Student Success Lead Advisor (Student Services Professional III)

San Diego State University • San Diego, CA

9h • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the SDSU Imperial Valley Dean of Students, the Student Success Lead Advisor provides comprehensive academic advising and counseling to support the holistic success of SDSU Imperial Valley students. This position advises students on academic planning, transition to the university, financial aid referrals, personal development, and academic standing, while addressing complex and sensitive student concerns. The incumbent plays a leadership role within the Student Affairs unit, providing work direction to professional staff and contributing to the strategic goals of the campus, division, and university. The role requires independent judgment, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of student services to support student persistence, retention, and success.

Requirements

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related.
• Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required.
• A master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
• A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is required.
• One year of experience supporting low-income, traditionally underserved, and disadvantaged student populations and utilizing individual counseling techniques.
• Minimum of one year experience advising students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters.
• Minimum of two years of experience analyzing complex situations accurately and adopting effective courses of action.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to collect, compile, evaluate, and interpret data; analyze complex situations; draw valid conclusions; and develop sound recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to advise students individually and in groups on both routine and complex student-related matters, including sensitive or contentious situations, while applying appropriate counseling and communication techniques.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations, recognizing multicultural, multi-gender, and multi-aged perspectives, and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with students, colleagues, and campus partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising and counseling to students on academic planning, transitions, financial aid referrals, personal development, and academic standing.
• Address complex and sensitive student issues independently, determining appropriate courses of action when established policies or procedures may not exist.
• Provide leadership and work direction to professional staff within the Student Services Unit, supporting effective service delivery.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess student needs, inform recommendations, and support program improvements.
• Collaborate with campus partners to advance student success initiatives aligned with institutional and divisional goals.

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: 5,001-10,000 employees