Director, Graduate Life & Diversity Programs

California State University, Chico; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego State University is seeking a Program Director for Graduate Life and Diversity (GLaD) to lead services supporting graduate student success, engagement, and wellbeing. The role collaborates across campus, guides staff, and oversees budgets and programs focused on belonging, leadership development, and career readiness.

The position requires experience in advising graduate students, supervising teams, and applying data to program improvements, with a master’s degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Possession of the below required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through four years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience including advising students individually and in groups, and resolving 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 experience; a doctorate may substitute for two years for roles with major counseling responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead GLaD’s programs, services, strategic priorities, and day-to-day operations in alignment with graduate student needs and SDSU’s goals.
• Supervise and support professional staff, student employees, writing consultants, and other team members through training, mentorship, and development.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs that promote graduate student success, engagement, belonging, leadership, career readiness, and retention.
• Build collaborative relationships with campus departments, student organizations, faculty, community partners, alumni, and external supporters.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, space use, purchasing, and operational processes while ensuring compliance with policies.
• Analyze student feedback, participation data, and program outcomes to identify trends and recommend improvements.

Skills

Graduate student support

Leadership & supervision

Program development

Data analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or related field

Job description

San Diego State University is seeking a Program Director for Graduate Life and Diversity (GLaD) to lead services supporting graduate student success, engagement, and wellbeing. The role collaborates across campus, guides staff, and oversees budgets and programs focused on belonging, leadership development, and career readiness.

The position requires experience in advising graduate students, supervising teams, and applying data to program improvements, with a master’s degree in a related field.