SWANA Initiatives Specialist

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

San José State University seeks a SWANA Initiatives Specialist within the Mosaic Cross Cultural Center to develop and assess culturally relevant programs for SWANA students. You will recruit and supervise undergraduate staff, foster belonging, and coordinate partnerships with campus and community groups to support persistence and graduation outcomes.

The role emphasizes leadership development, outreach activities, and creating inclusive spaces while aligning with university policies and equity

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies, Sociology, Psychology or related field.
• Two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas; master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development, planning, coordination, and assessment of SWANA-focused programs and workshops.
• Coordinate outreach with campus partners and SWANA affinity groups.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate undergraduate student staff leaders.
• Maintain relationships with campus partners and promote inclusive, affirming spaces.

Skills

Communication skills

SWANA knowledge

Event planning

Assessment/reporting

Staff supervision

Relationship building

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies, Sociology, Psychology or related field

Job description

Job no: 560943 Work type: Staff Location: San José Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Program Director for the Mosaic Cross Cultural Center, the SWANA Initiatives Specialist supports the development, coordination, implementation, and assessment of culturally relevant student success programs and workshops that center and celebrate the experiences, identities, and contributions of students of Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) descent. Through these efforts, the Specialist fosters a strong sense of belonging, cultural affirmation, and community connection, key factors that contribute to student persistence, retention, and overall graduation outcomes. The role prioritizes creating inclusive, identity-affirming spaces and initiatives that promote engagement, leadership development, and holistic student success within the SWANA student community. The Specialist assists with the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of undergraduate student leaders in a manner that empowers them to lead their own special projects and achieve desired outcomes for the programs they support. Promote a welcoming, friendly, and affirming cultural academic space within the Mosaic Cross Cultural Center that values, respects, and promotes cross-cultural engagement and an appreciation for the diverse SWANA communities at SJSU. The Specialist works jointly with Mosaic’s professional and student staff to coordinate the daily operations of the center, including participation in outreach and yield efforts throughout the academic year which may include offering presentations, workshops, and resource tabling. The SWANA Initiatives Specialist will sustain major SWANA programs, including SWANA Welcome and SWANA Heritage Month planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the development, planning, coordination, and assessment of culturally-sustaining student success programs, events, activities, and workshops designed to support SWANA student transition, retention, and graduation.
• Stay informed and be familiar with institutional policies and procedures as it relates to program/event planning and implementation.
• Identify, build, and maintain relationships with affinity SWANA groups, including recognized student organizations to enhance coordinator presence with the SWANA student community.
• Participate in meetings and program planning committees to implement programming plans and identify additional collaborative partnerships for promoting and executing SWANA-rooted initiatives.
• Assist with the coordination of outreach efforts with Student Outreach and Recruitment, Admitted Spartan Day, University Orientation Programs, and Weeks of Welcome.
• Coordinate building relationships between Mosaic, CAPISE, and SJSU SWANA affinity groups.
• Assist with the recruitment, hiring, training, directing, supervision, and the evaluation of undergraduate student staff leaders.
• Supervises student staff by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and facilitating professional development; supports students’ holistic well-being by monitoring workload and workplace climate, making referrals to campus resources, and advocating for conditions that promote student success and retention.
• Provides guidance and support to students by identifying needs, offering direction, and connecting students to appropriate campus and community resources to promote well-being, engagement, and success.
• Provides targeted support and advocacy for students experiencing barriers to persistence by connecting them to retention, basic needs, and crisis support services; coordinates appropriate referrals and interventions in alignment with university protocols.
• Coordinates logistics for meetings and events including room reservations, set-up, catering, and technology support.
• Assists with assessment efforts by collecting, tracking, and analyzing program data to assess effectiveness; prepares reports and summaries to inform program improvement and support student success outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of and skill working with Southwest Asian & North African college students.
• Knowledge and understanding of asset-based frameworks used to support Southwest Asian & North African college students.
• Ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
• Knowledge of assessment techniques and ability to develop cohesive reports.
• Ability to use a broad range of computer skills and software.
• Ability to take initiative, collaborate, and complete projects.
• Ability to prepare various documents including program and activity schedules and workshop curricula
• Apply judgment, discretion and maintain confidentiality in performing complex tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply high level analytical skills to take effective action while independently carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to promote, organize and facilitate group meetings.
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple work priorities and organize various projects and to follow safety and confidentiality protocols.
• Ability to keep supervisor informed about goal progress and relevant campus partner initiatives.
• Ability to recommend initiatives and changes to improve quality of services/programs.
• Ability to independently handle multiple work unit priorities and projects.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices.
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner.

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job‑related field.
• Two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field. A master’s degree in a job‑related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Ethnic Studies, Sociology, Psychology or related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing or supporting programs and initiatives that foster student sense of belonging, community building, and engagement in a higher education environment.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating student programs or workshops in a higher education setting.
• Two years of experience working directly with Southwest Asian and/or North African (SWANA) college students in a higher education setting.
• One year of experience hiring, training, and supervising college student staff, including providing ongoing mentorship and development.
• Experience collaborating with campus and community partners to support student needs and initiatives.

Compensation

Classification: Student Services Professional II Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,083/month CSU Salary Range: $5,083/month - $7,228/month San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: August 26, 2026 through September 16, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

People and Culture [e-mail]

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to [e-mail].

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, 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 CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis. The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire. SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS) All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Advertised: August 26, 2026 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time Applications close: Open until filled