Position Summary

The Opportunity: Do you have a passion for increasing access to oral healthcare? Are you a licensed Dentist or Dental Therapist interested in transitioning your career to an education program that develops the next generation of Dental Therapists while serving tribal and underserved communities? Skagit Valley College (SVC) is seeking applicants for a new Director position to take part in the strategic leadership and development of an upcoming Dental Therapy Education Program. If your qualifications and interests match this position, we encourage you to apply!

The dex-xayebus (pronounced dah-hi-ya-buus-the Lushootseed Tribe word for "place of smiles") Washington Dental Therapy Education Program (WDTEP) at SVC was developed in partnership with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. The program will work with tribal and underserved communities to diminish health disparities and increase access to oral healthcare through training and employment of Dental Therapists. SVC educational programs are designed to meet community needs and create a campus climate that promotes innovative teaching, quality scholarship, a diverse learning environment, equitable access, and educational achievement for all students.

The Dental Therapy Education Program Director will be responsible for the overall program development and management of the Associate's degree in Dental Therapy. The Program Director reports to the Executive Dean of Workforce Education at Skagit Valley College and will work closely with the Dental Director at the Swinomish Dental Clinic. Duties include continual program assessment, leadership and oversight, administration/management of the instructional programs, budget management, communication with partners, and serving as an overall liaison for the program and its community partners.

As a new role for an emerging program, within the first six months to a year, you will have the opportunity to form relationships with dex-xayebus partners and SVC staff across the District. You will be engaged in building the new education program in collaboration with Dental Therapy partners. This includes curriculum development, building laboratory space, establishing policies and procedures, seeking accreditation, and hiring new faculty and staff for the program. Once established in your role, you will be able to focus on day-to-day administrative responsibilities and oversight of the program. The program plans to welcome its first class in 2020 and will include didactic and pre-clinical training at the Mount Vernon campus of SVC, clinical training at the Swinomish Dental Clinic in La Conner, and preceptorship at the Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) in Seattle.

This is a full-time, Exempt position, based primarily at the Mount Vernon Campus; however, the incumbent will be co-located at the Swinomish Dental Clinic in La Conner and may travel on occasion between sites or to other locations across the state.

About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”

SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.

SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity-minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• 
  Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Guiding Principles : Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion.

Did You Know: Skagit Valley College is an innovative community college committed to offering inclusive access to educational opportunities, supporting student achievement, and engaging our community. SVC is nationally known for learning communities and support for high-impact teaching practices that improve the lives of our students. We are committed to creating student learning experiences that foster equity and diversity to strengthen our local and global communities. We practice a high degree of collaboration among faculty, staff, and administrators to lead initiatives that advance student success and strengthen our increasingly diverse district. We value student and colleague engagement in creating an equitable, diverse, innovative, learning-centered environment.

Skagit Valley College offers:

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban, and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits include competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development & Assessment:

• Guide program from planning phase to implementation phase;
• Lead the effort to obtain and maintain accreditation from the Commission on Dental
• Accreditation (CODA) and Community Health Aide Certification Board (CHAPB);
• In collaboration with Swinomish dental team, develop partnership for clinical education of Dental Therapy students;
• In collaboration with SIHB dental team, develop partnership for preceptorship of Dental Therapy graduates;
• Facilitate the development of culturally appropriate curriculum;
• Integrate actions/steps/policies necessary to achieve CODA Accreditation into overall program planning;
• Collaborate with faculty and other unit administrators to develop programs, procedures, and practices to improve student transition, progression and completion;
• Establish efficient class schedules that meet enrollment targets, and monitor enrollment and part-time faculty budgets;
• Collaborate with others on campus to bring additional resources-including grants, contracts and partnerships-to expand and improve instructional initiatives;
• Conduct ongoing evaluation of instructional programs within Dental Therapy; Identify emergent needs; use data to support and inform decision-making; Review and analyze enrollment data, student progression, and completion;
• Collaborate with faculty to conduct ongoing curriculum development, assessment, and revision to reflect innovative pedagogy and advances in Dental Therapy.

Program Leadership:
Assure program quality with a focus on:

• Student learning outcomes and student success; adherence to accreditation standards; achievement of enrollment and retention targets and priorities established through the strategic planning process.

Create an inclusive and supportive working environment that:

• Promotes innovative teaching, quality scholarship, diversity, and multicultural understanding.
• Reflects a commitment to social justice, equitable access, and workplace equity. Collaborate with faculty and other administrators to:
• Adopt teaching methods that foster a positive learning environment and support successful learning appropriate to a diverse student population; develop programs, procedures, and practices to improve student transition, progression, and completion; Address faculty, staff, and student concerns in a fair, equitable manner

Program Administration:
Provide effective administration and management of the instructional programs within Dental Therapy, working closely with department chairs and collaborating with faculty/staff and tribal partners to:

• Participate in determining criteria and processes for student admission, promotion, and retention;
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise curriculum and schedules to be responsive to student needs;
• Recruit, supervise, support, and evaluate faculty, staff, and other unit employees; Plan, assess, and operate program facilities; administer union contracts, and work with multiple unions, constructively approach and solve issues that arise within a unionized workplace environment; ensure compliance with applicable federal, Swinomish, state and College rules, procedures, laws and regulations.

Budget Management and Planning
Work with the department chair to:

• Oversee the planning and manage budget for instructional programs;
• Develop and implement a Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan for Dental Therapy and advance the College's overall SEM goals;
• Bring additional resources-including grants, contracts and partnerships-to expand and improve instructional initiatives;
• Advise on fees, coding, and related functions.

Assessment Activities:
Use data to support and inform decision-making Collaborate with faculty to:

• Conduct ongoing evaluation of curriculum and instructional programs within Dental Therapy, to reflect innovative pedagogy and advances in the Dental Therapy field; review and analyze data pertaining to student enrollment, progression, and completion; identify and respond to emergent needs;
• Collaborate with Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) to produce reports for grant funding and other purposes;
• Create periodic reports that meet College, accreditation, and other stakeholder interests.

Communication Activities:

• Provide and facilitate clear communication with program partners and within the College; Represent the College to internal and external organizations and at meetings related to the position's responsibilities;
• Articulate the need for and benefits of dental therapists in tribal and other underserved communities in national and local forums;
• Develop, support, and maintain collaborations/partnerships, including bringing outside initiatives to campus;
• Respond to accreditation requirements, applicable Swinomish, State or Federal laws or regulations, or major initiatives occurring nationally or locally;
• Assist in content management of website, schedule, and catalogs as these pertain to the program;
• Work with the Advisory Committee toward continuous program improvement; Work closely with campus advising and related support services.

Committee Assignments and Meetings:

• Serve as the College's liaison for Dental Therapy to the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and other official health science agencies and associations; Serve as liaison and work closely with Northwest Career and Technical Academy on program articulation for career pathways related to health science;
• Schedule and work with North Portland Area Indian Health Board, Swinomish, Seattle Indian Health Board, advisory committees, and other outside partners.

Other:

• Understand a comprehensive multi-campus community college;
• Demonstrate and model the professional conduct expected in the industry as well as upholding the mission, values, and goals of Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Skagit Valley College.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Skills and Abilities:

• Possess energy, creativity, and demonstrated leadership potential;
• Cultural competency, curiosity, and willingness to work with tribes and engage in the community;
• Make definitive decisions and implement set plans and processes;
• Apply knowledge of current theories, research, and high-quality practice in dental education;
• Offer innovative ideas to develop programming, curricula, and pedagogy;
• Promote an equitable work and learning environment, express appropriate awareness of the history of marginalized groups;
• Adhere to applicable federal, state, Swinomish, local, and College regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Behave according to principles of integrity, respect, open and honest communication, collaboration, and compassion.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Licensed Dentist (DDS/DMD) or a licensed Dental Therapist possessing a Master's or higher degree;
• Graduate of a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation; Professional experience necessary to understand and fulfill the educational program's mission and goals;
• Experience working with Tribal Communities;
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion.

Desired Qualifications:

• Progressively successful administrative experience in education or healthcare with an emphasis on collaboration;
• Dental practice experience in a Native community; Experience teaching adults.

Salary, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure

Salary and Benefits:

• Annual salary rate for this twelve-month, 100% of full-time position is $250,000 depending on experience;
• Contracts are written annually for the period of July 1 to June 30. This position will be filled as soon as practical after a candidate is identified and the salary will be pro-rated for the remaining contract period.
• This position is exempt from the overtime pay requirements of The Fair Labor Standards Act and is civil service exempt; This position is exempt from civil service.
• Salary, retirement, medical and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations and may be subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

Conditions of Employment:

• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  
  Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

• 
  In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts at the time of hire.

Application Procedure:
To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications and;
• Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following:

• The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
• A current resume; (Attachment: Resume)
• A letter of interest addressing the minimum desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the online application in full and attach the required supplemental documents. Failure to provide this information may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted. / /

Application Deadline: Priority screening will begin after May 31, 2023. Applications received on or before this date will receive first consideration. Applications received after the screening date may be considered until the position is filled.

Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or more candidates and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Only candidates selected to interview will be contacted./ /

Application Assistance: If you have questions about the position or require special accommodation, you may contact Human Resources at (360) 416-7794, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. SVC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may leave a TDD/TTY message at (360) 416-7718 by the application closing date. Information on SVC's Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at OPPM 3040.

For questions regarding the online application system, you may call NEOGOV Applicant Tech Support at (855) 524-5627 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Time. For best results, apply using one of the following browsers supported by NEOGOV: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and later versions of Internet Explorer.

SVC Annual Security Report: The U.S. Department of Education and the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act require all colleges to provide information to current and prospective students and employees about campus safety policies, procedures, and statistics on certain crimes, including hate crimes, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. We are required to report our campus security information and statistics in an Annual Security Report, which is updated annually each October. All prospective employees may obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report from the Human Resources Office by calling (360) 416-7794 or by accessing the Report at: https://www.skagit.edu/about/safety-security-parking/

Skagit Valley College is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all groups in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. SVC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, age, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. All faculty and staff hired at Skagit Valley College are encouraged to embrace, continually support, and enhance diversity and equity on our campus and in our community. Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination.