Position
Cabrillo College is seeking a Superintendent/President of the college who serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Governing Board, as the leader of the District, and as its primary spokesperson. The position of Superintendent/President shall be initiatory and executory. The incumbent shall act both as a professional advisor to the Board in the formulation of policies for the governance of Cabrillo College and as executor of the policies adopted by the Board. All powers and duties delegated to the Superintendent/President are to be executed in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board. All acts performed by the Superintendent/President that are classed in law as discretionary are subject to review and final approval by the Board, unless the Board specifically authorizes such acts to be executed in a particular manner.
Minimum Qualifications:
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:
Understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation, of community college students, faculty, and staff; AND
Master's degree from an accredited college or university; AND
Five (5) years of progressive, senior-level administrative experience with significant and progressively complex decision-making responsibility with a
Minimum of three (3) years of executive level administrative experience in education, including being responsible for a broad operational segment of the organization with significant fiscal and programmatic oversight including but not limited to academic affairs, student services, administrative services, human resources/labor relations, college campus, or the equivalent,
Experience reporting directly to a governing body or chief executive officer.
Track-record of community service and involvement; OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience.
Desirable Qualifications:
Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university.
Proven record of successful management of resources, including integrated planning and budget development, during both increasing and decreasing budget cycles.
Administrative experience at the community college level in one or more areas including academic affairs, student affairs, financial management, human resources/labor relations, faculty, staff and community relations, facilities development, and strategic planning.
Faculty experience in instruction or student services, or other leadership experience providing support for the role of faculty that demonstrates a strong understanding of the need for innovative teaching/learning and student development processes.
Demonstrated experience utilizing principles of organization and leadership practices that promote professional excellence among all employees.
Demonstrated experience to effectively navigate the complexities of the California community college fiscal, policy, legal, and accreditation environment or equivalent.
Successful external resource development experience, including bonds, pursuit of grant funding, and community support through partnerships and/or a foundation.
Demonstrated leadership experience providing support for the comprehensive student experience.
Successful experience in appropriately utilizing and applying applicable data and research finding in decision-making processes.
Demonstrated experience in community development and collaboration with community partners and external stakeholders.
In the spring of 2025, Cabrillo College sent out a survey to employees, students, and community members asking for their feedback before beginning the search for a new Superintendent/President. Respondents answered questions about the top traits they wanted to see in the new Superintendent/President, as well as the most significant opportunities and challenges the Superintendent/President would face in their first year.
Key areas of focus include the following:
Build stronger, authentic relationships across Santa Cruz County, especially with underserved populations, community leaders, and local organizations. Expanding outreach, attending community events, and collaborating with Native communities will foster trust and visibility. Strengthening partnerships with institutions such as University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) CSUMB, Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD)/K–12, and local employers will enhance general and dual enrollment, workforce pathways, and Cabrillo’s regional presence.