Center of Excellence Manager (Labor Market Analysis and Research)

Two weeks prior to the deadline to submit applications, the diversity of current applicants will be assessed. Upon review, if the pool does not include sufficient diversity at that time, the application window may be extended. The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time, grant-funded, Center of Excellence Manager (Labor Market Analysis and Research) in the Workforce and Economic Advancement division.

Salary Placement: These twelve (12) month per year positions will be on an individual contract. These classified administrator positions will be placed on Range 5 of the Administrator Salary Schedule. Step placement is based on experience. Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($7,362.00 / $7,472.00 / $7,585.00 per month ) of this 20-step salary range. All administrators are on an employment contract and exempt from overtime and compensatory time accumulation.

District Classified Administrator Benefits: Full-time employees are provided with a diversified employee benefits program that includes sick time, vacation time, discretionary time, medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability, and life insurance as well as Section 125 options. These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire. Professional development and educational incentive opportunities are provided to all classified administrative employees.

Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California. Who We Are The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students.

We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue, and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality, and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

Who We Want We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students, and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps.

The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the general direction of the Director, Regional Center of Excellence (COE), the Center of Excellence Manager works with administrative and instructional staff, community colleges, and external agencies to develop and implement workforce research studies. The research conducted by the Regional Center of Excellence focuses on the South Central Coast Region, including Northern Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.

The Center of Excellence Manager conducts labor market and higher education research to support informed decision making related to career education programs and workforce development. The position contributes to regional and statewide research projects; identifies research questions and appropriate project designs; develops research instruments and data collection processes; analyzes and interprets data; prepares and presents research findings; coordinates and disseminates information; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. Assists the Director, COE in the planning, design, implementation, and dissemination of research and evaluation studies related to labor market trends and educational outcomes to support workforce development and educational planning.

Conducts extensive statistical and technical research and evaluation studies, including literature reviews. Designs, maintains, manipulates, and queries specialized databases and information systems to support research activities. Implements research studies, including coordinating the analysis and tabulation of results. Analyzes data using appropriate software applications, such as Microsoft Excel, R, Tableau, or similar tools for data analysis, management, and visualization.

Assists the Director, COE in responding to inquiries and provides detailed and technical information regarding research projects, including Labor Market Information (LMI) used to support program recommendations. Identifies and extracts data from a variety of sources; inspects and codes data in preparation for analysis; creates project documentation and databases; and interprets research findings to support data-informed decision making.

Presents research findings, analyses, and interpretation clearly and effectively in narrative, graphic, tabular, written, and oral formats. Prepares, and maintains comprehensive reports and delivers presentations explaining labor market research findings, implications, and applicability to workforce and educational planning. Designs, prepares and administers surveys to regional colleges, business and industry partners, and community stakeholders in support of research projects.

Assists the Director, COE in preparing quarterly and annual narrative reports, renewal documents, and other required documentation in accordance with applicable grant and contract requirements. Assists the Director, COE in presenting research findings at local advisory board meetings, regional consortium meetings, community college planning events, conferences and employer-education forums. Maintains datasets, research information systems, and organized archives of information and reports to support efficient data collection, analyses, reporting, and responses to research inquiries.

Consults with internal and external stakeholders regarding the analysis, compilation, and interpretation of data. Provides technical guidance regarding research design, survey development, and test validation. Responds to questions and requests for information regarding research-related activities. Represents the Center of Excellence, as assigned by the Director, at regional and statewide forums and organizations addressing community college research, labor market information, and workforce development.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Demonstrated Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of: Qualitative and quantitative research design, and data analyses techniques. Research and evaluation theory, design, methodology, sampling and analytical techniques. Technical research report writing. Research software applications for data analyses, data management, spreadsheet, presentation, graphics, and word processing software applications (such as R, and Microsoft Office Suite).

Survey Administration software (e.g. Qualtrics, Survey Monkey). Survey sampling, design, and research. Collection and coding of data. Ability to : In addition, applicants should possess the following abilities and attitudes that have been identified as important to success performance in the position: Gather, validate, and interpret data from a wide variety of sources, including literature and Internet searches. Manage multiple assignments and projects by establish priorities for, planning, and organizing a variety of tasks.

Utilize and maintain project details in project management system. Work accurately and independently while meeting schedules and timelines. Exhibit a strong understanding of ethical, compliance, privacy and security issues; apply relevant policies and procedures related to access, security, and delivery of data and research. Take responsibility and use professional judgment based on established guidelines and procedures.

Type with speed and accuracy; make arithmetical calculations in like manner. Work effectively and demonstrate currency of knowledge with various forms of technology (hardware/software) utilized in providing high-quality services. Provide appropriate information to the students, faculty, staff, and the public in a professional manner. Communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing. Understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Establish and maintain strong professional working relationships with campus academic and administrative offices, departments and programs, to ensure the quality and accuracy of data provided by those offices. Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and the community. Qualities of a Successful Community College Leader: Every administrator with the College is expected to be: Committed to Student Access, Engagement, and Success.

Willing to take strategic risks related to student-oriented change. Capable of building strong teams. Motivated to establish urgency for improvement. Able to plan lasting internal change. Results-oriented, ensuring effective implementation, routine assessment of programs and continuous data-informed improvement. Effective at communicating and listening to foster strong relationships, shared priorities, and inspire trust and action.

Considerate of fiscal responsibilities and sound operations. Dedicated to entrepreneurial fundraising that aligns to student access, engagement, and success goals. Effective in developing effective external partnerships to achieve broader aims for student success. A creative, innovative, energetic instructional leader; a technologically sophisticated professional who is skilled in various technology applications. A supporter of consistent and on-going professional development initiatives, in pursuit of the college’s strategic goals.

A fair-minded, ethical, and honest leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the courage and integrity to lead and accept responsibility. Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Requirements : Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Experience: Two (2) years of full-time equivalent experience applying quantitative or qualitative research and analysis. Desirable Qualifications: Master’s degree.

Additional years of experience that demonstrates the ability to conduct complex analyses. Previous experience working in a higher educational institution. Previous experience working with data related to labor market and workforce trends, student and educational outcomes, or community demographics. Experience with the Below is Desirable: Conducting complex research projects, evaluating alternatives, making recommendations, and preparing technical reports .

Working with Directors to identify and define problems, determining methodology, evaluating data, making recommendations with appropriate justification and developing/implementing a plan of action. Organizing and prioritizing a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organizing own work, setting priorities, and meeting critical time deadlines. Establishing and maintaining working relationships with staff, senior management, representatives of regional community colleges, officials, contractors and the general public.

Physical Characteristics : Sedentary position requires use of a computer and related equipment for extended periods of time; frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; communicating and providing information to others; work outside on all parts of the campus and in varying weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers. Travel from site-to-site to include other college districts as needed.

Supplemental Information Conditions of Employment: Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109. Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.

Board of Trustees approval. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Ability to maintain a flexible work week with hours that may vary. Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change. Equal Employment Opportunity: Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees who are dedicated to student learning and success.

The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427. About the District: Why Work at College of the Canyons? College of the Canyons (COC) is a nationally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution located in Santa Clarita, California, and is dedicated to fostering student success in a dynamic and inclusive environment.

Serving over 37,000 students across two campuses, COC offers more than 275 degree and certificate programs and is known for its strong transfer pathways, award-winning workforce programs, and innovative initiatives like Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC) and the Canyons Promise program, which provides two years of free education for new full-time students. As a regional leader in innovation, equity, and community engagement, the college partners with over 100 organizations and has secured millions in grants and workforce development funding.

Its students regularly transfer to top UC schools, win national scholarships, and contribute to projects reaching as far as NASA. With new facilities like the Takeda Science Center, an Intercultural Center, and robust University Center partnerships offering bachelor’s and graduate degrees, COC continues to grow its impact. Faculty and staff are driven by a shared commitment to teaching excellence, respect, creativity, and meaningful community connections, all in a vibrant Southern California setting.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online. Please visit our website at http://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources . If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661) 362-3427 or for the hearing-impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661) 362-5178. Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 - 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the review date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings.

The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite 360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355. The following application materials are required for your application to be complete: Online District CLASSIFIED Application form. Current detailed resume , summarizing education and experience. Please include month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.

Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties, the demonstrated knowledge, and the abilities section of this announcement. Provide specific details and examples of your direct experience in achieving the list of minimum and desirable requirements for this position. Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded .

Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. You can submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities. Confidential Recruitment Source Information (Voluntary Survey). This is voluntary and is part of the online applicant profile separate from the application.

Supplemental Questionnaire. Please provide detailed answers to the following questions as part of your application packet. Do you possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university? If yes, please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript in your application packet, with the degree(s) clearly visible. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. If no, you do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Please describe your experience performing and conducting extensive statistical and technical research and evaluation to include any direct experience with Labor Market Information. Please provide examples of any experience you have with specialized databases and information systems to support research. Please describe your experience writing and preparing comprehensive reports as well as making oral presentations on research findings related to labor market information.

Please describe your background in developing and deploying surveys to regional colleges, business and industry partners, and the community. Please provide examples of any participation or collaboration with regional or state forums and organizations dealing with research in community colleges. Why do you want to work in this management position at College of the Canyons? What unique skills and aptitudes would you contribute to the Workforce and Economic Advancement team?

Letters of Reference are optional. Please note: Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required. Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant. Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. A presentation may be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview. “Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience.

In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet. Details should include the organization, contact name, and contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed.

Not all unpaid experience may qualify. Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience. Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.

Please be aware that, should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s) . Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact: Human Resources Office (661) 362-3427 TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted.

All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District. Materials will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form. Interviews may be conducted in-person or remotely via Zoom. This Manager will be working on the Valencia campus. This is not a remote position. The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews between the weeks of January 11, 2027 and January 19, 2027, conduct final interviews between the weeks of January 19, 2027, and January 25, 2027.

This is an estimated timeline and is subject to change. Please note that the College will be closed for Winter Break from Thursday December 24, 2026, through Friday January 1, 2027. The Human Resources Office will reopen on Monday, January 4, 2027. Positions are offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled.

This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.