Program Director, Center for Intercultural Relations (Student Services Professional IV)

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

Job summary

San Diego State University seeks a collaborative Program Director to lead the Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR). You will oversee programs, staff, budget, and campus partnerships while advancing inclusive, student-centered services and advocacy across departments and the community.

The role emphasizes mentoring students, coordinating programs to boost belonging and persistence, and representing CIR in university-wide initiatives and outreach efforts.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field plus upper-division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques.
• Progressively responsible professional student services work experience including advising students and resolving complex issues.
• Master's degree in counseling, Higher Education, or related field may substitute for one year of experience; doctorate with internship/substitution for two years.

Responsibilities

• Oversee CIR’s programs, daily operations, staff, budget and facilities.
• Lead development and evaluation of programs and services for student belonging and retention.
• Build partnerships with campus departments, community organizations, alumni, and others.
• Mentor students and provide guidance, referrals for academic, personal, cultural, and wellness needs.
• Represent CIR across campus, promoting programs and priorities through outreach and assessment.

Skills

Student development theories

Program design

Collaborative relationships

Effective communication

Judgment and confidentiality

Multitasking and prioritization

Supervising student employees

Conflict resolution

Education

Master's degree in counseling or higher education

Four years of professional student services experience

Doctorate with internship in counseling (substitutions)

Job description

Program Director, Center for Intercultural Relations (Student Services Professional IV)

Job no: 561983
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a collaborative and student-centered Program Director to lead the Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR). Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President for Campus and Community Affairs, the Program Director oversees the center’s programs, operations, staff, and resources while supporting a welcoming environment for students from diverse cultural, racial, religious, and identity backgrounds.

The Program Director serves as a key campus partner, student advocate, and resource to faculty and staff. This position works across departments and with community organizations to strengthen student success, belonging, leadership development, engagement, and retention. The role also supports the continued growth and visibility of CIR through inclusive programming, student outreach, campus partnerships, communication, and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee CIR’s programs, daily operations, staffing, budget, facilities, and resources while ensuring alignment with university and divisional priorities.
• Lead the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support student belonging, leadership, academic success, engagement, and retention.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus departments, community organizations, alumni, and other partners to expand resources and support for students.
• Serve as a mentor and resource to students, providing guidance, support, and appropriate referrals related to academic, personal, cultural, and well-being concerns.
• Represent CIR across campus and promote its programs, services, and priorities through outreach, communications, assessment reports, advocacy, and university-wide initiatives.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful difference in the student experience by supporting belonging, connection, leadership, and success.
• Help create programs and resources that recognize and celebrate a wide range of cultural, racial, religious, and identity backgrounds.
• Build partnerships across SDSU and the broader community while contributing to a supportive network of student services.

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 Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR) supports the academic, personal, and professional success of all students through multicultural programming, academic advising and support, access to basic needs, and wellness programming. This center provides a home-like environment for students with several meeting and living spaces for students to hang out, study, and build community with others. All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in the CIR are welcome. Learn more by reading SDSU's Affi…

For more information regarding the Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR), click here .

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

• Knowledge of student development, leadership, and identity development theories, with the ability to apply them when supporting individuals and groups.
• Experience designing, implementing, assessing, and improving student programs, educational workshops, events, or services.
• Skill in building collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, community partners, and student organizations.
• Clear and respectful communication skills, including the ability to present information, prepare reports, and engage with varied audiences.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when responding to sensitive, complex, or emotionally charged situations.
• Capacity to manage multiple programs, priorities, and complex assignments while meeting deadlines and working with minimal direction.
• Experience recruiting, training, guiding, or supervising student employees and supporting student leadership or advocacy efforts.
• Ability to analyze information, navigate conflict, mediate concerns, and recommend thoughtful solutions that support an inclusive environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience leading student services programs or operations in a college or university setting.
• Background advising students individually or in groups on complex, sensitive, or varied matters.
• Experience using qualitative and quantitative data, assessment findings, budgets, and operational information to guide decisions and improve programs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

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 theImmigration 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 Tyler Emery, [e-mail]

Advertised: Oct 08 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: