Pride Center Program Director (Student Services Professional IV)

San Diego State University; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 71,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

San Diego State University seeks a Program Director to lead the Pride Center and advance its mission to support LGBTQIA+ students' belonging, well-being, leadership development, and academic success. Reporting to the Associate Chief Diversity Officer, this role provides leadership for programs, staff, budget, facilities, and daily operations.

The position is on-campus in San Diego with full-time status. The director will collaborate with faculty, campus departments, and community partners to

Qualifications

• Experience advising and supporting students in higher education.
• Ability to develop and coordinate programs promoting belonging and success.
• Experience managing staff, budgets, and day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Pride Center and staff guidance.
• Develop programs and assessment practices responding to student needs.
• Oversee budget, purchasing, reports, and compliance with policies.
• Provide mentorship and support to LGBTQIA+ students.
• Build collaborative relationships with campus and community partners.
• Represent the Pride Center in outreach, events, and committees.

Skills

Program development

Student affairs

Budget management

Collaboration

Advocacy

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in counseling/related field

Advanced degree substitution options (PhD/Internship)

Job description

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking an engaged and collaborative Program Director to lead the Pride Center and advance its mission of supporting LGBTQIA+ students’ belonging, well-being, leadership development, and academic success. Reporting to the Associate Chief Diversity Officer for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, this role provides leadership for the Center’s programs, services, staff, budget, facilities, and daily operations.

The Program Director serves as a trusted resource and advocate for LGBTQIA+ students while working closely with faculty, staff, campus departments, community partners, and external organizations. This highly visible position offers the opportunity to shape inclusive initiatives, strengthen student support networks, and contribute to a more connected and equitable campus community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Pride Center, including staff guidance, student employee support, and program administration and facilitation.
• Support the Center’s strategic direction by developing programs, services, initiatives, and assessment practices that respond to student needs.
• Oversee the Center’s budget, purchasing, resource stewardship, reports, and compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Provide advocacy, mentorship, and support to LGBTQIA+ students while responding thoughtfully to complex student, equity, mental health, and community concerns.
• Build collaborative relationships across campus and with community partners to strengthen student success, retention, academic achievement, leadership development, and belonging.
• Represent the Pride Center and Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity through outreach, communications, campus committees, events, and community engagement.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful difference in the experiences, success, and well-being of LGBTQIA+ students at SDSU.
• Lead a highly visible campus center that connects student support, advocacy, education, and community-building.
• Collaborate with dedicated colleagues, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners across a dynamic university environment.
• Help shape future programs, partnerships, and campus initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, and student belonging.

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.

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego

Department Summary

The Pride Center at San Diego State University fosters an open, inclusive, safe, and affirming environment for individuals of all sexual orientations, romantic orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, as well as their allies. Through community-building initiatives, advocacy, educational opportunities, and social justice programming, the Center supports students, staff, faculty, community members, and allies connected to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Recognizing that identity is dynamic and continually evolving, the Pride Center is committed to creating a space where all 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals feel seen, accepted, and valued. Students of all backgrounds who are interested in engaging with the Center are welcome to participate in its programs and services.

Education and Experience

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.

A master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling, guidance or a job-related field may be substituted for two years of the required professional experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional, personal or career counseling.

Key Qualifications

• Experience developing and coordinating programs that promote student belonging, well-being, leadership development, and academic success.
• Background working in student affairs, student services, advising, or a student support program.
• Knowledge of issues affecting LGBTQIA+ students and communities, with a commitment to creating an inclusive and affirming campus environment.
• Experience managing day-to-day operations, programs, staffing needs, budgets, and other resources.
• Skill in supporting students through complex situations while balancing advocacy, empowerment, institutional responsibilities, and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with campus departments, faculty, staff, community organizations, and cultural centers.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and conflict-management skills when responding to sensitive or challenging concerns.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized training in conflict resolution, mediation, leadership, or organizational development.
• Experience creating strategic plans, assessing programs, and using feedback or data to guide improvements.
• Leadership experience in a nonprofit, community-based organization, or other setting focused on advocacy, student support, or community engagement.

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: $6,320 - $9,014/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $6,320.00/month.[1]

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

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.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Tyler Emery, [e-mail].