Program Director, Graduate Life & Diversity (Student Services Professional IV)Job no: 561955
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Position SummarySan Diego State University is seeking a
Program Director to lead the Office of Graduate Life and Diversity (GLaD), a unique campus resource dedicated to supporting the academic, personal, and professional success of graduate students. GLaD provides services and programs focused on graduate student engagement, community building, career preparation, writing support, leadership development, wellness, and belonging.
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Campus and Community Affairs, the Program Director will guide GLaD's daily operations, programs, staff, and resources while building strong partnerships across campus and in the broader community. This role will engage directly with graduate students, support a diverse student population, respond to complex or sensitive concerns through appropriate referrals, and use assessment and feedback to strengthen programs and services.
Key Responsibilities- Lead GLaD's programs, services, strategic priorities, and day-to-day operations in alignment with graduate student needs and SDSU's goals.
- Supervise and support professional staff, student employees, writing consultants, and other team members through clear expectations, training, mentorship, and professional development.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate programs that promote graduate student success, engagement, belonging, leadership development, career readiness, and retention.
- Build collaborative relationships with campus departments, student organizations, faculty, community partners, alumni, and potential external supporters to expand resources available to graduate students.
- Monitor budgets, expenditures, space use, purchasing, and operational processes while ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
- Analyze student feedback, participation data, and program outcomes to identify trends, prepare reports, and recommend improvements to GLaD's services and initiatives.
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.
- The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego
Department SummaryThe Office for Graduate Life and Diversity supports the success, well-being, and professional growth of SDSU graduate students by fostering an inclusive environment centered on diversity, equity, and belonging. The office provides a range of resources and programs, including writing support, workshops, professional development opportunities, mental health and wellness resources, printing services, and co-curricular activities that help graduate students build community and thrive throughout their academic and professional journeys.
For more information regarding the Office for Graduate Life and Diversity (GLaD), click here.
Education and ExperienceEquivalent 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- Experience supporting graduate students and leading student success initiatives within a large, complex university environment.
- Knowledge of graduate student success, including the academic, personal, professional, and well-being needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
- Leadership skills to supervise and support professional staff, student employees, and graduate-level student workers.
- Experience developing and implementing programs focused on career preparation, professional development, leadership, writing support, engagement, or holistic student success.
- Proficiency collecting, analyzing, and applying qualitative and quantitative data to assess programs and guide improvements.
- Skill in managing day-to-day operations, budgets, resources, events, and competing priorities within a student services program or center.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships across campus, communicate the value of graduate student services, navigate sensitive concerns, and advance long-term strategic goals.
Preferred Qualifications- A master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
- Five to eight years supporting graduate students or leading graduate student services, programs, or centers.
- Background teaching graduate-level courses, working within Graduate Studies, coordinating a writing center, or supporting graduate student research.
- Familiarity with donor relations, corporate partnerships, advancement efforts, or other strategies for expanding resources and sustaining student-centered programs.
Compensation and BenefitsSan 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 $6,320.00/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.
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.
Supplemental InformationApply by October 29th 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 Tyler Emery, temery@sdsu.edu.
[1]This will be 3 weeks upon posting!
Advertised: Oct 08 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
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