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[morefromles]

I'm interested in applying for a dean position at my California community college.  I've enjoyed being chair of a  department made up primarily of part-time faculty, but I think I would enjoy the dean position even more.  Our current dean has a very hands-off style and will likely be the new VP in charge of choosing her own replacement.  I believe she likes me, but I'll be competing against several others who have more campus-wide leadership experience, either as chair or in other roles, so I need a strategy that will make me stand out.  Does anyone have any advice for me?  I'd particularly like to hear from people who have been both chair and dean, in order to learn more about the differences between the two positions so that I can address how I would make the adjustment.  Thanks in advance for your replies.   

[anthroid]

Have a clear idea of what qualities you have that will take the CC into exciting directions that the current Dean is already pointing to.  Have some ideas about how you will enhance student learning, assessment, and retention rates for your school.  Demonstrate your ability to engage in big-picture thinking.  Talk about how you would be able to manage the budgets of many departments, not just one.  Talk about how you would be able to evaluate faculty far outside of your discipline.  Talk about how you balance academic administrative tasks and shared governance, and your ability to work well within a shared governance structure (California CCs are organized, aren't they?).  Be able to talk about mission and vision and strategic planning in a difficult budgetary environment.

And realize that there will be a national search, and you may or may not make the short list.  But point to the fact that you already understand the rather convoluted nature of the California CC system so you'd be ready to go the minute you occupied the office.

Why do you want to move into the Dean's job?  Be able to articulate some clear ideals.  It's a pretty hard job, though chair is harder.  NB:  I'm a dean now and was a chair for a number of years; I've been in both private and public institutions.

[aprilmay]

Even thought the competition seems tough, I encourage you to apply. If you do not get the position, you will still have let the higher ups know that you wish to move into higher leadership positions and this could help you later as they think of your for opportunities. Good luck.