Interim Director of Mathematics, Engineering

Salary: $120,688.56 - $174,772.80 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: INTERIM
Job Number: 2500261
Division: Office of Instruction
Department: School of Mathematics & Sciences
Opening Date: 07/07/2026
Closing Date: 7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

• The Community - Coachella Valley
• College of the Desert

Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
• Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
• Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
• Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

The Director of Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is responsible for planning, implementing, supervising, and evaluating the MESA Program and related Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) academic support initiatives.

The incumbent oversees day-to-day MESA Center operations; coordinates student support services; ensures compliance with statewide MESA requirements; manages staffing, budgets, and grants; and contributes to institutional goals aligned with the College's mission, vision, and values.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from area vice president or designee. The incumbent is expected to work independently, exercising professional judgment and initiative to achieve departmental goals.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The duties listed are intended to provide examples of the types of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The District reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties consistent with the classification.

The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position:

1. Supervise and evaluate faculty and staff within the area of responsibility, supervise workload, provide in-service training, and resolve conflicts. This responsibility includes planning, organizing, staffing, leading, coordinating, and controlling the activities of the assigned programs, including, but not limited to, all aspects of the MESA Program and related STEM success initiatives.
2. Develop and implement program goals, policies, procedures, and evaluation processes.
3. Assists in the preparation, submission, and administration of the department budget; research grant opportunities including but not limited to the application, reporting, and submission of grant funding documents.
4. Maintain communication and collaboration with STEM faculty, student support units, department chairs, and statewide MESA leadership to ensure alignment of program goals and activities; coordinate and support the consistent and effective implementation of statewide MESA guidelines, ensuring to standards and promoting program success across all participating entities.
5. Oversee tutoring, supplemental instruction, and academic enrichment programs to enhance student achievement. Coordinate academic advising, career exploration, and transfer preparation services to support student progression, persistence, and completion of educational and career goals.
6. Support student access to admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and internships; ensure compliance with eligibility, tracking, and reporting requirements; and develop partnerships with schools, universities, industry, and community organizations.
7. Coordinate internships, field trips, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities to enhance student engagement. Recruit students and represent MESA at outreach events, as well as at district and community meetings, to promote program awareness and participation.
8. Prepare and submit accurate and timely internal and statewide MESA reports. Ensure compliance with all applicable state, federal, district, and MESA requirements. Present and maintain required program records, documentation, updates and reports to stakeholders to support transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.
9. Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and recordkeeping systems to ensure compliance with all grant requirements, including federal and state regulations, as well as District policies and procedures. Research funding opportunities; prepare, write, and submit grant proposals; and manage awarded grants to ensure proper administration, reporting, and alignment with program objectives. 10. Collect, analyze, and interpret program data to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
11. Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to assigned staff and student workers; conduct formal performance evaluations and recommend disciplinary actions in accordance with District policies and collective bargaining agreements. 12. Chair or Co-Chair assigned governance committees to create policies and standards for data quality, access, and usage.
13. Develop, monitor, and administer program budgets to ensure efficient use of resources and alignment with program goals and funding requirements. Prepare and submit accurate and timely performance, financial, and compliance reports to support accountability, transparency, and adherence to applicable regulations.
14. Participate in ongoing professional development.
15. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Desert Community College District has established the following hiring criteria for all educational administrative positions:

Minimum qualifications for service as an Educational Administrator shall be both of the following in accordance with Title 5 section 53420:

• Possession of a master's degree; and
  
• One year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience in delivering to students' academic services aimed at improving academic, study, test taking, and other skills where the students are majoring in mathematics-based fields.
  
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
  KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
  Knowledge of:
  
• Strategic planning, curriculum development, program review, and student learning outcomes assessment.
  
• Enrollment management, institutional research, and the use of data and technology for planning and continuous improvement.
  
• Academic support services and learning resources, including tutoring, coaching, Library and Learning Resources operations, and educational technologies.
  
• Accreditation standards, fiscal and grant management, and resource allocation.
  
• Education Code, Title 5, and other federal, state, and local regulations affecting higher education.
  
• Personnel supervision, professional development, and practices that support equity, inclusion, and student success.
  
• Shared governance, effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative leadership practices.
  
• Trends and innovations in higher education and student services.
  
• Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  
• Identify issues proactively and implement practical, timely solutions with sound judgment and minimal supervision.
  
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software.
  
  Ability to:
  
• Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
  
• Interpret, apply and explain complex and technical District policies and procedures, State and federal laws and regulations related to assigned programs.
  
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance consistent with District standards and operational needs.
  
• Communicate clearly, concisely, effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with employees and District leadership and stakeholders, especially during stressful situations; de-escalate difficult customer interactions with empathy and tact.
  
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; work independently, confidentially, organize work to meet schedules, timelines and with minimal direction; exercise tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
  
• Maintain accurate, complete records and files; prepare comprehensive reports, and learn about District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
  
• Supervise, coach, evaluate and motivate a team of professionals and foster a collaborative, customer-focused team culture, and inclusive work environment.
  
• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate educational programs, services, operations, and personnel to meet institutional goals and evolving needs.
  
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legal and educational standards.
  
• Analyze problems, assess options, and implement effective solutions using sound judgment and strategic thinking.
  
• Develop, manage, and monitor budgets, timelines, and resource allocations, including grants and special projects.
  
• Collaborate across departments and governance groups to promote shared decision making, consensus building, and student-centered innovation. Utilize technology and data to support planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement in educational services.
  
  EMPLOYMENT STATUS
  
  
  
  
  • Educational Administrator
  SALARY PLACEMENT:
  • Certificated Leadership Salary Range
  • Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
  • Retirement System: CalSTRS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
  
  WORKING CONDITIONS
  Environment: District office environment; subject to constant interruptions and frequent interaction with others; sitting for long periods at a time (up to 2-3 hours); repetitive use of upper extremities including hand coordination activities; requires some evening and weekend responsibility; occasional travel to other locations to attend meetings or conduct work. The ability to type, use phone, stand intermittently, walk, bend and stoop, occasionally lift (up to 20 pounds), carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects of light to moderate weight, work at a computer, including sitting and viewing a monitor for various lengths of time, repetitive use of keyboard, mouse or other control device, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, ability to communicate and provide information to others.
  
  SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
  
  • This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
  • The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
  • The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.
  
  REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
  
  To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:
  
  • Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
  • Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
  • Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
  • College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.
  
  REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:
  
  • List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.
  
  IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:
  
  • Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
  • College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
  • Employment is contingent on residence in California.
  • Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
  • All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
  • Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
  • Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
  • All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
  • Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
  • For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.
  • FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.
  
  TIMELINES:
  
  • For consideration, please apply by July 13, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
  • Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on July 23, 2026.
  Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.
  
  
  
  
  Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
  
  DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.
  
  The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:
  
  • Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
  • Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
  • Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
  • Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
  • May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.
  
  Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.
  
  The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.
  
  Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).
  
  California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
  
  A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
  
  Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS
  
  Disability Accommodations:
  
  If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ffrausto@collegeofthedesert.edu.
  
  Attendance Requirement:
  
  All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
  
  Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
  
  Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.
  
  Non-Discrimination Notice:
  
  The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
  
  California Fair Chance Act:
  
  The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
  
  Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:
  
  The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.
  
  The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.
  
  Additional Resources
  
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
    • Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
    • Reasonable Accommodation
  • Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
  • AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
  • COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
  Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
  
  
  
  THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
  
  
  To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5396662/interim-director-of-mathematics-engineering-science-achievement-mesa
  
  jeid-3967b0d297416045a04b1e3b7dd97901