Program Director, Graduate Life & Diversity (Student Services Professional IV)

The California State University; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Time Off

CalPERS retirement

CSU tuition waiver for employees and/​

Job summary

San Diego State University seeks a Program Director to lead the Office of Graduate Life and Diversity (GLaD). This role supports graduate students’ academic, personal, and career success through engaging programs and services, mentorship, writing support, wellness, and belonging.

The Director will supervise staff, manage operations and budgets, collaborate across campus, and use data to inform improvements while serving a diverse graduate student population.

Qualifications

• Experience advising graduate students and leading student success initiatives.
• Ability to analyze data to guide program improvements.
• Experience supervising professional staff and student workers.

Responsibilities

• Lead GLaD’s programs and day-to-day operations aligned with graduate student needs.
• Supervise staff, student employees, and consultants with mentorship.
• Develop and evaluate programs for career prep, belonging, and engagement.
• Build partnerships across campus and community to expand resources.
• Monitor budgets and compliance with university policies.
• Analyze feedback and outcomes to recommend program enhancements.

Skills

Graduate student success

Staff supervision

Program development

Stakeholder collaboration

Data analysis

Budget management

Education

Master's degree in counseling or related field

Job description

Program Director, Graduate Life & Diversity (Student Services Professional IV)

Job no: 561955
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 Program Director to lead the Office of Graduate Life and Diversity (GLaD), a unique campus resource dedicated to supporting the academic, personal, and professional success of graduate students. GLaD provides services and programs focused on graduate student engagement, community building, career preparation, writing support, leadership development, wellness, and belonging.

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Campus and Community Affairs, the Program Director will guide GLaD’s daily operations, programs, staff, and resources while building strong partnerships across campus and in the broader community. This role will engage directly with graduate students, support a diverse student population, respond to complex or sensitive concerns through appropriate referrals, and use assessment and feedback to strengthen programs and services.

Key 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 clear expectations, training, mentorship, and professional development.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs that promote graduate student success, engagement, belonging, leadership development, career readiness, and retention.
• Build collaborative relationships with campus departments, student organizations, faculty, community partners, alumni, and potential external supporters to expand resources available to graduate students.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, space use, purchasing, and operational processes while ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Analyze student feedback, participation data, and program outcomes to identify trends, prepare reports, and recommend improvements to GLaD’s services and initiatives.

Why Join Us?

• Help shape a growing and distinctive campus resource focused specifically on the success and well‑being of graduate students.
• Make a meaningful difference for students from diverse backgrounds through programs that support connection, belonging, academic progress, and career development.
• Collaborate with partners across SDSU while helping strengthen the long‑term sustainability, visibility, and impact of GLaD.
• Join a team committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where graduate students can thrive.

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 Office for Graduate Life and Diversity supports the success, well‑being, and professional growth of SDSU graduate students by fostering an inclusive environment centered on diversity, equity, and belonging. The office provides a range of resources and programs, including writing support, workshops, professional development opportunities, mental health and wellness resources, printing services, and co‑curricular activities that help graduate students build community and thrive throughout their academic and professional journeys.

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 supporting graduate students and leading student success initiatives within a large, complex university environment.
• Knowledge of graduate student success, including the academic, personal, professional, and well‑being needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
• Leadership skills to supervise and support professional staff, student employees, and graduate‑level student workers.
• Experience developing and implementing programs focused on career preparation, professional development, leadership, writing support, engagement, or holistic student success.
• Proficiency collecting, analyzing, and applying qualitative and quantitative data to assess programs and guide improvements.
• Skill in managing day‑to‑day operations, budgets, resources, events, and competing priorities within a student services program or center.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across campus, communicate the value of graduate student services, navigate sensitive concerns, and advance long‑term strategic goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Five to eight years supporting graduate students or leading graduate student services, programs, or centers.
• Background teaching graduate‑level courses, working within Graduate Studies, coordinating a writing center, or supporting graduate student research.
• Familiarity with donor relations, corporate partnerships, advancement efforts, or other strategies for expanding resources and sustaining student‑centered 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

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.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment