Program Director, Parent and Family Programs, (Student Services Professional IV)

Position Summary

The Program Director for Parent and Family Programs provides strategic leadership, vision, and coordination for programs that foster meaningful engagement between San Diego State University and parents, families, and supporters of students. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students for Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs, this position oversees the planning, implementation, and assessment of initiatives that promote student success, retention, and belonging through orientation, transition and family engagement. The Program Director works collaboratively across university divisions, leads and guides the work of professional staff, supervises student leader staff, and ensures high-quality, data-informed programs and communications that strengthen the partnership between families and the university community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of Parent and Family Programs, including Parent and Family Orientation, Family Weekend, and New Student and Family Convocation.
• Develop and execute strategic communication plans for parents and families, including newsletters, social media, and the official SDSU Parent and Family website.
• Lead, guide, mentor and/or supervise professional staff, graduate assistants, and student leaders, including the SDSU Ambassadors.
• Partner with campus departments and community organizations to promote engagement, retention, and student safety and  well-being.
• Manage program budgets, track expenditures, and contribute to fundraising and grant initiatives that support departmental goals.
• Oversee the assessment of parent and family engagement initiatives, analyze data, and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Serve as a campus resource and advocate for family engagement, representing the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity on committees and at university events.
• Support divisional emergency response protocols and assist in addressing student and family concerns in collaboration with campus partners.

Apply now to join a dynamic team committed to supporting student success through strong family and community partnerships at San Diego State University.

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. (This position routinely involves travel, evening, and weekend work) 
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

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. 

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.
• Introduces new graduate students to tools and resources to support a successful  orientation and transition to postsecondary education at SDSU, whether it’s a certificate, credential, master’s or doctoral program.
• 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 par