San José City College President Search

APPLICATION PROCESS

The position will remain open until filled. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than October 17, 2025.

Only complete application packets will be considered. All inquiries, nominations and applications will be held in the strictest confidence.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR DOCUMENTS TO:
https://sjeccd.peopleadmin.com/postings/4061 
Position #S2539
First Review Date: October 17, 2025 Open Until Filled

APPLICATION PACKET

Candidates will need to have the following information or materials available to complete the application:

• A letter of application that succinctly addresses background, knowledge and experiences that have prepared the candidate to serve as President of San José City College. Leadership and personal qualities and characteristics that would serve as underpinnings for the candidate’s service as the next President. (Not to exceed 5 pages). 
• A current resume. 
• A list of references that is to include the following (at the minimum, at least one of each of the following):
  •    Supervisor
  •    Direct administrative report
  •    Faculty member
  •    Staff member
  •    Student
  •    Community/external agency representative

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The next President of SJCC will be a visionary leader who will build on the College’s strengths and position it for future success.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least three years of senior or cabinet-level experience in higher education.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of the students served and sensitivity to and knowledge and understanding of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.
    
2. A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program or the ability to travel to other District campuses and locations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. A doctorate degree.
    
2. At least three years of experience working directly with students.
    
3. Effective leadership experience working with historically underrepresented groups and groups who may have experienced discrimination.
    
4. Demonstrated success integrating diversity into at least three of the major areas including supervision, evaluation, recruitment, hiring, student services, program and/or curriculum development, policies/practices, retention of women, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, contracting, mentorship, staff development, and meaningful interaction with diverse students and other employees.
    
5. Extensive experience in external relations demonstrating the ability to communicate respectfully, promote and represent the College and District, develop partnerships,
   and effectively advocate for the College.

SALARY RANGE
$308,888 - $357,575 Annual Salary (Executive 2025-26 Salary Schedule).
Starting salary placement is generally at Step 1.

EMPLOYMENT START DATE
Early 2026

San José City College Presidential Recruitment Profile Brochure - PDF

WHO WE ARE

ABOUT SJCC

Opening its doors in September 1921, San José City College (SJCC) was one of the first community colleges in California. SJCC has delivered its educational mission with integrity and vitality, growing into a world-class institution serving more than ten thousand students each semester.

Located in California’s Silicon Valley, SJCC offers all the benefits of being close to the world’s hub of technological innovation and entrepreneurship. The College currently serves San José, Milpitas, and other surrounding communities in Santa Clara County.

As a District and College, we believe educating the whole student to be the true definition of success. Student success is everyone’s responsibility: classified professionals, faculty, administrators, and community. To help our students at SJCC excel in all areas of their lives, we encourage holistic self-discovery. Through this process, our students learn to collaborate, participate in responsible decision-making, and evaluate their options through an ethical lens. We believe students must have the education and skills required to help them become better individuals, employees and citizens. We infuse this belief—aligned with our vision—into all that we do.

At San José City College, we focus on assuring that our curriculum and classroom rigor always keep pace with industry. Yet, while surrounded by high-tech companies and the perceived wealth they bring to our area, we also focus our mission on those who must face each day with strength and tenacity in order to survive the challenges connected to poverty and the realities of life for the socio-economically challenged.

Institutional equity, in terms of educational achievement, is a critical value at San José City College. As such, in addition to providing educational opportunities to the under-represented and socioeconomically challenged, we also provide life-long learning opportunities that ensure that residents in our community stay competitive in this innovative society.

MISSION

The mission of San José City College is to provide student-centered and culturally responsive curriculum and services for career pathways, university transfer, and life-long learning. We strive to accomplish this by promoting an inclusive, multicultural learning community that values social justice, along with excellence in teaching and learning.

ACCREDITATION

SJCC is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This accrediting body is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. SJCC’s accreditation was recently reaffirmed in January 2024.

SJCC AT-A-GLANCE

With diverse cultures, experiences, and aspirations, our students contribute to a rich learning environment that reflects the heart of San José.

OUR STUDENTS

Our students come to us from all walks of life. Some are the first in their families to attend
college; are single parents struggling to balance work, parenting, and education; are from
outside our state or country seeking better futures for themselves and their families; or
they are 4.0 high school graduates.

Regardless of their circumstances, they have chosen SJCC to help them on their educational
journey. We take this responsibility seriously.

PRESIDENT PROFILE

Community, Students, Classified Staff, and Faculty expect the successful candidate to:

STUDENT SUCCESS

1. Maintain laser focus on academic programs and student services, with attention to the
   mental health spectrum and food and housing insecurities of our students.
2. Be visible and involved in student life, understand who SJCC students are on a holistic level and demonstrate a manner that is approachable and open-minded.

LEADERSHIP

1. Demonstrate effective communication skills.
2. Uphold strong ethical and core values and practices.
3. Promote a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and effective working relationships across the College and within the District.
4. Demonstrate effectiveness in participatory governance where the decision-making process is
   collaborative, transparent and focused on college goals & objectives.
5. Create and promote a clear focus on continuous improvement of institutional effectiveness as
   measured by college approved metrics.

FISCAL

1. Demonstrate successful experience with college-level budgeting.
2. Demonstrate an ability to make sound financial decisions.

ADVOCACY

1. Be involved in local, state, and federal initiatives.
2. Understand the California community college policy, regulatory, legal, political, and
   accreditation environments.

COMMUNITY

1. Demonstrate the ability to establish meaningful relationships in the local community.
2. Be an active participant in college and community life. Create unity between campus life and the greater community.
3. Recognize and value the College’s role as a contributor to local, regional, environmental,
   and cultural viability.
4. Understand issues from a local, diverse perspective and implement ideas that are mutually beneficial to the College and greater community.

HIRING PROCESS TIMELINE

NOVEMBER 6 & 7, 2025:
First-round interviews with search committee (virtual).

NOVEMBER 13 & 14, 2025:
Finalist open forums (virtual, live streamed).

NOVEMBER 17 & 18, 2025:
Final interviews with Chancellor (in-person).

DECEMBER 9, 2025:
Board announces SJCC President. Board action to approve Employment Agreement.

EARLY 2026:
New President assumes office.

SJECCD CHANCELLOR

Dr. Beatriz Chaidez

SJECCD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mr. Tony Alexander, Board President
Dr. Jeffrey Lease, Board Vice President
Ms. Maria Fuentes, Trustee
Ms. Marsha Grilli, Trustee
Mr. Clay Hale, Trustee
Ms. Karen Martinez, Trustee
Dr. Buu Thai, Trustee