Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, Human Resources

Cuesta College 

Salary: $198,164.00 - $240,870.00 Annually

Job Type: 

Job Number: FY2526-00063

Location: San Luis Obispo Campus, CA

Department: Presidents Office

Closing: 11/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description Summary

DEFINITION

Under general direction of the Superintendent/President administer district-wide Human Resources, benefits and payroll operations and services including recruitment, employee record-keeping, union negotiation, contract administration, policy development, labor relations and staff development functions; coordinate and direct personnel, resources, communications and information to meet district needs; and supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Assistant/Superintendent/Vice President of Human Resources is an executive management position. The incumbent directly assists the Superintendent/President in human resources and labor relations matters. The incumbent must have strong management, follow through and communication skills, understand and promote the connection between human resources functions and student learning and institutional effectiveness outcomes, understand and work with broad concepts as well as specificity, attend to fine details of policies, laws, and contracts, and exercise discretion and judgment and maintain confidentiality.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Where You Will Work

Serving all of San Luis Obispo County, Cuesta College has provided comprehensive associate degree offerings, certificates, and community programs to the region since 1964. The main campus is located along scenic Highway 1, west of San Luis Obispo and east of the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Cuesta College has a North County Campus in Paso Robles, and South County Center, in Arroyo Grande.

Who We Are

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our culture and the work we do. Cuesta College is proud to be a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) committed to racial and socio-economic diversity as it reflects our communities and student populations. We actively seek to attract candidates who share this commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As part of the Cuesta College team, you can expect to be part of a collaborative community of faculty, classified professionals, administrators, students, and community partners advancing educational excellence with intentional support services leading to student success and completion.

• Additional information about the college can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/index.html

• The college planning documents can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/collegeplans/index.html

• Our Student Equity Action Plan can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/info/student-equity-initiatives/equity/index.html

• We offer comprehensive benefit options. Information about benefits can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/benefits-insurance/index.html

Essential Functions & Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead district-wide Human Resources operations and activities including recruitment, benefits administration, payroll, employee record-keeping, union negotiation, contract administration, policy development, labor relations and staff development functions; establish and maintain related time lines and priorities; assure related activities comply with established standards, requirements, laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, policies and procedures;

• Administer personnel, resources, communications and information to meet district needs; direct the development and implementation of Human Resources programs, projects, services, systems, strategies, goals and objectives; assure proper and timely resolution of related issues, conflicts and discrepancies;

• Provide consultation and technical expertise to administrators, faculty, staff, the public and others concerning Human Resources operations and activities; development and revision of job descriptions, respond to inquiries, resolve issues and conflicts and provide detailed and technical information concerning labor relations, recruitment, evaluations, benefits, payroll, contracts and related standards, requirements, practices, procedures, guidelines, laws, regulations and policies;

• Manage the recruitment and selection of all District employees; develop recruitment guidelines and processes to ensure equal opportunity and diversity in the appointment, promotion, transfer, reassignment, retention and termination of employees; assure the fair, consistent, efficient, and objective interpretation and application of human resources policies and procedures;

• Serve as the District's Title IX Coordinator, oversee investigations and supervise the Deputy Title IX Coordinator;

• Administer the District's EEO program, serve as the District Equal Employment Opportunity, and Section 504 Compliance Officer, including responding to unlawful discrimination complaints; compile and analyze related data and prepare reports; review data to evaluate the effectiveness of employment practices including targeted recruitment and executive searches; monitor the adherence of the District hiring process according to diversity guidelines and to evaluate appropriate modifications to the District's EEO plan;

• Manage requests by employees and supervisors for American Disabilities Act accommodations;

• Ensure that the Workers' Compensation services for employees, preparation of claims, reports and related documents are prepared in a timely manner; Oversee the District's Return to Work Program for industrial and non-industrial leave of absences;

• Serve as the Chief Negotiator for the District in collective bargaining with employee organizations. Plan, organize, direct, and participate in collective bargaining negotiations with employee organizations and processes in accordance with policy direction from the Superintendent/President and the Board of Trustees; prepare and evaluate proposals and responses to employee organization proposals; discuss negotiation strategies with the Superintendent/President, Board of Trustees, and District administrators; communicate with District management regarding contract changes and advise and collaborate with District negotiating team members;

• Lead District effort to uphold collective bargaining agreements; conduct meetings with employee organization representatives to discuss issues related to contracts and to resolve issues involving employee relations or contractual interpretations or disputes, including the grievance process; develop and promote employee relations practices to maintain positive employer-employee relations;

• Advise regarding employment, retention, promotion, dismissal, disciplinary action, and/or leave for faculty, management and staff;

• Direct the administration of employee health and welfare benefit programs to include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability plans for eligible personnel; evaluate and make recommendations for plan modifications, alternate providers and benefit structure; assure compliance with applicable laws and policies; direct the administration of the District's COBRA benefit program; facilitate communication and education of employee organizations;

• Direct and facilitate the work of Payroll to ensure that all regulatory and operational timelines are met;

• Lead the development of the Annual Program Planning Review, and Comprehensive Program Planning Review;

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive classification plan for positions within the District; conduct studies related to compensation, benefits, and classification of positions in the District; audit positions, recommend new classifications as needed, and allocate positions using established methods of job evaluation; gather, analyze, and interpret compensation and benefits data;

• Plan, develop, and administer the annual budget for the Human Resources Department; review, analyze, and make recommendations on budget and financial data; monitor, control, and authorize expenditures in accordance with established District and department budget procedures; maintain appropriate records and documentation according to District purchasing policies and procedures;

• Plan, organize, and administer the preparation and maintenance of personnel records, files, and data as required by State and federal laws and regulation, as well as District policies and procedures; develop appropriate records storage and retention systems and schedules; assure adequate documentation related to employee selection, promotion, and separation;

• Develop, assess, improve and implement programs, plans and procedures for assigned areas;

• Lead District governance process of review of Board Policy and Administrative Procedure;

• Lead or oversee the research and implementation of new technology;

• Remain current in knowledge of legislation, emerging issues, and best practices;

• Represent the Human Resources Department at Board of Trustees meetings and present verbal and written information as required;

• Serve on the Superintendent/President's Cabinet, lead or participate in District or College committees, initiatives, teams, ad-hoc groups or others as requested by the Superintendent/President;

• Serve as Acting Superintendent/President in the absence of the Superintendent/President;

• Participate in problem soliving of district-wide issues, as well as those specific to campuses and centers;

• Convene regular cluster manager and staff meetings and provide opportunities for staff and manager professional development;

• Recommend, plan, design, and implement training sessions for employees throughout the District organizational structure and geographic location as needed; plan, schedule, and arrange for trainers/facilitators to present appropriate staff development activities and sessions;

• Ensure adequate documentation for internal analysis, reports and plans;

• Perform other related duties as required.

• obtain California driver's license upon hire.

Education:

Required

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution preferably in human resources management, industrial relations, public administration, or business administration preferred.

• Preferred

• Masters degree in one of the above;

• Coursework or professional training in labor contract negotiation, implementation, and arbitration. Job experience may be considered equivalent.

Experience:

Required

• Five years progressively responsible experience, including at least three years experience working in a director level position in human resources administration, or labor relations.

• Preferred

• Community College experience;

• Educational agency experience;

• Management level experience directing a program involving the implementation of laws and regulations, supervision, and budget administration; required experience and an applicable master's degree may be considered equivalent to preferred experience.

Knowledge of:

Required

• Equal Employment Opportunity regulations;

• Wage and salary administration, job analysis and job description, work performance evaluation and discipline; and

• Principles of supervision.

• Preferred

• Knowledge of California Education Code and Government Code (Title 5), STRS, PERS, and Affordable Health Care regulations pertaining to community college employees;

• Knowledge of regulations pertaining to Title IX compliance;

• Knowledge of payroll laws and practices;

• Experience working with an integrated software system;

• Knowledge and Experience with Industrial Injury and Illness (Workers' Compensation Insurance) laws and practices; and

• Knowledge of ACCJC Accreditation standard IIIA, Human Resources.

• Ability to:

• Ability to grasp concepts and to facilitate process development and implementation, and problem resolution within regulatory parameters;

• Ability to listen, grasp, recall, and work with detail, including but not limited to laws and regulations, contractual provisions, policies and procedures;

• Ability to work with interruptions, constant deadlines, and multiple assignments simultaneously;

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; and

• Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and of staff and students with physical and learning disabilities.

• Physical ability to:

• Read and comprehend printed matter and text and data on computer monitors;

• Communicate intelligibly and effectively via speech, telephone, written correspondence, and/or email;

• Sit or stand for extended periods of time;

• Lift and/or carry 25 pounds; and

• Exert manual dexterity sufficient for keyboard and other office equipment operation.

• License and Certificates (current within the last year):Required

• Valid driver's license and eligible to obtain California driver's license upon hire.

Additional Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY

Candidates will be required to submit ALL of the required documents below when applying for this position. When uploading documents, PDF uploads are preferred.

• Cover letter;

• Resume;

• Reference List (see further instructions below);

• Unofficial transcripts;

• Diversity statement (see further instructions below).

Diversity Statement Instructions: Cuesta College is committed to building and maintaining a workforce that reflects and honors the diversity of our students. It is important to us that our faculty, staff, and administrators demonstrate an understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as well as sexual orientation and abilities of all constituents in the Cuesta College community.

In 500 words or less, with consideration to our Mission Statement and our values expressed above, please explain how you will demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in this position.

Reference List Instructions: Your reference list must include three professional references, their contact information, and their relationship to you.

Completed online applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by the closing date for this position. LATE, INCOMPLETE, FAXED, MAILED OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Cuesta College will not sponsor any visa applications.

San Luis Obispo County Community College District ("Cuesta College") is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), age, disability (physical and mental), genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and state law in admission and access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities at any of its campuses. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Cuesta College also prohibits harassment on any of these bases, including sexual harassment, as well as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

In compliance with California law, all prospective staff and students are entitled to read the Annual Security Report, published each October by the Cuesta College Department of Public Safety. This report contains information about our emergency and crime reporting procedures, as well as crime statistics for the past 3 years. You may request a copy of this report at one of our two Public Safety Offices: on SLO campus at Building 6600A or on North County Campus at building N1021, during campus business hours. You may also access the complete text of this report at the following website address: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/publicsafety/clery_act

Cuesta College uses E-Verify as part of the I-9 process to verify the work eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9 to data from U.S Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. For further information, visit: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/humanresources/Job_Opportunities.html

Interview Process Information

Selected applicants will be invited to attend an in-person interview on Friday, December 5, 2025

Second interviews will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://apptrkr.com/6621212 

The San Luis Obispo County Community College District promotes inclusiveness, prohibits discrimination, and encourages all qualified persons to apply. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Cuesta College actively seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds to assist students, staff, and faculty. For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) assistance with the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office: (805) 546-3129. 

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