Assistant Director of Admissions - First Year (Student Services Professional IV)

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

17d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Admissions – First Year provides hands-on leadership for first-year admissions operations. Serving as a working lead, this role partners with admissions leadership to oversee daily activities of the First Year Admission Eligibility and Processing units while actively participating in evaluation and processing work. The position sets priorities, monitors workflows, ensures deadlines are met, and leads staff development, process improvements, and system enhancements to strengthen admissions operations and service delivery. Why Join Us? Play a key leadership role in shaping access and entry for first-year students. Balance strategic leadership with hands-on admissions work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Lead and mentor a team while contributing to operational innovation and system improvements. Collaborate with campus partners in a mission-driven, student-centered admissions office. Join an institution committed to access, excellence, and continuous improvement in enrollment services.

Requirements

• Equivalent 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.
• Four years of professional work experience in a university setting in admissions, advising, evaluations or other student service related office.
• Experience in navigating and articulating complex institutional regulations and/or academic policies governing a public or private university.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to small and large groups.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, utilizing data-driven tools in Excel.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and mentoring staff to meet departmental goals.

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day lead work direction and operational oversight of first-year admission eligibility and processing functions.
• Set priorities, monitor workflows, and ensure timely completion of admissions cycles and deadlines.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate staff to support performance, growth, and achievement of departmental goals.
• Lead procedural improvements and support enhancements to PeopleSoft, Campus Solutions, and OnBase systems.
• Interpret and apply complex admissions policies and institutional regulations while supporting data-informed decision-making.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

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