Job no: 548489
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

Join a dynamic team shaping the future of student success at San Diego State University!
The Program Director for Orientation and Transition Programs plays a pivotal role in creating a welcoming and inclusive campus experience for new students and their families. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students for Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs, this position offers the opportunity to lead high-impact initiatives that support student engagement and success.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY

New Student and Parent Programs (NSPP), within the Office of the Dean of Students, provides students, parents and families with the preparation, information, and support necessary for student success as they enter the university community and enhance the academic and personal growth of SDSU students through a partnership between parents/families and the university.
The Office of New Student and Parent Programs accomplishes this through collaborative partnerships with the campus and external communities, while respecting student access and diversity and engaging in assessment and continuous improvement of programs.

New Student and Parent Programs, supports and enhances student success through Orientation, Transition and Retention initiatives.

• Supports new undergraduate and graduate SDSU students in their transition and retention to University life through quality orientation programs and student development initiatives to set a strong foundation for all students to achieve their academic and personal goals.
• Fosters a sense of community and belonging for SDSU students through their college transition by hiring, training and providing continuous professional development of 120 student leaders, the SDSU Ambassadors, to serve as the official student representatives, tour guides, and orientation leaders of San Diego State University.
• Cultivates a philosophy of partnership with parents and families of SDSU students through transition programs, such as Parent & Family Orientation, New Student and Family Convocation and Family Weekend.
• Fosters a sense of philanthropy and connection for SDSU parents and families through the Aztec Parents Association, the Aztec Parents Fund, and the Aztec Parents Advisory Board.
• Responds to changing student needs and expectations through the evaluation and assessment of new student programs, parent and family programs, resources and services, communications including orientation, transition and retention initiatives

For more information regarding the Office of New Student and Parent Programs, 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 these 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

• Working knowledge or the ability to acquire knowledge of the following software:
• PC – MS Office –Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Google applications (Mail, Calendar, Drive, Sheets, Docs, Slides, Forms, Chat, etc).
• Campus Specific Applications including, but not limited to, EAB/SDSU Navigate, my.SDSU, etc.
• Modern Campus Suite (e.g. Involve, Omni, etc.)
• VisualZen/VZO
• Qualtrics
• Canvas
• Canva
• PeopleSoft
• 5+ years of professional responsible experience working with orientation, transition, or parent/family programs is preferred.

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.

• Provide strategic leadership in the development, implementation, and assessment of orientation and transition programs for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as their families.
• Collaborate with departments across the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity and other university divisions to coordinate campus-wide orientation efforts.
• Supervise and mentor the SDSU Ambassadors program, overseeing 125–150 student assistants and leaders.
• Foster a sense of belonging and community for incoming students and families through innovative programming and outreach.
• Represent the university in various capacities, including occasional travel and evening/weekend commitments.

Why You Should Apply:

• Make a meaningful impact on the student experience at one of California’s leading public universities.
• Lead and innovate programs that shape the transition journey for thousands of new Aztecs each year.

• Join a passionate team dedicated to student success and institutional excellence.

  and help shape the Aztec experience!