Cilker School of Art and Design
West Valley College, a Bay Area leader in transfer, degree, and career programs, is searching for a visionary leader/Dean to guide our newly created Cilker School of Art and Design. The “Cilker” will provide an open, interconnected, and creative learning environment that provides education in traditional and emerging areas of the fine arts, performing arts, and design.
The school will be housed in a newly refurbished state of the art building, named after local philanthropists Bill and Leila Cilker. Other philanthropic interests from the local community, which will be integrated into and around the new building, include a large donation of public art from renowned expressionist sculptor Bruce Beasley, as well as donations from local collectors.
The Dean of the Cilker will build collaborative external and internal relationships in order to help develop our students’ curiosity and critical thinking skills that are essential to the intellectual and creative process.
West Valley College has merged several academic departments into the Cilker in order to foster a well-rounded educational experience for our students. While external forces are pushing community colleges to concentrate on general education and core courses in the STEM fields, West Valley believes a STEM education can be greatly enhanced with the blending of creative thinking
Interested applicants must submit all materials requested online, including:
- A completed West Valley-Mission Community College District online application.
- Resume.
- Transcripts – (unofficial or official copies) for stated degrees, having the degree confer/award dates circled. Official transcripts will be required, prior to employment start date, should the position be offered.
- Cover letter and/or reference list, if requested.
- Any requested licenses or certificates, if applicable.
The Dean will represent the Cilker via:
Advocacy and Leadership
- Provide leadership, support and direction to all members of the school, while inspiring vision, creativity, and integrity necessary to carry out its mission, goals, and objectives.
- Work collaboratively within and outside of the school and college to foster innovative curriculum and create infrastructure necessary for the success of programs in the school.
- Coordinate and facilitate recruitment of faculty and staff.
- Develop processes for collection of data pertaining to workforce development and success rates, employment, labor statistics, and preparation of statistical reports for submission to the State in collaboration with the Dean of Career Programs and Workforce Development.
Public Relations and Recruiting
- Develop and implement a coordinated outreach, marketing, and public relations process and plan for the art and design areas.
- Maintain positive and effective public relations with the larger community.
- Oversee the process of developing, implementing and maintaining a significant presence on the web.
- Serve as the contact for the school and provide leadership in developing strong ties with business, industry, and educational institutions.
- Promote workforce and economic development in the areas of design and the arts.
Fundraising and Resource Procurement
- Develop resources from internal and external sources, including initiating, coordinating, and supporting efforts to secure grants and additional funding for art and design programs in the school.
- Engage in fiscal planning and budgeting, allocating resources to all departments and programs in the school.
