Position Summary

The Associate Program Director for Campus Activities at San Diego State University plays a vital role in shaping the student experience by fostering an engaging, inclusive, and dynamic campus life. Reporting to the Director of the Center for Student Organizations & Activities within the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, this position leads large-scale programs such as Aztec Nights, SDSU Go!, State After Sunset, and other campus traditions that enhance student engagement and promote leadership development.

The Associate Program Director provides work direction to professional and student staff, collaborates with departments and student organizations to produce meaningful events, and ensures alignment with university values of inclusion, safety, and student success. The position also supports strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen the student engagement experience across SDSU.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and assess large-scale campus events and programs that promote student involvement, leadership, and well-being.
• Provide work direction and mentorship to Student Life Advisors, Assistant Coordinators, graduate interns, and student assistants.
• Lead the development and implementation of training programs, including Recognized Student Organization Officer Obligations (RSO3), Inclusive Leadership Awareness Training (ILAT), and Anti-Hazing and Risk Management initiatives.
• Collaborate across departments and with Associated Students to expand behavioral alternative programming and implement recommendations from university task forces on student safety.
• Oversee event application and permitting processes; maintain policies and publications such as the Student Organization Handbook.
• Conduct assessment and reporting on programs and outcomes, developing strategies for continuous improvement.
• Represent the Center and the Office of the Dean of Students on university committees and in professional development activities.

Be part of a collaborative, student-centered team that cultivates leadership and community at SDSU. Apply Now!

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.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego

Department Summary

The Center for Student Organizations & Activities at San Diego State University is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging campus community where every student can learn, lead, and thrive. We believe that involvement outside the classroom is essential to the SDSU experience and plays a vital role in students’ personal growth, leadership development, and overall success.

Through opportunities in student organizations, leadership and community service, and student life events, the center encourages students to explore their passions, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to the dynamic culture of the university. Our programs and services help students develop practical skills, celebrate diversity, and cultivate a sense of belonging that lasts well beyond graduation.

Rooted in our mission to promote student engagement, development, and success, the Center for Student Organizations & Activities provides a balanced and supportive environment where students can make connections, discover purpose, and make the most of their SDSU journey.

For more information regarding the Center for Student Organizations & Activities, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field plus upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing and conflict resolution where such are job related.

Possession of the below required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent to four years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience which includes experience in advising students individually and in groups, and in analysis and resolution of complex student services problems.

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

Key Qualifications

• 4-6 years of professional experience in higher education or a related field is preferred.
• Experience advising and supporting students in academic, co-curricular, and leadership development settings.
• Demonstrated success in planning, coordinating, and assessing large-scale events, programs, and activities in a university environment.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate leadership, cultural, and community engagement initiatives that foster student growth and inclusion.
• Proven skill in supervising, mentoring, and providing work direction to professional and student staff.
• Experience managing multiple budgets, contracts, and logistical operations related to events and programs.
• Strong ability to collaborate and build effective working relationships with faculty, administrators, student organizations, and community partners.
• Commitment to working with diverse student populations in a large, urban higher education setting, with an understanding of assessment practices and student learning outcomes.

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: $6,320 - $9,014/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $6,320/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 December 9, 2025 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.