Position Summary

The NCAA Compliance & Eligibility Specialist provides a wide variety of professional services and activities ranging from pre-admission guidance to initial eligibility coordination, advising, and academic support through to graduation. The position assists and supports student-athletes in achieving academic success and personal integrity while progressing toward a degree objective.

Under the general direction of the Associate AD for Compliance and the Senior Associate AD of Student-Athlete Support Services, the incumbent conducts admissions and initial eligibility pre-evaluations for prospective student-athletes, tracks admissions, and serves as a liaison between Enrollment Services, the NCAA Eligibility Center, and coaching staff regarding student-athlete status. The position also coordinates housing and dining arrangements for prospective and continuing student-athletes and collaborates with campus partners to support successful matriculation and ongoing eligibility.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

Admissions & NCAA Initial Eligibility

• Review and evaluate prospective student-athlete transcripts (freshman, transfer, and graduate) for admissions and NCAA initial eligibility requirements and provide recommendations
• Conduct pre-admissions and eligibility evaluations and maintain related documentation aligned with CSU and NCAA requirements
• Serve as liaison to Admissions and Enrollment Services and as primary contact with the NCAA Eligibility Center, providing updates to coaches, prospects, and administration
• Meet with prospective student-athletes and families to review academic history, admissions requirements, and NCAA eligibility requirements
• Advise prospective student-athletes, families, and coaches on CSU admissions and NCAA eligibility requirements, including recommended coursework
• Interpret NCAA legislation and transfer rules affecting eligibility
• Assist with special admissions processes, including preparation of evaluation materials and reporting
• Track and process application materials, including transcripts and supporting documentation
• Develop and present admissions and eligibility information to students, counselors, and staff
• Collaborate with advisors and staff to support student transition and identify potential academic or learning concerns
• Communicate updates on admissions status and NCAA legislation and eligibility requirements

Housing and Dining Coordination

• Coordinate on-campus housing placements, including projections, assignments, and move-in/out processes
• Serve as liaison to Housing Administration and Dining Services
• Track housing and dining needs for academic year, summer, and pre-season periods
• Monitor and analyze housing and dining expenditures and provide recommendations
• Maintain coordination with Athletics Business Office and Financial Aid for housing-related budgeting

Other Duties

• Participate in orientation and transition programming for student-athletes
• Serve as liaison with campus partners including Parking Services and Institutional Research
• Assist in reporting and data tracking to support evaluation of student-athlete success
• Perform other duties as assigned

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

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.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Department of Athletics, utilizing the services of over 150 employees, is responsible for the intercollegiate athletics program at San Diego State University. Currently, there are 18 sport programs, approximately 450 student-athletes, and 17 offices in the department. The offices include the following: The Aztec Club, Administration, Athletic Medicine, Business Office, Compliance, Corporate Sales, Development, Equipment, Event Management/Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Strength and Conditioning, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Ticket Office, and Video. 

SDSU Athletics is committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender equity while championing the value they bring to our success. We strive to become one of the most diverse and inclusive athletic departments in the country by celebrating each other and our diverse backgrounds. We seek to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for all.

For more information regarding the Athletics department, 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 these 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

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and/or similar database programs. Total commitment to adherence to NCAA, conference, and institutional regulations.
• Attention to detail is of utmost importance. Strong communication skills, both written and oral. Compliance with all NCAA, conference, and San Diego State University rules, policies, and procedures is of paramount importance to the university. All position responsibilities should be carried out in full compliance with all such rules and regulations.
• Two or more years in NCAA Athletics compliance, certification, and/or academic support if applicant does not have Master’s or post graduate degree.
• Knowledge and understanding of CSU and SDSU admission requirements.
• Equivalent to two years of progressively responsible professional work experience in admissions.
• Ability to evaluate transcripts for admissions and initial eligibility purposes.
• Knowledge of NCAA initial eligibility and continuing degree progress requirements.
• Ability to work with various constituencies in a professional manner.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

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 May 28, 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. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

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.