Position Summary

The Student Life Advisor for Campus Events & Alternative Programs (CEAP) plays a dynamic leadership role in shaping engaging, inclusive, and high-impact late-night programming at SDSU. Reporting to the Director of the Center for Student Organizations & Activities and working under the Associate Program Director for Campus Activities, this position leads the development, implementation, and assessment of campus-wide alternative programs such as Aztec Nights, State After Sunset, and SDSU Go! With a strong emphasis on harm reduction, inclusive engagement, and student well-being, particularly during high-risk times of the academic year, this role supports student leadership development while advancing university priorities related to safety, belonging, and community building. Evening and weekend engagement are integral to this vibrant and student-centered position.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate late-night and alternative programming initiatives that promote student engagement, safety, and belonging.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop student staff leaders supporting campus events and initiatives.
• Collaborate across campus to advance harm reduction strategies and inclusive programming during high-impact periods.
• Use data-informed practices to assess program effectiveness and guide continuous improvement.
• Provide back-up support to CSOA and Office of the Dean of Students programs as needed.

Why Join Us?

• Lead high-visibility campus events that shape student life and community engagement.
• Advance student leadership, well-being, and harm reduction initiatives in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborate with diverse campus partners to create innovative, inclusive programming.
• Develop and mentor student leaders while supporting university-wide engagement efforts.
• Join a mission-driven team committed to belonging, safety, and student success.

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 and weekends regularly, including every weekend during the first five weeks of the fall semester
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Dean of Students reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and serves as one of the executive officers in the Division. The Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Dean of Students is responsible for the direction and coordination of department programs/personnel as designated by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity. The Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Dean of Students represents the interests of the Division on a day-to-day basis at the sub-Cabinet level and is responsible for the promotion of student development through a program of co-curricular activities and services to students. The Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Dean of Students is also responsible for the quality of the campus social, cultural and educational environment and the student services that enhance the University’s academic programs and the intellectual and personal development of students on the San Diego State University campus.

The Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Dean of Students is responsible for supervising, monitoring and implementing programs and services that have a direct impact on orientation, transition, and student retention. These programs and services are designed to ease the transition to the University, enhance student involvement/participation in university organizations, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and Dean of Students promotes student rights and encourages citizenship responsibility among students.  They also facilitate the development of orientation, transition and retention initiatives.

The Office of the Dean of Students is responsible for supervising, monitoring and implementing programs and services that have a direct impact on orientation, transition, and overall student success and retention. These programs and services are designed to ease the transition to the University, enhance student involvement/participation in university organizations, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.  The Office of the Dean of Students promotes student rights and encourages citizenship responsibility among students.  The Office of the Dean of Students consists of the following areas: Campus Assistance, Response, Evaluation, and Support (CARES) Team, Center for Commuter Life, Center for Student Organizations & Activities, Pierce Greek Life Center, Esports Engagement Center, Glazer Center for Leadership and Service, Office of New Student and Parent Programs, and SDSU Connects.

Through participation in the activities within the Office of the Dean of Students, students are connected to the University through an array of structured and informal learning opportunities.  Students are encouraged, supported and empowered to pursue academic success, personal growth, an understanding of diverse human experiences, and compassionate activism on and off campus.

For more information regarding Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, click here.

Education and Experience

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

Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required.

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

Key Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience in student leadership development is preferred.
• Ability to design and implement programs and services to meet identified student needs and campus needs.
• Working knowledge of basic principles of student development theory as it applies to both individuals and groups.
• Ability to explain a wide variety of policies and procedures to students, faculty, staff and the general public.
• Must be able to correspond with other constituencies on campus and in the community in a professional and cooperative manner.
• Ability to effectively use Google Suite, and software including but not limited to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to create and analyze reports, manage data, resource materials and presentations.
• Knowledge of or the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of Title V, CSU policies and procedures, and University rules and regulations and their application to student organizations, student activities and expression, and student governance structures preferred.
• Master’s degree in higher/postsecondary education, public health, health promotion, or related field is 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: $5,540 - $7,893/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540/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 April 5, 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.