Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Admissions – First Year provides hands-on leadership for first-year admissions operations. Serving as a working lead, this role partners with admissions leadership to oversee daily activities of the First Year Admission Eligibility and Processing units while actively participating in evaluation and processing work. The position sets priorities, monitors workflows, ensures deadlines are met, and leads staff development, process improvements, and system enhancements to strengthen admissions operations and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day lead work direction and operational oversight of first-year admission eligibility and processing functions.
• Set priorities, monitor workflows, and ensure timely completion of admissions cycles and deadlines.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate staff to support performance, growth, and achievement of departmental goals.
• Lead procedural improvements and support enhancements to PeopleSoft, Campus Solutions, and OnBase systems.
• Interpret and apply complex admissions policies and institutional regulations while supporting data-informed decision-making.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key leadership role in shaping access and entry for first-year students.
• Balance strategic leadership with hands-on admissions work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Lead and mentor a team while contributing to operational innovation and system improvements.
• Collaborate with campus partners in a mission-driven, student-centered admissions office.
• Join an institution committed to access, excellence, and continuous improvement in enrollment services.

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,

Department Summary

Enrollment Services is comprised of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Office of Evaluations, Prospective Student Services, Out-of-State Recruitment and Strategic Partnerships, International Recruitment, Class Schedule, Communications, Financial Aid, Scholarships, and the Cal Coast Student Financial Center. Enrollment Services implements SDSU enrollment management policies and provides services to students from their initial point of interest in SDSU to their graduation.

The Office of Admissions consists of the following units: First Year Admission Eligibility, Transfer Admission, Graduate Admission, International Admission, Specialized Admission, First Year Processing, Graduate Admission Processing and Enrollment Support Services.

The function of the First Year Admissions Eligibility Unit (AEU) is to perform various tasks related to the admission review of approximately 94,000 first year admission applications to determine CSU admission eligibility. AEU is also responsible for evaluating high school transcripts and test scores throughout the admission process to calculate grade point averages, verify admission eligibility, and code eligibility for CSU reporting. AEU also determines residency status (for tuition and fee purposes) of all undergraduate applicants.

The function of the First Year Admission Processing Unit (APU) is to support the First Year Admission Eligibility Unit and Admission management team with the processing of undergraduate applications, which include reconciling application errors, updating personal and application data in the student information system, posting transcripts and test scores, processing admission appeals and archiving academic records/documents to imaging system.

For more information regarding the Enrollment Services department 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

• Four years of professional work experience in a university setting in admissions, advising, evaluations or other student service related office.
• Experience in navigating and articulating complex institutional regulations and/or academic policies governing a public or private university.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to small and large groups.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, utilizing data-driven tools in Excel.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and mentoring staff to meet departmental goals.
• Master’s degree preferred.

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 February 27, 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 Taylor Smith at tjaress@sdsu.edu.