Associate Program Director for Student Organizations, Center for Student Organizations & Activities (Student Services Professional IV)

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director for the Center for Student Organizations & Activities, the Associate Program Director for Student Organizations provides leadership for student organization compliance, support, and harm reduction efforts across campus. This position oversees key processes related to recognized student organizations, event permitting, and alternative programming, while providing work directions to staff and advising student leaders and organizations. The incumbent collaborates extensively with campus partners, Associated Students, and departments within the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity to support a vibrant, compliant, and inclusive student organization environment. The role also supports university-wide compliance with statutory, CSU, and SDSU policies and reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead compliance, training, and harm reduction initiatives for student organizations through advising, programming, and education.
• Oversee recognized student organization processes, including registration, recognition, and event permitting.
• Provide work direction and support to staff, and serve as a mentor and advisor to students, organization leaders, and advisors.
• Collaborate with campus partners and Division departments to coordinate programming and support student engagement initiatives.
• Provide project-based support and back-up generalist assistance to programs within the Office of the Dean of Students, as assigned.

Why Join Us?

• Shape a safe, inclusive, and engaging campus experience for student organizations and student leaders.
• Collaborate with a wide range of campus partners across Student Affairs, Associated Students, and academic units.
• Exercise leadership and creativity in developing compliance, harm reduction, and engagement strategies.
• Support student development, leadership, and persistence to graduation in a mission-driven university environment.
• Be part of a dynamic role that values innovation, collaboration, and meaningful student impact.

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. (Evening and weekend work are routinely part of this position)
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Center for Student Organizations and Activities (CSOA) at San Diego State University is the primary campus office supporting student involvement through Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) and co-curricular engagement. CSOA provides student leaders, advisors, and members of existing and new organizations with essential resources and guidance on events, policies, procedures, services, and organizational development.

Through collaborations with students, faculty, staff, advisors, and Associated Students, CSOA assists with event planning, fundraising, leadership development, and operational support for student groups. The Center also helps organizations navigate recognition, access campus tools and forms, and connect with broader university resources and partners.

CSOA’s mission is to empower student leaders, foster a vibrant student organization community, and promote meaningful involvement experiences that enhance leadership growth and student success.

For more information regarding the Center for Student Organizations and Activities, 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