Assistant to the Dean (Executive Assistant I)

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

20h • Onsite

About The Position

Are you a highly organized, strategic administrative professional who thrives in a fast-paced executive environment? The Assistant to the Dean serves as a trusted partner to the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, providing high-level administrative and operational support that advances the College’s strategic priorities. This role serves as a key liaison between the Dean, executive leadership, school directors, faculty, university administrators, and community partners. Requiring discretion, independent judgment, and proactive communication, this position plays a vital role in supporting college-wide initiatives, faculty recruitment processes, special events, and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Relevant education and/or experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience managing complex executive calendars and competing priorities.
• Experience coordinating meetings and events with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and apply established policies and procedures.
• Experience preparing travel documentation and processing expense reports.
• Demonstrated professionalism and sound judgment in handling confidential matters.
• Experience supporting faculty recruitment or similar procedural processes.
• Project coordination experience across multiple departments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting a Dean, Vice President, or equivalent executive is preferred.
• Experience in higher education is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Executive Support: Manage the Dean’s complex calendar, coordinate meetings and communications, prepare briefing materials and correspondence, and ensure timely follow-up on key initiatives and action items.
• Leadership Liaison: Serve as a primary point of contact between the Dean and campus leadership, school directors, faculty, staff, students, and external partners, facilitating clear and professional communication.
• Faculty Recruitment Coordination: Support tenure-track search processes by coordinating documentation, monitoring timelines, scheduling interviews, and ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Strategic Operations: Maintain organized records and file systems, conduct research and analysis to support decision-making, and provide guidance on university policies and procedures.
• Event & Commencement Leadership: Coordinate major college events, including commencement and special initiatives, overseeing logistics such as venues, guest management, communications, and on-site facilitation.
• Development & Engagement Support: Assist with donor relations, gift acknowledgments, alumni engagement, and special events in partnership with the College Development team.
• Travel & Logistics Management: Coordinate comprehensive travel arrangements and itineraries for the Dean, ensuring compliance with university and external organization requirements.

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: Entry Level