Assistant Coordinator for Commuter Life and Orientation, Transition and Family Engagement (Student Services Professional IA)

CSU Careers • San Diego, CA

15d • Onsite

About The Position

San Diego State University is hiring an Assistant Coordinator to support the Center for Commuter Life and Orientation, Transition and Family Engagement (OTFE). The role is divided evenly between the two departments and supports students and families as they transition to SDSU and continue their academic journey. Under the guidance of professional staff, the Assistant Coordinator contributes to daily office operations, student engagement, mentoring initiatives, orientation programs, and campus events. The position provides practical experience in student affairs and higher education within a collaborative, learning-focused environment.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible temporary position with an anticipated end date one year from the date of hire and the possibility of reappointment. The role is non-exempt under FLSA and eligible for overtime compensation. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary with operational needs; evening and weekend work may be required during peak program periods. The position is based on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

The Center for Commuter Life supports students who live off campus and commute to SDSU through workshops, coordinated care, general advising, peer mentoring, and other services that foster student success and connection to campus. OTFE helps new students and their families begin the SDSU experience with confidence and connection. It coordinates orientation programs for first-year, transfer, and graduate students, as well as sessions for parents and family supporters, and provides welcome programs that connect students and families with campus resources.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in behavioral sciences, public or business administration, or a job-related field; specialized experience applying the required knowledge and abilities may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with students, families, mentors, staff, and campus partners in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Manage multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities while supporting two departments with different needs and deadlines.
• Provide welcoming, student-centered service through front-desk coverage, phone calls, walk-ins, and day-to-day questions.
• Build positive working relationships with students and mentors from varied backgrounds and connect them with appropriate resources or professional support.
• Organize information, maintain accurate records, and use common computer applications to track program details and student-related data.
• Follow direction, ask questions when needed, and apply feedback while learning new processes and responsibilities.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative team and demonstrate interest in supporting student transition, engagement, and success.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Satisfactorily complete a background check, including a criminal records check.
• Comply with mandated reporter requirements under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and CSU Executive Order 1083.

Nice To Haves

• Background working with or supporting college students through mentoring, tutoring, orientation, student organizations, advising, peer leadership, or related programs.
• Familiarity with commuter, transfer, orientation, transition, retention, or student engagement initiatives.
• Enrollment in SDSU’s Postsecondary Educational Leadership master’s program with a Student Affairs specialization while serving in the role.
• Experience coordinating events, organizing program information, working with spreadsheets or databases, or supporting multiple supervisors or teams.

Responsibilities

• Support commuter student mentors and student assistants through check-ins, training, meetings, program coordination, and resource referrals.
• Respond to students’ general questions, share information about campus resources and academic support, and connect students with appropriate professional staff.
• Provide OTFE front-desk and office support by welcoming visitors, answering phone calls and inquiries, and completing assigned projects.
• Help plan and coordinate New Student Orientation, Weeks of Welcome, Family Weekend, workshops, and commuter student initiatives.
• Organize program information, track participation and student engagement, collect feedback, and assist with reports and basic assessment.
• Collaborate with students, families, campus partners, mentors, and staff while adapting to changing priorities across two departments.
• Support student programs, mentoring activities, and events through preparation, coordination, and follow-through.

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal plans, and pet plans.
• Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level