Executive Director, Student Health Services
California State UniversityAbout the role
San Diego State University (SDSU) is seeking a dynamic, student-centered, and visionary leader to serve as the next Executive Director of Student Health Services (SHS). This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and strategic college health professional to guide a comprehensive, AAAHC-accredited health center that serves a diverse student population of approximately 40,000. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Health, Wellness, and Student Services, the Executive Director will lead a dedicated, multidisciplinary team and provide forward-thinking administrative and clinical leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive medical care. Located on SDSU’s vibrant and beautiful campus—just minutes from San Diego’s beaches, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment—SHS is an essential part of the university’s holistic commitment to student well-being.
What You’ll Do: Lead, Connect, and Innovate Student Health
Lead a Comprehensive, Student-Centered Health System
Provide overall vision and direction for Student Health Services, ensuring high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive medical care. Guide strategic planning, policy development, and organizational sustainability while maintaining compliance with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in college health. Continuously assess and adapt services to meet evolving student and institutional needs.
Strengthen Campus and Community Partnerships
Serve as SDSU’s senior health leader and public health subject matter expert. Collaborate with campus partners, including Athletics, Student Affairs, Risk Management, and Strategic Communications—and maintain strong relationships with local, county, and state health agencies. Act as a trusted advisor to university leadership and a visible representative and spokesperson for health-related matters, particularly during public health situations and emergencies.
Advance Holistic and Integrated Care
Champion innovative approaches to student health that support medical care, prevention, education, and overall well-being. Collaborate closely with Counseling and Psychological Services and Well-being & Health Promotion to advance an integrated, student-centered model of care. Ensure ethical practice, data privacy, and HIPAA compliance across all programs and services.
Empower and Develop a High-Impact Team
Lead and support a multidisciplinary team of clinical, administrative, and management professionals. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture that values professional development, accountability, and excellence in service delivery. Work in close partnership with the Medical Director to ensure effective clinic operations and strong alignment between administrative and clinical leadership.
Steward Resources and Build for the Future
Oversee financial, human, and physical resources to ensure responsible budgeting, staffing alignment, and long-term sustainability. Identify opportunities for revenue generation, external partnerships, and philanthropic support. Position Student Health Services to adapt and thrive in a complex and evolving higher education and healthcare environment.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate is a collaborative and strategic health professional with demonstrated leadership experience in college health, student affairs, or a complex healthcare environment. You bring strong financial and administrative acumen, experience leading multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to navigate complex organizations with diplomacy and integrity.
You are deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and cultural humility, and you excel at building trust and partnerships with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community stakeholders. You communicate effectively, lead with vision and empathy, and are energized by advancing student health, well-being, and success.
Why SDSU
SDSU is a nationally recognized public research university committed to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement. Student Health Services plays a vital role in supporting students’ personal, academic, and professional journeys, and the Executive Director has the opportunity to shape the future of student health at a dynamic and diverse institution.
Position Information
- This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
- Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
- Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – F
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