Position Summary

The Associate Program Director for AANHPISI Initiatives helps shape and lead student success strategies at a federally designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPISI). This role drives the development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives that strengthen retention, graduation, research engagement, and belonging for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students. The Associate Program Director performs highly complex professional student services work that integrates strategy, data analysis, program development, and cross-campus collaboration. This role bridges student affairs and academic affairs — advancing culturally responsive, research-informed programming aligned with institutional goals.

What You’ll Do

• Design and sustain cohorted learning experiences. Develop and manage data-informed cohort models that improve persistence, graduation, and student belonging, particularly for underserved populations.
• Advance undergraduate research initiatives. Lead student research programs that strengthen academic engagement and contribute to SDSU’s Research 1 aspirations. Mentor students and collaborate with faculty researchers.
• Drive data strategy and assessment. Lead data collection, analysis, and reporting efforts in collaboration with campus assessment partners to evaluate program effectiveness and inform strategic improvements.
• Build cross-campus partnerships. Collaborate with Asian American Studies, academic colleges, Career Services, and other campus units to integrate academic, career, and research pathways.
• Provide leadership and direction. Offer general lead direction to Coordinators and student staff. Contribute to strategic planning, program development, and grant-related initiatives.
• Represent the initiative. Serve as a visible advocate and spokesperson for AANHPISI initiatives in campus collaborations and community partnerships.

Why Join Us?

• Lead high-impact cohorted learning experiences. Design and sustain data-informed initiatives that improve retention, graduation, and belonging for underserved student populations.
• Advance undergraduate research engagement. Develop and mentor student research initiatives that strengthen academic excellence and contribute to SDSU’s Research 1 aspirations.
• Drive meaningful data strategy. Partner with campus assessment teams to analyze outcomes, evaluate program effectiveness, and inform continuous improvement and funding renewal efforts.
• Build bridges between academic and student affairs. Collaborate with Asian American Studies, academic colleges, and campus partners to integrate curriculum, research, and student development pathways.
• Shape the future of a federally designated AANHPISI initiative. Contribute to long-range planning and strategic implementation efforts that influence institutional student success practice.

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.  
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, with advance notice.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Office for AANHPISI Affairs & APIDA Center advances student success initiatives aligned with SDSU’s federally designated Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANHPISI) status. The Office works to strengthen outreach, academic success, leadership development, research engagement, and belonging for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students.

Through coordinated advising, community college partnerships, culturally responsive programming, and data-informed strategies, the Office supports enrollment, retention, persistence, and graduation efforts. The Center collaborates closely with academic departments, campus partners, and community organizations to ensure students are supported holistically and positioned for long-term success.

Housed within the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, the Office contributes to SDSU’s broader commitment to inclusive excellence and institutional transformation.

For more information regarding AANHPISI Affairs, 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

• Knowledge of AANHPI histories, narratives, and culturally responsive research methodologies.
• Demonstrated successful professional experience in a post-baccalaureate setting, reflecting reliability, accountability, and strong performance.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively and professionally with diverse constituencies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when responding to sensitive or emotionally complex situations.
• Experience assessing, designing, implementing, and evaluating programs and policies, including coordinating student-centered and data-informed initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple concurrent responsibilities, and follow projects through to completion, while maintaining punctuality and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of and experience teaching, advising, and/or mentoring students, including those who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander.
• Demonstrated adaptability and growth mindset, including openness to feedback and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed, and possession of any required licenses or certifications.

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 March 11, 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.