Position Summary

The Front Desk Receptionist serves as the welcoming first point of contact for visitors, students, and university employees, creating a professional and supportive front-office experience at San Diego State University, Imperial Valley. This position plays a key role in providing general campus and Student Health Services information, managing appointments, and ensuring calls and inquiries are handled efficiently and accurately. In addition to reception responsibilities, the role performs essential clerical tasks and supervises student workers supporting front desk operations. This is an excellent opportunity for an organized, service-oriented professional who thrives in a high-traffic environment and enjoys helping others navigate campus services.

Key Responsibilities

• Greet and assist visitors, students, and university employees, directing them to appropriate offices or personnel with professionalism and discretion.
• Answer, screen, and route incoming calls; take messages; and manage appointment scheduling and calendars.
• Provide accurate information about campus and Student Health Services policies, procedures, and resources.
• Perform clerical duties such as data entry, filing, and operating standard office equipment.
• Schedule and supervise student assistants supporting front desk operations.

Why Join Us?

• Serve as the first point of connection for students and visitors seeking campus services.
• Work in a dynamic, high-visibility role within Student Health Services.
• Develop strong customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
• Supervise and mentor student workers in a supportive team environment.
• Join a mission-driven campus community committed to student care and service excellence.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is 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 Imperial Valley.

Department Summary

SDSU Imperial Valley serves as a vital regional campus of San Diego State University, dedicated to providing high-quality higher education to the desert areas of southeastern California. As an integral unit of the university, it operates under the same rigorous academic standards, governance structure, and institutional policies as the main San Diego campus.

Established in 1959 by the California State Legislature, the college has a long-standing history of community impact. Today, it operates across two distinct locations in Imperial County: Calexico Campus & Brawley Campus.

SDSU Imperial Valley is committed to student success, offering a diverse array of academic pathways designed to help matriculated students achieve their professional and educational goals. Our curriculum includes: Four-year and two-year undergraduate degrees, graduate-level degree programs and post-baccalaureate teaching and professional credential programs.

We are a growing and dynamic academic environment, currently powered by a dedicated team of 265 faculty, staff members, and student assistants. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, inclusive atmosphere that reflects the vibrant culture of the Imperial Valley.

For more information regarding SDSU Imperial Valley, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires fundamental written and oral communication skills, including a sound foundation in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; an ability to understand standard office procedures; an ability to operate standard office equipment; an ability to learn office technology systems; an ability to perform basic mathematical calculations; and typing and keyboard skills.

These entry qualifications would normally be obtained through completion of a high school program or its equivalent and some experience in an office environment.

Key Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish is required.
• Associate’s Degree in Public Administration or Business Administration is preferred.
• Two years of experience as a Receptionist, Administrative Assistant or Clerical is preferred. 
• Experience in working in higher education or public sector settings is preferred. 
• Experience with utilizing computer and phone systems.
• Experience with Google email, Google Calendars, Zoom, Excel Spreadsheets, Word and PowerPoint Presentations. 
• Experience in handling high volume of traffic at the same time (in-person, phone call and emails).
• Professional attitude and excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

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:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 3 ($3,709) for highly qualified candidates.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: ASA II: $3,565 - $5,092 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

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 19^th, 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 Danan Pacheco (dpacheco@sdsu.edu).