Executive Director, Bond Program and Facilities Planning

Salary : $181,032.12 - $262,160.76 Annually
Location : Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2500245
Division: Office of the President
Department: Bond Program & Facilities Planning
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A


About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.
College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.


When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.


Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

• Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
• Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
• Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
• Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
• Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

BASIC FUNCTION

BASIC FUNCTION
Serve as the executive responsible for all aspects of the District's Bond Program and Facilities Planning, including oversight of capital improvement projects funded by bond measures and other sources, technical direction over college facilities management activities, and provides District leadership with advice and counsel on architectural/engineering design and construction projects. Provides counsel on project execution, including planning, programming, design, construction, and closeout. The District has locations in Palm Desert, Indio, Mecca/Thermal, and Desert Hot Springs, and is in development of a location in Palm Springs. The Executive Director reports to the Superintendent/President.


Strong knowledge of industry standards, building accessibility requirements, contract language applicable to the design and construction industry is required. Computer literacy with word processing, spreadsheet, and similar applications is required. Strong verbal skill and written communication skills are required. The ability to communicate with the College community, the public, and the media regarding planning, design, and construction issues is required. The ability to gather and thoroughly analyze information in order to make well-founded recommendations to the College's senior administration is required. The ability to work collegially with a wide variety of constituencies possessing various levels of planning and design knowledge is required. Knowledge of, respect for, and competency to engage with diverse cultures and individuals is required.

The Executive Director, Bond Program and Faculties Planning, will sustain integrity of the recognized College of the Desert campus built environment. Movement towards this end exists from the campus community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators, alumni, and the Board of Trustees. This position also receives input from the citizens of the District, including the professional design community. In essence, this position is charged with monitoring the collective project capability in terms of design and fit with other District facilities and the available assets of the College.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
1. Provide leadership and direction over strategic and long-range planning and ongoing operational activities related to bond and capital projects.
2. Collaborate with the Bond Office to control the capital improvement and bond projects of the District.
3. Develop, implement, and monitor plans to achieve assigned goals and objectives; participates in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs, plans, systems, and procedures.
4. Develop and implement a comprehensive construction plan to support District's Educational Master Plan. Document the District's needs and solicit state funding for major construction projects. Assess, track, and review capital construction and improvement projects.
5. Develop and produce timely and accurate compliance reports as required by federal, state and local agencies. Direct the analysis and preparation of reports covering complex construction and bond management projects.
6. Coordinate closely with the Bond Office and the executive administration of the District to review, evaluate, and make carefully considered recommendations to the executive administration regarding design, alterations, remodeling, and estimated costs and proposals for work. Participate in the evaluation of designers, architects, engineers, and construction contractors. Participate in the review of progress schedules and cost estimates, and review construction activity at all District locations, as well as the analysis of surge space.
7. Coordinate and develop systems for maintaining legal compliance of bond and construction management projects; monitor federal and State grants and projects to ensure compliance.
8. Prepare and administer budgets within assigned functions; prepare recommendations and justifications regarding budget requests; authorize expenditures according to District policies and applicable regulations.
9. Confer with District's Legal Counsel on the resolution of claims, legal cases, and other disputes arising from the District's facilities management and bond programs.
10. Under direction of the Superintendent/President, represent the District and negotiate real estate transactions.
11. Assess sustainability choices and collaborate on the District's sustainability strategy. Within scope of responsibilities, implement sustainability technologies and operations, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
12. Monitor asset management and space utilization and make recommendations.
13. Ensure compliance with District policies and procedures and applicable local state, and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures; update policies and procedures as necessary. Manage Environmental impact process and tracking.
14. Research, compile, prepare, and submit reports; conduct special studies; compile data and prepare Board agenda items. Gather and analyze data in support of projects and prepare special reports as directed.
15. Participate in statewide activities, specifically with the State Chancellor's office; serve as advocate for District.
16. Responsible for the selection of District staff assigned to this position; plan and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; establish performance requirements and professional development targets; regularly monitor performance and provide coaching for performance improvement and development.
17. Coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues, conflicts, and exchange information. Serve and respond to needs and requests as they arise; develop and maintain effective relationships with college faculty, administrators, and staff as appropriate to assigned duties.
18. Develop and meet schedules and timelines, organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively, and carry out required project details.
19. Conduct and attend meetings as necessary; participate on committees; represent the District at a variety of meetings, events, and conferences.
20. Seek and participate in professional development activities.
21. Represent the College with on-campus and off-campus groups and organizations related to planning, design, and construction issues.
22. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Any combination equivalent to: Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution preferably with a major in architecture, engineering, facilities management, or related field, and 10 years of full-time experience in strategic or operational experience in the management of capital design and construction projects, and experience in the management of multiple capital design and construction projects of $100 million or more. Registered Architect or Professional Engineer preferred.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Current Architect or Engineer License Preferred.
• Valid California driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record and current vehicle insurance meeting State of California requirements.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Ability to exercise honesty, consistency, and sound judgment; ability to work in the interests of the college as a whole; ability to work in a participatory governance setting; understanding of community college students, their diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and the wide variety of their ages and educational goals as found on a community college campus; and a demonstrated ability and commitment to work with people from diverse populations.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, codes, rules, and regulations; knowledge of Division of State Architect regulations and procedures. Knowledge of principles and practices of architecture and engineering as applied to the design and construction of a variety of capital construction projects. Knowledge of sustainability strategies, technologies, and outcomes. Knowledge of the principles of business law, contract law, and public contracting.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; communicate effectively with diverse constituencies, within and outside the District. Command of the principles, methods, techniques, and strategies pertaining to bonds, construction management, capital improvements, and real estate transactions; general bond expenditure rules and regulations; legal mandates, operational procedures, and strategies related to bonds, construction, real estate, and capital improvement projects; project management techniques.
• The Executive Director will monitor, advise, counsel, and recommend approval of all physical change to College of the Desert facilities at all locations, whether from outside consultants or internal sources, to ensure that each alteration is compatible with design and planning guidelines, the recommendations of the College of the Desert's administration, and the Board of Trustees.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

• Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
• Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
• This position is grant-funded.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Environment: Indoor and outdoor work environment with exposure to weather elements. Constant interruptions. Driving a vehicle to conduct work as necessary. Requires evening and weekend responsibility.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

• This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
• The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

• Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
• Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
• Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
• College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:

• List of References : References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
• College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
• Employment is contingent on residence in California.

• Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
• All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
• Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
• Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
• All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
• Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
• For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at or call View phone number on click.appcast.io.

• FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions .

TIMELINES:

• For consideration, please apply by Sunday, July 12, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• First-level Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
• Final-Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment :

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.
The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
• Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
• May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System :

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations :

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling View phone number on click.appcast.io or sending an e-mail to View email address on click.appcast.io.


Attendance Requirement :

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness :

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at


Non-Discrimination Notice :

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act :

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity :

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, and life insurance. To learn more details, visit our benefits page:


Temporary, Substitute, Seasonal, and Part-Time Employees are eligible to opt into the Blue Shield Health Savings Account (HSA) 5000.
01


Can you provide an example of a past experience where you demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility (DEIA)? How did this experience influence your approach to DEIA?
02


This position requires you to possess a valid California driver's license and you must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.

• I have a valid California driver's license and have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.
• I do not yet have a valid California driver's license but I understand it is a requirement to acquire it for employment and I have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.
• I do not have a valid California driver's license and/or do not have an acceptable driving record to qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.

03


Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

04


I understand that qualifying transcripts showing degree awarded, date conferred, and institution name is required for consideration, and I have attached transcripts showing degree awarded/date conferred/institution name. (Foreign degrees ALSO require a foreign equivalency evaluation.)

• Yes
• No

05


How many years of full-time experience do you have in strategic or operational experience in the management of capital design and construction projects, and experience in the management of multiple capital design and construction projects of $100 million or more?

• No experience in strategic or operational experience in the management of capital design and construction projects, and experience in the management of multiple capital design and construction projects of $100 million or more.
• More than 1 year but less than 5 years of experience in in strategic or operational experience in the management of capital design and construction projects, and experience in the management of multiple capital design and construction projects of $100 million or more
• More than 5 years but less than 10 years of experience in in strategic or operational experience in the management of capital design and construction projects, and experience in the management of multiple capital design and construction projects of $100 million or more
• 10 years or more of experience in strategic or operational experience in the management of capital design and construction projects, and experience in the management of multiple capital design and construction projects of $100 million or more

06


I understand that in order to have a complete application I must provide a resume, cover letter, and transcripts showing degree earned and conferral date. I further understand that I must fill out the online application in its entirety as requested in the job posting.

• Yes, I understand.

07


The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

• Yes
• No

08


Are you currently an employee of College of the Desert?

• Yes
• No

09


California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS.By selecting "Yes", you are stating you understand the above statement.

• Yes

Required Question