Director Library and Distance Education

Cuesta College · San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site · Staff (Full-time)
Cuesta College website
Salary USD 119,052–144,708
Apply by Feb 26, 2026
Posted Jan 29, 2026
Under the direction of an assigned administrator, the Director of the Library and Distance Education provide strategic and operational leadership for library services, distance education, and related academic support programs districtwide. The Director oversees planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of instructional and student support services that advance equitable access to learning resources and online education.

This position is responsible for the administration and coordination of library operations, distance education initiatives, instructional technology integration, and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The Director provides direct supervision to faculty, classified professionals, and temporary staff assigned to the Library, Distance Education, and other designated programs; manages budgets and leads program review; and ensures alignment with the District's strategic goals, mission, and educational master plan.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Director of the Library and Distance Education is distinguished from other administrative positions in that the incumbent provides comprehensive leadership and direction for the District's Library, Learning Resources, and Distance Education programs. The incumbent works across divisions, departments, and campus stakeholders to strengthen instructional innovation, promote quality assurance, and enhance the effective delivery of academic and student support services.

The Director leads initiatives that connect library and distance education resources with academic programs and institutional priorities, supporting the professional growth of both faculty and classified professionals in advancing student learning and completion. As an integral member of the District's academic leadership team, the Director represents the District in regional and statewide initiatives related to library modernization, open educational resources (OER), distance education standards, and emerging instructional technologies.

This position plays a role in supporting the Guided Pathways framework by aligning Library and Distance Education services with the District's mission, education master plan, and institutional goals of student equity, academic excellence, and community engagement, ensuring that all students have equitable access to high-quality resources and learning opportunities that foster success across all instructional modalities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Lead by example to create a collegial, collaborative and inclusive workplace, including engaging with staff, full-time faculty, and part-time faculty;
  • Oversee the development, coordination, and implementation of Library and Distance Education schedules;
  • Advocate for the integration of appropriate and emerging technologies; foster forward-looking collection development and library initiatives that enhance student learning;
  • Ensure that Library and Distance Education practices are consistent with District policy, local, state and federal laws, and other contracts or agreements;
  • Supervise the Instructional Designer, library and distance education faculty, and classified professionals supporting Library Services and Distance Education, and serve as a liaison to faculty and staff engaged in the design and delivery of online, hybrid, and library learning experiences;
  • Manage the department's case management and data systems to ensure accuracy, accountability, and effective tracking of student support and service outcomes;
  • Collaborate with Student Success and Support Programs to strengthen the operation and maintenance of a case management model designed to enhance student retention, persistence, and successful course completion through coordinated academic and student support services;
  • Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate distance education programs and services;
  • Manage assigned budgets, monitor expenditures, prepare and process fiscal forms;
  • Lead and support faculty and staff in program planning and review process, and resource allocation requests;
  • Attend meetings and serve on college committees and task forces as required or assigned;
  • Represent the District in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional and educational organizations;
  • Prepare and submit reports, proposals, and other documentation as required by the district or external agencies;
  • Serve as the College's administrator for the Learning Management System (LMS, e.g.,
  • Canvas), and collaborate with the Instructional Designer and stakeholder groups to implement requested changes, add-ons, and new features;
  • Serve as the college's lead administrator for the California Virtual College / Online Education Initiative (CVC-OEI), and promote faculty professional development to increase the number of courses with CVC quality badges;
  • Manage the collection of courses offered through CVC-OEI and recommend changes to increase student enrollment from outside the District;
  • Coordinate the College's reciprocity agreements (i.e., SARA) for online education offered to students in other states;
  • Support faculty in the development and adoption of Open Education Resources (OER), and manage grant/categorical budgets and faculty stipends;
  • Manage the process for designation of Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) courses in the course schedule, and collaborate with faculty to promote the development of ZTC program pathways;
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of library services through data collection, analysis, and reporting;
  • Identify and implement library improvements based on assessment results and evolving student needs;
  • Manage the professional development space for distance education (i.e., ATTIC) and faculty professional development associated with online pedagogy;
  • Communicate with District personnel to provide information and assistance regarding the Library and Distance Education policies and procedures; and
  • Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Required
  • Meet the minimum qualifications for an educational administrator (pursuant to Title 5, Section 53420);
  • Possession of a master's degree; and
  • One year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrator's administrative assignment.
Preferred
  • Master's degree in Library and Information Science, Education, or a closely related field;
  • Two or more years of previous employment in library or distance education at the community college level;
  • Two years of management or leadership experience in a higher education setting;
  • Budget management experience; and
  • Experience in library services or information management in a higher education setting.

Knowledge of:
  • Current technologies, integrated software systems, website management, and learning management systems, effective use of technology in the delivery of content and instruction, and personal computer and associated office software;
  • ADA/Universal Design for Learning/508 design practices/requirements; and
  • Correct usage of English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

ABILITY TO:
  • 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, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
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