Hospitality Specialist (Housing Operations Professional III)

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a highly organized and service-oriented Hospitality Specialist to lead housing hospitality operations within the Office of Housing Administration. This role manages conference services, front desk operations, guest services, and specialized housing programs while ensuring high-quality service, operational efficiency, and strong campus partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Housing Operations Management 
  • Oversee hospitality programs, including summer conferences, guest housing, front desk operations, tours, events, and meeting space management.
  • Manage complex housing programs (e.g., reservations, exemptions, lotteries, events) while ensuring alignment with financial, operational, and strategic goals.
  • Serve as primary contact for clients and partners; coordinate logistics, contracts, scheduling, and vendor services to support revenue and efficiency.
  • Resolve complex service issues and emergencies, ensure policy compliance, and recommend process improvements to enhance operations.
• Leadership & Training 
  • Lead and supervise professional staff, student employees, and front desk teams; provide training and ongoing development.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive work environment focused on high-quality customer service and student support.
  • Ensure staff are knowledgeable of policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.
  • Provide direction, coaching, and performance feedback to support team success.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement 
  • Partner with campus departments and external stakeholders to coordinate housing services and programs.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams and committees to improve housing operations and policies.
  • Represent housing operations at meetings, events, and conferences.
  • Build strong relationships to support seamless service delivery and institutional priorities.

Why Join Us?

• Lead high-impact housing and hospitality programs serving students and campus guests
• Build partnerships and drive operational excellence in a dynamic environment
• Apply leadership, customer service, and program management expertise
• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and well-run campus housing experience

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.  
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure, and human resources at San Diego State University.

The Office of Housing Administration (OHA) is a self-funded operation responsible for planning, providing, and administering housing operations, services, and facilities with over 100 employees and more than 150 student assistants. With an annual operating budget exceeding $159 million, OHA provides housing for over 9,000 students, live-in professional staff, and faculty across 25 residential buildings totaling more than 2 million square feet of residential facilities. OHA also operates SDSU-IV housing at the Imperial Valley campus. OHA manages the operation of residence halls, apartments, and conference and event spaces. In partnership with the Residential Education Office (REO), OHA supports the educational mission of the university while providing the business operations for all housing-related functions, ensuring a high-quality environment that enhances the student educational experience.

For more information regarding the Office of Housing Administration, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted f