Assistant to the Dean for Credentialing and Cohort Programs

The Assistant to the Dean for Credentialing and Special Programs is a half-time administrative position within the School of Education with dual responsibilities in credentialing and special program management. The position manages credential analysis processing assessment formal recommendations and clearance management in compliance with California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) requirements.

In addition the position supports the Dean in planning developing coordinating and managing the schools cohort-based and special academic programs. The role requires strong organizational analytical and communication skills as well as the ability to manage regulatory processes student advising and institutional reporting within a collaborative academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Credential Analysis Processing and Recommendations

• Review and evaluate academic transcripts from La Sierra University and external institutions to determine credential eligibility prerequisite completion and program alignment.
• Process credential applications in accordance with institutional policies and CTC regulations.
• Conduct formal credential assessments and ensure completion and accuracy of all required documentation.
• Prepare submit and track credential recommendations to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
• Manage credential clearance processes including preliminary clear and added authorizations as applicable.
• Maintain accurate complete and confidential credential records in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Work closely with and report credential-related activities to the School of Educations CTC Liaison Director to ensure accuracy consistency and compliance.
• Coordinate with the CTC Liaison Director on credential submissions audits reporting requirements and interpretation of CTC policies and updates.

2. Credential Advising and Student Support

• Advise prospective and current students on credential pathways requirements timelines and assessment outcomes.
• Respond to student inquiries regarding credential eligibility application status and clearance procedures.
• Communicate credential decisions and ensure that requirements are clearly and accurately communicated to students.
• Serve as a secondary point of contact for credential-related matters working in coordination with the School of Educations CTC Liaison Director.

3. Assistant to the Dean Special Programs

• Serve as an assistant to the Dean of the School of Education on matters related to credentialing and special academic programs.
• Support the planning development coordination and management of the schools cohort-based and special programs (e.g. EdD EdS international or partnership-based cohorts).
• Assist with program design scheduling enrollment planning and operational workflows.
• Advise cohort and special program students on academic progression registration and program requirements.
• Monitor student progress and proactively identify academic or administrative issues that may affect timely program completion.
• Facilitate communication among the Dean faculty staff and cohort students.
• Support recruitment onboarding and orientation activities for special programs.

4. Compliance Communication and Additional Duties

• Remain current on credentialing regulations CTC policies and procedural changes.
• Ensure School of Education credentialing practices remain compliant with applicable standards.
• Assist in updating credentialing materials program handbooks and internal policy documents.
• Represent the School of Education at information sessions orientations and recruitment events as assigned.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Dean.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree required in Education Administration Business or a related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience or formal training in credential analysis credential processing academic advising or higher education administration.
• Experience with credential recommendations assessments and clearance management is preferred.
• Experience supporting academic programs or working closely with senior academic leadership is desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and organizational skills with close attention to detail.
• Ability to manage confidential records and complex regulatory processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex credential and program requirements clearly and accurately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and student information and credential management systems.
• Ability to prepare accurate statistical compliance and administrative reports.
• Professional judgment discretion and reliability.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to the mission and values of La Sierra University.
• Student-centered and service-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a shared administrative environment.
• Flexibility initiative and sound problem-solving skills.

Typical Physical Demands

• Primarily sedentary office work with occasional standing walking and light lifting (up to 25 pounds).
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment.
• Normal vision and hearing required.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment within the School of Education.
• Occasional evening or weekend responsibilities related to credential deadlines cohort programs or recruitment events.

Wage Range: $21.66 - $25.50 per hour.