Position Summary

The Commuter and Transfer Student Success Coach supports the academic success, engagement, and retention of commuter and transfer students at San Diego State University. Reporting to the Assistant Director for the Center for Commuter Life, this position provides advising, mentoring, programming, and outreach while coordinating student success initiatives, peer mentoring programs, and campus partnerships. The role plays a key part in fostering belonging, access, and holistic support for commuter and transfer student populations.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact and advisor for commuter and transfer students, providing guidance on university requirements, policies, resources, and success pathways.
• Develop, coordinate, and support mentoring programs, workshops, events, and co-curricular initiatives that promote commuter and transfer student engagement and success.
• Collaborate with campus partners, faculty, families, and community stakeholders to advance commuter and transfer student success initiatives.
• Manage daily operations of the Center for Commuter Life, including supervision and coordination of student assistants and peer mentors.
• Support administrative and operational functions, including program assessment, reporting, marketing communications, and participation in university programs and committees.

Why Apply?

• Make a meaningful impact supporting commuter and transfer students’ academic success, belonging, and persistence.
• Work in a student-centered, mission-driven environment focused on equity, inclusion, and holistic student support.
• Gain hands-on experience in advising, mentoring, program development, and student engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with campus partners across Student Affairs to support retention and graduation efforts.
• Build professional experience in higher education with opportunities for leadership, creativity, and growth.

Join the Center for Commuter Life and help support the success of SDSU’s commuter and transfer students. 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. (Ability to work evenings/weekends)
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Center for Commuter Life supports the success and retention of commuter and transfer students through comprehensive advising, mentoring, and co-curricular engagement opportunities. Under the leadership of the Assistant Director, the department provides consultation, guidance, and coordinated programming designed to foster belonging, leadership development, and academic success for both prospective and current students. The Center collaborates across Student Affairs to deliver mentoring programs, events, and initiatives that enhance retention, academic excellence, and graduation outcomes. In partnership with departments such as the Center for Student Organizations and Activities, the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Glazer Center for Leadership and Service, the Center for Commuter Life offers integrated support services that meet student needs beyond traditional business hours, including evenings and weekends.

For more information regarding the Student Life and Leadership 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

• Knowledge of FERPA and the ability to handle academic, judicial, and other sensitive student records with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Understanding of reporting responsibilities as a Responsible Employee and Campus Security Authority under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Act.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply Title V, CSU policies and procedures, and University rules related to student programs, organizations, activities, and governance.
• Demonstrated ability to support commuter, transfer, and diverse student populations through advising, mentoring, facilitation, and engagement initiatives.
• Strong organizational, programming, and project management skills, including the ability to plan, implement, assess, and manage multiple initiatives while adapting to changing priorities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships, present information clearly, and collaborate with students, staff, faculty, and campus partners.
• Ability to use student information systems and technology platforms (e.g., EAB Navigate, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canvas, PeopleSoft, Qualtrics) to support advising, data management, communication, and reporting functions.

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 January 21, 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.