Doctoral Program Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator II)

Position Summary

The Doctoral Program Coordinator plays a central role in supporting SDSU’s doctoral community by helping ensure the smooth progression of students from admission through degree completion. Working under the supervision of the Doctoral Program Specialist and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, this position serves as a key liaison between doctoral programs and campus partners, including Financial Aid, the Bursar’s Office, Graduate Admissions, and the Registrar. The Doctoral Program Coordinator will support more than 30 doctoral programs, providing coordination, communication, and administrative experience while monitoring student milestones and maintaining critical academic records. This is an ideal opportunity for an organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys supporting advanced academic programs and collaborating across a complex university environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an initial point of contact for doctoral students, faculty, and staff, responding to inquiries and resolving routine academic and administrative matters.
• Coordinate and track doctoral student progress and milestones, including admissions, committee formation, advancement to candidacy, and dissertation defense.
• Review, approve, and process academic progress forms, petitions, faculty appointments, and student records in accordance with university policies and deadlines.
• Maintain and share doctoral program information through Canvas, newsletters, websites, and campus systems, co-lead biannual Doctoral Town Halls.
• Collaborate with doctoral program directors and campus partners to address issues, support workflows, and ensure accurate degree evaluation processes.

Why Join Us?

• Support the success of doctoral students and faculty across a wide range of academic disciplines.
• Work closely with campus leadership and partners in the College of Graduate Studies.
• Use your organizational and communication skills in a role with campus-wide impact.
• Gain exposure to advanced academic processes and doctoral-level program administration.
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven university committed to academic excellence and student success.

Position Information

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of one year after initial hire date with the possibility of reappointment. 

• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is 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.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego after a 6 month training period.

Department Summary

The College of Graduate Studies (CGS) provides leadership, advocacy, financial support, and coordination for all graduate and pos-baccalaureate education at San Diego State University, including the 138+ master’s and 31+ doctoral programs. The organization consists of approximately 12 full-time personnel, led by the Dean. Core office functions include degree evaluation and conferral, student services, implementation of policy of the Graduate Council, SDSU, CSU, and California Ed. Code Title V, and administration of graduate student funding.

For more information regarding the College of Graduate Studies, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires a fully functional knowledge of and skill in standard office procedures and practices, as well as an ability to understand and operate in a variety of organizational structures. Additionally, incumbents are expected to have a thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation and be able to clearly communicate orally and in writing. Some positions may require a knowledge of business mathematics beyond basic arithmetic. The ability to use and quickly learn new office support technology systems and software packages is also a prerequisite.

These qualifications would normally be obtained through a high school program, technical/vocational program, or their equivalents combined with several years of related office work experience.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, or a related field or the equivalent of 3 years of progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience in a supervised office setting is preferred.
• Experience working in a university or higher education environment, with general knowledge of applicable campus i