Hospitality Specialist (Housing Operations Professional III)

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

San Diego State University is seeking a highly organized and service-oriented Hospitality Specialist to lead housing hospitality operations within the Office of Housing Administration. This role manages conference services, front desk operations, guest services, and specialized housing programs while ensuring high-quality service, operational efficiency, and strong campus partnerships. The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure, and human resources at San Diego State University. The Office of Housing Administration (OHA) is a self-funded operation responsible for planning, providing, and administering housing operations, services, and facilities with over 100 employees and more than 150 student assistants. With an annual operating budget exceeding $159 million, OHA provides housing for over 9,000 students, live-in professional staff, and faculty across 25 residential buildings totaling more than 2 million square feet of residential facilities. OHA also operates SDSU-IV housing at the Imperial Valley campus. OHA manages the operation of residence halls, apartments, and conference and event spaces. In partnership with the Residential Education Office (REO), OHA supports the educational mission of the university while providing the business operations for all housing-related functions, ensuring a high-quality environment that enhances the student educational experience.

Requirements

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience.
• Additional 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.
• An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience utilizing specialized in-depth expertise to coordinate and administer unique programs and independently handle difficult and complex situations such as emergency and crisis response.
• Experience providing strategic input on housing program development and processes.
• Experience designing comprehensive training programs on housing operations policies, practices, and procedures.
• Previous experience leading or supervising professional staff.
• Proficiency in the following Software programs: Office Suite and Google Suite, with advanced skills in Excel and Google Spreadsheets, Smartsheets, StarRez, AdobeAcrobat and Adobe Sign, Concur preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in a related field preferred.
• At least five years of customer service experience preferred.
• At least five years of professional experience managing housing operations, logistics, programs and special projects preferred.
• StarRez Advanced Reporting Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee hospitality programs, including summer conferences, guest housing, front desk operations, tours, events, and meeting space management.
• Manage complex housing programs (e.g., reservations, exemptions, lotteries, events) while ensuring alignment with financial, operational, and strategic goals.
• Serve as primary contact for clients and partners; coordinate logistics, contracts, scheduling, and vendor services to support revenue and efficiency.
• Resolve complex service issues and emergencies, ensure policy compliance, and recommend process improvements to enhance operations.
• Lead and supervise professional staff, student employees, and front desk teams; provide training and ongoing development.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive work environment focused on high-quality customer service and student support.
• Ensure staff are knowledgeable of policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Provide direction, coaching, and performance feedback to support team success.
• Partner with campus departments and external stakeholders to coordinate housing services and programs.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and committees to improve housing operations and policies.
• Represent housing operations at meetings, events, and conferences.
• Build strong relationships to support seamless service delivery and institutional priorities.

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees