academic leader, or equivalent experience (minimum of three years).

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities (SKA’s) -

• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Demonstrated skills in management of fiscal and personnel resources, facilities, research or academic program management and evaluation.
• Knowledge of accreditation, preferably with CSWE, AAQEP and CTCC.
• Successful experience working with faculty and administrators from a variety of disciplines, programs, and university divisions.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to student success, including addressing equity gaps.
• Evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the campus and community, and sensitivity to the needs of all students. Demonstrated commitment to equity and diversity and ability to create a culture of belonging.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn university infrastructure, policies, and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three years of university administrative experience with increasing responsibilities.
• Significant experience with curriculum design, assessment, program review, and evaluation.
• Experience supporting community engagement, student internships or service learning.
• Experience in supporting faculty development programs.

Compensation: This appointment is in the Management Personnel Plan and is a full-time, 12-month position. The pay basis is monthly.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $12,500 - $14,167 (monthly)

• Offer amount will be commensurate with candidate’s experience, education, skills, and training.

Benefits: CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 14 paid holidays per year and more! See our benefits website for additional information.

CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE TO APPLY: Open to all qualified applicants who are currently employed at a California State University (CSU).

How to Apply:

Complete applications must include the three items listed below:
A cover letter clearly addressing how the applicant's responsibilities and qualifications meet the standards listed above. A current curriculum vitae. Contact information for three current references.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: For Priority Consideration, applications must be received by November 1st, 2026 ; however, the position will remain open until filled.

Advertised: Oct 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: