Director of Student Services Jobs in California

Position Summary

The Program Coordinator/Advisor supports the mission of SDSU’s Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center (BRC) by coordinating programs, advising students, and facilitating services that promote student success, belonging, well-being, leadership, and persistence. Working closely with the Assistant Director, Faculty Scholars, and student assistants, this position plans and delivers signature events, academic success initiatives, workshops, and community-building experiences for students.

The Program Coordinator/Advisor also provides individualized and group support related to academic planning, career exploration, personal development, and navigating university resources. Through collaboration with students, student organizations, faculty, staff, campus departments, and community partners, this position responds to evolving student needs, contributes to recruitment and retention efforts, and supports the daily operations of an active and welcoming resource center.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate BRC programs and events focused on academic success, well-being, leadership, professional development, inclusion, and student engagement.
• Coordinate signature and student-led programs throughout the year, such as Black History Month, Homecoming, and Martin Luther King Jr. Parade activities.
• Organize program schedules, communications, purchasing, budgets, supplies, space reservations, and other event logistics.
• Partner with Faculty Scholars, student organizations, campus departments, and community partners to develop and deliver engaging programs.
• Review program participation, outcomes, and student feedback to identify opportunities that advance the BRC’s programs and support its continued growth.
• Provide individual and group support related to academic planning, career exploration, personal development, and connections to university resources.
• Support BRC operations and provide program-related guidance to student assistants, interns, and volunteers.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful difference in the academic success, well-being, and sense of belonging of SDSU’s Black student community.
• Help shape programs that reach students across campus and strengthen connections with the greater San Diego community.
• Join a collaborative team that values the experiences, perspectives, and contributions each team member brings.
• Access professional development resources and opportunities to expand your experience in student support, programming, and community engagement.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

The Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center at San Diego State University promotes Black excellence by providing a welcoming and inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff of the African Diaspora can connect, collaborate, and build community. Grounded in achievement, balance, creativity, solidarity, and love, the Center creates opportunities to honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future.

Through student success programs, meaningful dialogue, educational initiatives, scholarships, research, career development, and leadership and service opportunities, the Center supports the academic, personal, and professional growth of Black students. Its work addresses students’ intellectual, mental, spiritual, and physical well-being while equipping them with the skills and resources to thrive at SDSU and beyond.

For more information regarding the Gus and Emma Thompson Black Resource Center, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field; including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing and conflict resolution where such are job related. Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required.

A master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Key Qualifications

• Experience planning and delivering programs or events that encourage student engagement, belonging, academic success, and retention.
• Effective organization and time-management skills for coordinating multiple programs, events, and daily priorities.
• Experience advising students individually and in groups and connecting them with appropriate campus resources.
• Knowledge of student development, leadership, and identity development and how these areas support student success.
• Sound judgment and professionalism when responding to complex or sensitive student concerns.
• Clear, inclusive communication and a collaborative approach when working with students, colleagues, and campus or community partners.
• Experience training, guiding, or coordinating the work of student employees, interns, or volunteers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting students in a college or university setting, particularly within student affairs, academic advising, student success, or a cultural resource center.
• Experience creating programs and partnerships that support students from varied backgrounds and lived experiences.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 - $7,893/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540.00/month.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by October 7th, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Tyler Emery, temery@sdsu.edu.