Position Summary

The Academic Advisor plays an important role in supporting the academic success, personal development, and NCAA eligibility of student-athletes at San Diego State University. As part of Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, this position provides individualized academic advising and guidance related to course selection, major requirements, academic progress, and institutional conference, and NCAA eligibility requirements. Working collaboratively with learning specialists, academic advisors, faculty, coaches, and campus partners, the incumbent develops individualized academic support plans that incorporate tutoring, writing assistance, time management, and campus resources. Through proactive advising, academic progress monitoring, and student-athlete development initiatives, the Academic Advisor helps student-athletes navigate their educational journey, achieve their academic goals, and succeed both in the classroom and beyond. 

Key responsibilities:

• Provide individualized academic advising to student-athletes regarding course selection, enrollment, major declaration, degree requirements, and NCAA academic eligibility.
• Monitor academic progress and continuing eligibility for assigned student-athletes, maintain eligibility reports, and communicate updates to coaches, administrators, and Athletics staff.
• Collaborate with learning specialists, faculty, and campus partners to develop individualized academic support plans incorporating tutoring, academic skill development, time management, and campus resources.
• Support incoming freshmen and transfer student-athletes through academic transition assistance, goal setting, learning strategies, and connections to appropriate support services.
• Support student-athlete development programs, including serving as co-advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), coordinating community service initiatives, and participating in peer mentoring, orientation, and Summer Bridge programming.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on the academic success, personal development, and educational experience of NCAA Division I student-athletes.
• Work directly with student-athletes to help them navigate academic requirements, develop effective learning strategies, and achieve their educational goals.
• Build experience in academic advising, NCAA eligibility, student-athlete development, and individualized academic support services.
• Collaborate with coaches, learning specialists, faculty, and campus partners in a supportive, student-centered athletics environment.
• Join SDSU Athletics and contribute to programs that promote academic integrity, student-athlete engagement, leadership development, and success beyond athletics.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2027, with the possibility of reappointment. 
• 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. 
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Department of Athletics, utilizing the services of over 150 employees, is responsible for the intercollegiate athletics program at San Diego State University. Currently, there are 18 sport programs, approximately 450 student-athletes, and 17 offices in the department. The offices include the following: The Aztec Club, Administration, Athletic Medicine, Business Office, Compliance, Corporate Sales, Development, Equipment, Event Management/Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Media Relations, Strength and Conditioning, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Ticket Office, and Video.

SDSU Athletics is committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender equity while championing the value they bring to our success. We strive to become one of the most diverse and inclusive athletic departments in the country by celebrating each other and our diverse backgrounds. We seek to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for all.

For more information regarding the Athletics department, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown below may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth. A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.

Key Qualifications

• Compliance with all NCAA, conference, and San Diego State University rules, policies and procedures is of paramount importance to the university. 
• All position responsibilities should be carried out in full compliance with all such rules and regulations.
• Master’s or post graduate degree in education-related field.
• Two or more years of experience working in a Division I student-athlete academic support services unit either as an academic mentor or advisor.
• Prior experience as an intercollegiate athletics student-athlete.
• Knowledge of NCAA initial and continuing eligibility requirements.
• Previous experience teaching.

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: $5,083 - $7,228/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,083/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 November 1, 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 Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.