Pride Center Program Director (Student Services Professional IV)

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

San Diego State University is seeking an engaged and collaborative Program Director to lead the Pride Center and advance its mission of supporting LGBTQIA+ students’ belonging, well-being, leadership development, and academic success. Reporting to the Associate Chief Diversity Officer for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, this role provides leadership for the Center’s programs, services, staff, budget, facilities, and daily operations. The Program Director serves as a trusted resource and advocate for LGBTQIA+ students while working closely with faculty, staff, campus departments, community partners, and external organizations. This highly visible position offers the opportunity to shape inclusive initiatives, strengthen student support networks, and contribute to a more connected and equitable campus community.

Requirements

• Experience developing and coordinating programs that promote student belonging, well-being, leadership development, and academic success.
• Background working in student affairs, student services, advising, or a student support program.
• Knowledge of issues affecting LGBTQIA+ students and communities, with a commitment to creating an inclusive and affirming campus environment.
• Experience managing day-to-day operations, programs, staffing needs, budgets, and other resources.
• Skill in supporting students through complex situations while balancing advocacy, empowerment, institutional responsibilities, and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with campus departments, faculty, staff, community organizations, and cultural centers.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and conflict-management skills when responding to sensitive or challenging concerns.
• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Specialized training in conflict resolution, mediation, leadership, or organizational development.
• Experience creating strategic plans, assessing programs, and using feedback or data to guide improvements.
• Leadership experience in a nonprofit, community-based organization, or other setting focused on advocacy, student support, or community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Pride Center, including staff guidance, student employee support, and program administration and facilitation.
• Support the Center’s strategic direction by developing programs, services, initiatives, and assessment practices that respond to student needs.
• Oversee the Center’s budget, purchasing, resource stewardship, reports, and compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Provide advocacy, mentorship, and support to LGBTQIA+ students while responding thoughtfully to complex student, equity, mental health, and community concerns.
• Build collaborative relationships across campus and with community partners to strengthen student success, retention, academic achievement, leadership development, and belonging.
• Represent the Pride Center and Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity through outreach, communications, campus committees, events, and community engagement.

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 options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal 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: Senior