Project Specialist

Salary: $5,874.30 - $7,432.20 Monthly
Location : Chula Vista Campus - Chula Vista, CA
Job Type: Classified Staff
Job Number: 00209
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Sch of Applied Tech & Hosp Mgt
Opening Date: 06/05/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Funding Type: Categorical
Hiring Salary Range: $5,874.30-$6,356.02
Months of Service: 12
Full-time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Work Schedule (Approx.): Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Initial Screening Deadline: 06/21/2026
Start Date: As soon as the successful candidate is identified and following the subsequent governing board approval.


Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential. We are the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.

SWCCD employees are collegial and collaborative. They demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with students, colleagues, leadership and members of the Jaguar community. Our employees actively honor and respect diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.

Incumbents exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Description
(Project funded position, continued employment contingent upon funding).
The Project Specialist plays a key role in supporting and coordinating innovative workforce, K-12 pathway development, and community-based education initiatives districtwide. This position supports the development and management of Community Education programs that creatively respond to evolving student, industry, and community needs through accessible, engaging, and career-focused learning opportunities - often in the form of fee-based workshops and seminars. This position will also support Contract Education initiatives by identifying, coordinating, and evaluating customized training programs designed (via contract) to meet the workforce development needs of local businesses and industry partners.
A second position is anticipated and is contingent upon final approval. The second position supports K-12 pathway development including collaboration with K-12 and community college instructors/faculty, counselors, and administrators to ensure pathways are clearly defined and understood by internal and external audiences. K-12 pathway development experience is preferred for the second position.
Both positions require excellent business development, reporting, time management, organizational, communication, budget and project management skills to ensure timely and successful implementation of a variety of projects and initiatives.


SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction of assigned supervisor of record, provide direction for assigned projects, programs, or functional area; serve as a liaison between the program area and the general public, students, staff, and other campus and community officials and groups; develop and maintain relationships with other organizations and schools in the project, program, or functional area; perform a variety of technical and program support duties in support of the assigned project, program, or functional area; and plan, coordinate, and implement assigned operations and activities of the assigned office.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Project Specialist is an advanced-journey level technical classification with incumbents assigned to a grant funded or limited term position. Incumbents perform a full range of project coordination duties in support of assigned project or project area including to participate in the development, implementation, and administration of assigned services and functional areas, participate in budget development and monitoring, and project area policy and procedure development and implementation. Positions at this level coordinate communication and work activities among District staff and community and business groups and partners. Assignments performed at this level require a broad knowledge of assigned project or project area and an in-depth knowledge relative to specific areas.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination equivalent to: two years of college with major course work in public administration, business administration, office automation, or a related field;
AND
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience providing technical and administrative support in a related program area.

• One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.
• If specifically referenced (i.e. degree 'or equivalent'), related experience that is above the minimum requirement may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.

PREFERRED LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
Valid California driver's license and a safe driving record may be required for some positions to drive a District or personal vehicle to attend meetings or pick up/deliver documents or other materials.
Before scanning attachments, remove/redact sensitive, confidential information such as date of birth, social security number, address and photograph.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of the functions, programs, and operations of the assigned project or program area.
• Basic principles and practices of program development, administration, and review.
• Basic project and contract management principles and practices.
• Processes, procedures, and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Principles and procedures used in complex, inter-related record keeping.
• Principles, practices, and procedures of complex fiscal, statistical, and administrative research and report preparation.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Coordinate and participate in the management of assigned project, program, or program area functions and services.
• Use technical concepts and basic project management tools and techniques to effectively coordinate a project or program area and solve complex problems in creative and effective ways.
• Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets.
• Perform a full range of complex and responsible program and technical support as well as difficult administrative duties involving the use of independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from students, staff, or the public; effectively present information in person or on the telephone to students, staff, or the public.
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
• Work independently and effectively in the absence of supervision.
• Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and cultural populations of community college students.

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Coordinate all aspects of the assigned project, program, or program area; ensure compliance with all aspects of program requirements including grant requirements.
2. Assist in the planning, design, and implementation of project or project elements that support service delivery; participate in processes to define scope and schedule of services and activities; participate in implementation processes.
3. Assume responsibility for providing coordination of resources for projects or programs; determine project short and long-term needs and develop recommendations; design processes and procedures to implement, maintain, and/or manage functional area resources.
4. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned projects, functions, and program areas; research, implement, and administer policies, procedures, and changing business practices and processes for assigned area; develop and maintain handbooks, forms, and related policies and procedures
5. Prepare administrative, operational, and financial reports including the preparation of conclusions, recommendations, and forecasts based on data summaries and other findings; consult with District staff and outside agencies to obtain information.
6. Assist with the budget process; provide assistance in the development of assigned budget; collect and analyze financial data; review and analyze budget requests; create data tracking and reporting systems; monitor status.
7. Participate in the grant sourcing and application processes; research grants and prepare applications for funding sources applicable to assigned projects and program area; assists in writing grant proposals.
8. Participate in coordinating assigned activities and functions with other staff, projects, and functions as well as local, state, and federal agencies/jurisdictions, business partners, and the general public; coordinate with, interact with, share knowledge, and develop collaborative relationships.
9. Manage data and information used in assigned area including to administer assigned databases; enter and modify data; generate reports; analyze user needs and modify database structure and/or format in response to user needs; train staff on use of database systems; prepare database documentation.

Supplemental Information

SALARY SCHEDULE:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
This is a non-telecommuting position.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time viewing computer monitor; possible exposure to dissatisfied individuals.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and to occasionally travel to other offices or locations to attend meetings or to pick up or deliver materials. Travel outside of the San Diego area may be required for some assignments.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
TENTATIVE TIMELINE: Any application received after the initial screening deadline is not guaranteed a review.

June 5-21, 2026

Position advertised; District receives applications

June 21, 2026

Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration. Position is open until filled.

June 29-July 9, 2026

Reviewing of applications.

July 20-23, 2026

Search Committee interviews candidates

August, 2026

Tentative employment start date pending Governing Board approval.
Application Process:

A confirmation email will be sent once your application packet has been successfully submitted.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required application materials are submitted by the initial screening deadline date. Required materials including a current resume, unofficial transcripts verifying awarded degree(s) and completion date, and any relevant certifications, diplomas, or licenses that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Failure to submit supporting documentations may result in an incomplete application.
Applications should be completed thoroughly, and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but should be attached as a supporting document. All notifications to applicants will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the application.
A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become SWCCD property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.
For Academic positions (only) : If you do not possess the exact degree major(s) listed in the minimum qualifications section, you will need to submit an
A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.
INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.
If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.

Candidates selected for employment with SWCCD must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Successful candidate selected may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).
American with Disabilities (ADA):

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made as soon as practical by calling Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Equal Employment Opportunity:

As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SWCCD will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

SWCCD shall not discriminate against any person in employment or in any program affiliated with the SWCCD on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security Report:

SWCCD is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report is available on the


If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report, which contains this information, you can stop by the College Police Department or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP):

More information about the DAAPP, including the Biennial report and additional resources can be found in the website.
Southwestern Community College District provides an excellent benefits package for employees and eligible dependents that includes affordable medical plans, employer paid dental and life insurance, CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement options, vacation and sick leave accruals, and professional development opportunities.

For more information, please visit the webpage.
01


Do you have at least two years of college with major coursework in public administration, business administration or a related field? If yes, please ensure that you've attached supporting documents for full consideration. Failure to submit supporting documents will result in an incomplete application.Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.

• Yes, I have at least two years of college with major coursework in public administration, business administration or a related field.
• No, I do not have at least two years of college with major coursework in public administration, business administration or a related field.
• I have the equivalent combination of education and experience in addition to the minimum requirements to supplement for two years of college.
• I possess a foreign degree and have attached my coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

02


Do you have at least four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience providing technical and administrative support in a related program area?

• Yes, I have at least four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience providing technical and administrative support in a related program area?
• No, I do not have four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience providing technical and administrative support in a related program area?

03


If you answered YES to the previous question, please describe your four years of experience providing technical and administrative support in a program area related to this position. In your response, include the organization where you gained this experience, your job titles, the length of time in each role, and the specific technical and administrative functions you performed. This experience must also be reflected in your application and/or resume.
04


Do you possess a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record?

• Yes, I possess a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record.
• No, I don't have a valid California Driver's License and/or do not have a safe driving record.

05


Describe your experience developing, coordinating, marketing, and/or managing community-based educational programs, workshops, seminars, or workforce training initiatives. Include examples of how you identified community or industry needs and how you measured program success.
06


Contract Education often requires collaboration with employers and faculty or subject-matter experts to design customized workforce training solutions. Please describe your experience working with businesses, industry partners, or community organizations to develop or support training programs, contracts, partnerships, or fee-based services. What strategies did you use to build and maintain these relationships?
07


Describe your experience developing and implementing K-12 to college and/or career pathways into community colleges. In your response, include an example of a pathway initiative you helped create or enhance, the partners involved (e.g., K-12 districts, colleges, industry, workforce agencies), the strategies you used to support marketing/awareness efforts, student transitions and success, and the outcomes achieved. Applicants without this experience are still encouraged to apply.
Required Question