Program Manager for Advising and Student Success (Student Services Professional IV)

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

10d • $6,320 - $9,014 • Onsite

About The Position

San Diego State University’s Orientation, Transition and Family Engagement department is seeking a collaborative, student-centered Program Manager for Advising and Student Success. The role supports Coordinated Care Advisors, peer advisors, SDSU Ambassadors, and campus partners through advising, registration preparation, training, outreach, and student-success initiatives throughout the academic year and during New Student Orientation. The position helps students understand graduation requirements, advising resources, registration processes, and opportunities for academic success. It serves as a primary point of contact for advising-related initiatives, builds campus partnerships, and uses student-success data and feedback to strengthen programs and improve the student experience.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible permanent/probationary position, classified as exempt and not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though they may vary based on operational needs. The position is on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

The department coordinates orientation programs for first-year, transfer, and graduate students, as well as sessions for parents and family supporters covering student-success resources, academic requirements, university policies, financial aid, and the transition to college. Through orientation and related welcome programs, it builds community, connects students and families with campus resources, and supports a successful start to the SDSU experience.

The CSU classification salary range is $6,320–$9,014 per month; the hiring salary is not expected to exceed $6,320 per month. Salary is based on experience, education, and qualifications, within departmental budget and equity guidelines.

The position requires the equivalent of graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, plus upper-division or graduate coursework in job-related counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution. Required knowledge and abilities are typically demonstrated through the equivalent of four years of progressively responsible professional student-services experience, including individual and group advising and analysis and resolution of complex student-services problems. A master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a job-related field may substitute for one year of professional experience. A doctorate and appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling, guidance, or a job-related field may substitute for two years of required experience for positions with major professional, personal, or career counseling responsibilities. A master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field is preferred.

Applications submitted by November 11 will receive full consideration; later applications will be reviewed as needed, and the position remains open until filled. The role is subject to mandated-reporter requirements and a satisfactory background check. Applicants must already be authorized to work full-time in the United States; SDSU does not sponsor staff or management positions.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, plus upper-division or graduate coursework in job-related counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution.
• Equivalent to four years of progressively responsible professional student-services work experience, including individual and group student advising and analysis and resolution of complex student-services problems.
• Progressively responsible experience supporting students through advising, student services, or related programs.
• Ability to provide thoughtful, inclusive individual and group advising, including for students navigating complex or sensitive academic concerns.
• Sound judgment, confidentiality, and problem-solving skills in addressing academic, registration, enrollment, and student-success needs.
• Ability to plan and coordinate complex programs, timelines, training, and operations involving multiple campus departments and partners.
• Ability to design, facilitate, and assess engaging training for advisors, student leaders, peer educators, and campus colleagues.
• Experience or ability using advising, student-success, degree-audit, and student information systems to document support, conduct outreach, and monitor student progress.
• Ability to analyze data, feedback, and operational trends to identify needs, evaluate programs, and recommend improvements.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse communities while balancing multiple priorities, coordinating work, and providing functional leadership.
• Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Satisfactory completion of a background check is required.
• Compliance with mandated-reporter requirements under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and CSU Executive Order 1083 is required.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating advising, orientation, registration, transition, retention, or other student-success programs across multiple departments.
• Experience training or providing guidance to professional advisors, peer advisors, student leaders, or ambassadors.
• Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including first-generation, commuter, or academically at-risk students.
• Familiarity with EAB Navigate or a comparable student-success platform.

Responsibilities

• Lead Coordinated Care Advising strategy, training, outreach, assessment, and day-to-day operations across OTFE and campus partners.
• Plan and coordinate advising, registration preparation, staffing, materials, technology, and operational details for New Student Orientation.
• Develop and facilitate training for professional advisors, peer advisors, SDSU Ambassadors, and campus partners on academic requirements, advising tools, and registration processes.
• Provide complex individual and group advising related to academic progress, course planning, registration, enrollment, referrals, and other student-success concerns.
• Build collaborative relationships with Enrollment Services, academic colleges, advising units, and student-support partners to address challenges and improve coordinated services.
• Use student-success data, participation trends, and feedback to guide outreach, evaluate programs, and recommend improvements to advising, transition, retention, and orientation 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 coverage options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal plans, 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: Manager