Position Summary:

Are you a proactive and organized individual who thrives in a fast-paced academic environment? The College of Sciences at San Diego State University is seeking an Assistant to the Dean who will serve as a vital link in our dynamic Dean's Office. In this role, you will play an essential part in ensuring the smooth flow of information and operations within the office. As the first point of contact for the Dean, you will be integral in supporting the Dean’s responsibilities by providing timely and accurate information. Our college values diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration, empowering each member to contribute to our mission of excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Information Management: Act as the primary conduit for information to and from the Dean's office, ensuring the Dean is thoroughly briefed for meetings and engagements with faculty, administrators, and community leaders.
• Appointment Coordination: Screen requests for appointments, exercising judgment to determine which should be prioritized for the Dean and which can be delegated to other offices.
• Calendar and Correspondence Management: Maintain the Dean’s calendar, review and respond to correspondence, and handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Representation and Leadership: Represent the Dean at meetings, via phone, and through email as needed, facilitating effective communication and coordination within the college and across the university.

What We Offer:

• Collaborative Environment: Join a team that values collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability in supporting the Dean's multifaceted role.
• Professional Development: Benefit from opportunities for growth and development within a vibrant academic community, where your contributions are recognized and valued.
• Impactful Engagement: Play a crucial role in advancing the College of Sciences’ mission and supporting key university initiatives, including the planning and implementation of the College of Sciences Commencement Ceremony.

If you are ready to contribute to the success of our college and support the Dean in achieving their goals, we encourage you to apply!

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 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 College of Sciences includes eight academic departments, two academic program areas, six joint doctoral programs, and many interdisciplinary research centers. In addition, the college provides support and oversight for the California State University Program in Education and Research in Biotechnology, the Coastal Waters Marine Institute, the Mount Laguna Observatory, and several off-campus research field stations. The college coordinates the work of 172 permanent faculty, 131 temporary faculty, 441 academic student employees, 73 non-academic student employees, 30 administrative staff, 40 technical staff, and 9 advisors. In 2023-2024 the College of Sciences awarded Bachelor’s degrees to 1,344 students, Master’s degrees to 277 students, and Doctoral degrees to 44 students. The College of Sciences has a robust research emphasis, bringing in over $51 million in external grants, and $10 million in private gifts.

The Dean’s Office is responsible for all activities emanating from the creation, implementation, and provision of ongoing educational, research, outreach, and fundraising for the college, as well as the planning for future activities. The Dean directs the college with the support of 2 Associate Deans, an Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, a Director of Resource Management, and administrative support staff.

For more information regarding the College of Sciences, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires a fully functional knowledge of and skill in standard office procedures and practices, as well as an ability to understand and operate in a variety of organizational structures. Additionally, incumbents are expected to have a thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation and be able to clearly communicate orally and in writing. Some positions may require a knowledge of business mathematics beyond basic arithmetic. The ability to use and quickly learn new office support technology systems and software packages is also a prerequisite.

These qualifications would normally be obtained through a high school program, technical/vocational program, or their equivalents combined with several years of related office work experience.

Key Qualifications

• Expertise in using office software packages, technology, and systems.
• Ability to independently handle multiple work unit priorities and projects.
• Ability to understand budget policies and procedures.
• Experience to be fully functional in all technical aspects of work assignments.
• Ability to troubleshoot most office administration problems and respond to all inquiries and requests related to work area.
• Ability to understand problems from a broader perspective and anticipate the impact of office administration problems and solutions on other areas.
• Ability to analyze operational and procedural problems and develop, recommend, and evaluate proposed solutions.
• Ability to perform business math, analyze budgetary data, and make accurate projections requiring some inference.
• Ability to effectively handle interpersonal interactions at all levels and handle highly sensitive interpersonal situations.
• Ability to use negotiation and persuasion skills to achieve results and expedite projects.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $5,175 per month. 

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,058 - $6,653 per month. 

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. 

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.  For more information, click here.

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. 

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on November 13, 2024. To receive full consideration, apply by November 12, 2024. 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.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.