The Chancellor of the South Orange County Community College District invites applications for the position of President of Saddleback College.
A Campus Worth Leading
Empowering graduates to lead, serve, and succeed—Saddleback College’s next president will shape the future of student achievement and community impact.
A place to learn, reflect, and lead—Saddleback College is seeking a president who will inspire students and strengthen our campus community.
Where conversations spark ideas and community thrives—Saddleback College seeks a president who will champion connection, collaboration, and student success.
Preparing compassionate professionals for vital careers—Saddleback College seeks a president who will advance academic excellence and workforce-ready education.
Hands-on learning that drives opportunity—Saddleback College seeks a president who will champion career education and real-world pathways to success.
Shaping the Future of Saddleback College
This is a rare and distinguished opportunity for a visionary, student-centered leader to guide one of California’s premier community colleges, located in Mission Viejo, California, at the heart of South of Orange County.
Saddleback College’s next President will lead with purpose and passion, advancing the strategic priorities outlined in our districtwide strategic plan, Inspire 2035:
- Student-Centered Culture
- Equitable Access and Success
- Economic and Social Mobility
- Community Vitality and Engagement
- Workplace Culture and Growth
These priorities reflect Saddleback’s deep commitment to providing equitable, innovative, and student-centered educational experiences while fostering personal growth, academic success, economic opportunity, and social mobility. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who engages diverse internal and external stakeholders, fosters a culture of belonging, and champions resilience in the face of higher education’s dynamic challenges.
As one of two institutions within the South Orange County Community College District, Saddleback College is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, workforce innovation, and strong partnerships with business, industry, and community organizations. The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the College and is responsible for the overall leadership, vision, and strategic direction of the institution, ensuring alignment with Inspire 2035 and the District’s core values of community, equity, excellence, innovation, belonging, student-centeredness, and empowerment.
Completed application packets will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to ensure placement in the initial screening, applications must be received by February 6, 2026.
The successful candidate should anticipate a start date on or around July 1, 2026.
About the College
Saddleback College has been serving students for more than 50 years, with more than 500,000 alumni who can attest to the quality of its academic and career programs. The rich academic traditions make Saddleback College an ideal place for students seeking associate degrees, certificates, transfers to universities, workforce training, or simply pursuing lifelong learning.
Saddleback College 2024 Accreditation Report and Accreditation Information
About the District
Established in 1967, the South Orange County Community College District provides the south Orange County area with high quality, innovative, and dynamic learning environments that inspire student success.
2025-2026 SOCCCD Adopted Budget
Economic Impact of SOCCCD on Orange County
About the Area
Saddleback College is located in suburban Mission Viejo in South Orange County, California, an area known for its mild climate and pleasant residential communities. The campus sits on a hillside on about 200 acres surrounded by neighborhoods, shops like The Shops at Mission Viejo, and easy freeway access via Interstate 5, giving it a mix of peaceful suburbia and convenient amenities nearby. Mission Viejo and the surrounding Saddleback Valley offer a blend of outdoor recreation, local parks, shopping, and dining, all within reach of beaches and larger Southern California cities.
Community Partners
Orange County Business Council (OCBC)
OCBC works to enhance Orange County’s economic prosperity, including through encouraging the training of needed workers for county businesses.
Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (OCHCC)
OCHCC represents the interests of more than 30,000 Hispanic-owned O.C. businesses. Its support includes education and training programs.
Orange County Black Chamber of Commerce (OCBCC)
OCBCC advocates for Black business and economic development, emphasizing the importance of education to the African-American community.
Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD)
Serves a large part of South Orange County including Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo (parts), Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, and Dana Point.
Saddleback Valley Unified School District (SVUSD)
Serves Mission Viejo, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, parts of Rancho Santa Margarita, Trabuco Canyon, and small parts of Aliso Viejo/Irvine.
More Community Organizations:
Orange County School Boards Association (OCSBA)
Community College League of California (CCLC)
IMS Global Learning Consortium Inc
Transforming Data with Intelligence (TDWI)
American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)
California Association of Latino Community College Trustees and Administration (CALCCTA)
Association of Chief Human Resource Officers (ACHRO)
Southern 30/Equal Employment Diversity & Equity Consortium. (EEDEC)
Community College Facility Coalition (CCFC)
California Community College Women’s Caucus (CCCWC)
Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)
Association Community College Trustees (ACCT)
EDUCAUSE
Public Agency Risk Managers Association (PARMA)
The RP (Research and Planning) Group Inc.
National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR)
Contacts
Questions and confidential inquiries about the position or the status of the process may be directed to:
Additionally, for questions related to NeoGov or for anything related to the online application, reach out to the contact below Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Pacific Time).