Position Summary

The Assistant Program Director for Orientation and Transition Programs plays a key role in welcoming new students and their families to San Diego State University. This position helps design and deliver programs that make the transition to college smooth, inclusive, and engaging, ensuring every student feels connected and ready to succeed.

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students for Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs, the Assistant Program Director leads and supports initiatives that foster belonging and academic success for new undergraduate, graduate, and transfer students. This position also works closely with the SDSU Ambassadors, the university’s official student representatives, to create a welcoming and spirited environment for all new Aztecs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, and execute New Student Orientation, Parent and Family Orientation, Welcome Week, Family Weekend, and other transition programs.
• Manage program and event planning logistics including scheduling, facilities, reservations, catering, and audiovisual support.
• Partner with campus offices to create inclusive, engaging experiences that support student success and retention.
• Assist with the recruitment, training, and supervision of SDSU Ambassadors, providing leadership and mentorship to student staff.
• Support the development of program communications and materials, such as websites, digital content, and publications.
• Collect and analyze program assessment data to guide improvements and future planning.
• Represent the department on university committees and participate in professional development.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and programs.

Join a collaborative, student-centered team and help shape the first experiences of thousands of new Aztecs.

Apply now to make a lasting impact at San Diego State University!

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. 
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. 
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. (Willingness to travel and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, with advance notice)
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego

Department Summary

New Student and Parent Programs (NSPP), within the Office of the Dean of Students, provides students, parents and families with the preparation, information, and support necessary for student success as they enter the university community and enhance the academic and personal growth of SDSU students through a partnership between parents/families and the university. 

The Office of New Student and Parent Programs houses the following three areas; New Student Orientation and Transition Programs, SDSU Ambassadors and Parent and Family Programs.

The Office of New Student and Parent Programs accomplishes this through collaborative partnerships with the campus and external communities, while respecting student access and diversity and engaging in assessment and continuous improvement of programs. The Office of New Student and Parent Programs believes that SDSU parents and families are valuable partners in the transition and retention of their students. 

The Office of New Student and Parent Programs, supports and enhances student success through Orientation, Transition and Retention initiatives.

• Supports new undergraduate SDSU students in their transition and retention to University life through quality orientation programs and student development initiatives to set a strong foundation for all students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
• Fosters a sense of community and belonging for SDSU students through their college transition by hiring, training and providing continuous professional development of 120 student leaders, the SDSU Ambassadors, to serve as the official student representatives, tour guides, and orientation leaders of San Diego State University.
• Introduces new graduate students to tools and resources to support a successful  orientation and transition to postsecondary education at SDSU, whether it’s a certificate, credential, master’s or doctoral program.
• Cultivates a philosophy of partnership with parents and families of SDSU students through transition programs, such as Parent & Family Orientation, New Student and Family Convocation and Family Weekend.
• Fosters a sense of philanthropy and connection for SDSU parents and families through the Aztec Parents Association, the Aztec Parents Fund, and the Aztec Parents Advisory Board.
• Responds to changing student needs and expectations through the evaluation and assessment of new student programs, parent and family programs, resources and services, communications including orientation, transition and retention initiatives.

For more information regarding the Student Affairs New Student and Parent Programs Department, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related. 

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.

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.

Key Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, or a related field is preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of the theories, practices, and trends of Student Affairs and Student Development models.
• Knowledge of how new student and parent programming supports the educational mission of the University.
• Comprehensive understanding of campus services and the concerns of incoming and continuing students as well as parents.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute large-scale events to welcome new students and families, including coordination, implementation, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to create programs responsive to a diverse and multicultural environment that foster inclusion and belonging.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to changing needs with initiative and resourcefulness.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships across campus units and with individuals of varied backgrounds and priorities.
• Proficiency in PC applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Google Workspace tools (Mail, Calendar, Drive, Sheets, Docs, Slides, Forms).
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred).

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 - $7,893/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540/month.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• 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.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by November 19, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.