Program Director, Center for Intercultural Relations (Student Services Professional IV)

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

9d • $6,320 - $9,014 • Onsite

About The Position

San Diego State University is seeking a collaborative and student-centered Program Director to lead the Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR). Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President for Campus and Community Affairs, the Program Director oversees the center’s programs, operations, staff, and resources while supporting a welcoming environment for students from diverse cultural, racial, religious, and identity backgrounds. The Program Director serves as a key campus partner, student advocate, and resource to faculty and staff. This position works across departments and with community organizations to strengthen student success, belonging, leadership development, engagement, and retention. The role also supports the continued growth and visibility of CIR through inclusive programming, student outreach, campus partnerships, communication, and advocacy.

Requirements

• Knowledge of student development, leadership, and identity development theories, with the ability to apply them when supporting individuals and groups.
• Experience designing, implementing, assessing, and improving student programs, educational workshops, events, or services.
• Skill in building collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, community partners, and student organizations.
• Clear and respectful communication skills, including the ability to present information, prepare reports, and engage with varied audiences.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when responding to sensitive, complex, or emotionally charged situations.
• Capacity to manage multiple programs, priorities, and complex assignments while meeting deadlines and working with minimal direction.
• Experience recruiting, training, guiding, or supervising student employees and supporting student leadership or advocacy efforts.
• Ability to analyze information, navigate conflict, mediate concerns, and recommend thoughtful solutions that support an inclusive environment.
• 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.
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience leading student services programs or operations in a college or university setting.
• Background advising students individually or in groups on complex, sensitive, or varied matters.
• Experience using qualitative and quantitative data, assessment findings, budgets, and operational information to guide decisions and improve programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee CIR’s programs, daily operations, staffing, budget, facilities, and resources while ensuring alignment with university and divisional priorities.
• Lead the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support student belonging, leadership, academic success, engagement, and retention.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus departments, community organizations, alumni, and other partners to expand resources and support for students.
• Serve as a mentor and resource to students, providing guidance, support, and appropriate referrals related to academic, personal, cultural, and well-being concerns.
• Represent CIR across campus and promote its programs, services, and priorities through outreach, communications, assessment reports, advocacy, and university-wide initiatives.

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