San Diego State University
Assistant Program Director, Parent and Family Programs (Student Services Profess
San Diego State University, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Position Summary
The Assistant Program Director for Parent and Family Programs supports the success and belonging of new students and their families by leading programs that foster connection, inclusion, and engagement within the SDSU community. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Students for Orientation, Transition, and Family Programs, this position plays a vital role in planning, coordinating, and assessing programs such as Parent and Family Orientation, Family Weekend, New Student and Family Convocation, and Welcome Week events. The Assistant Program Director also develops culturally responsive initiatives that engage First-Generation and Latinx families, supports communications including newsletters and social media, and provides leadership development for the SDSU Ambassadors, the university’s official student representatives. The position collaborates across campus to ensure parents and families are informed, supported, and empowered as partners in student success.
Key Responsibilities
Plan, implement, and evaluate parent and family programs that support student transition, retention, and success.
Lead logistics, communications, and operations for Family Weekend and orientation events.
Develop and assess culturally responsive programming for First-Generation and Latinx families, including Spanish-language initiatives.
Recruit, train, supervise, evaluate, and mentor SDSU Ambassadors, the official student representatives, tour guides, and orientation leaders.
Support parent and family communications, including newsletters, social media, and the Parent Hotline.
Collaborate with campus partners to align and enhance family engagement efforts.
Position Information
This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
The 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 will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.
Department Summary The Office of New Student and Parent Programs supports and enhances student success through Orientation, Transition, and Retention initiatives. It fosters a sense of community and belonging for SDSU students through quality orientation programs and student development initiatives, operates a large student leader program (SDSU Ambassadors), cultivates partnership with parents and families via Parent & Family Orientation, New Student and Family Convocation, and Family Weekend, and responds to changing student needs through evaluation, assessment, and communication initiatives.
Education and Experience • Graduation from a four‑year college or university in a related field, with or without upper‑division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where applicable.
• A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may substitute for one year of experience; a doctorate with appropriate internship or clinical training may substitute for three years of experience for positions with major counseling responsibilities.
• Typically demonstrated through three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience; one year in the specific program area may be preferred but is not required.
Key Qualifications
Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.
Thorough knowledge of higher education trends and factors impacting First‑Generation and Latinx college students and their families.
Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, or related field is preferred.
3–5 years professional work experience in student development, student activities, or student involvement is preferred.
Experience advising, planning events, and programs at a collegiate level, and contemporary use of technology in a university setting.
Experience planning, organizing, and executing large‑scale events to welcome new students and parents in a university setting.
Experience working with diverse college student and parent and family populations, including first‑generation and Latinx communities.
Compensation and Benefits San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth.
Salary Salary is based on experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.
CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 – $7,893 per month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540 per month.
Full Benefits Package Includes
Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on protected status, in compliance with federal and state civil rights laws. SDSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Application Information Apply by December 7, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as‑needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. A background check, including a criminal records check, must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. SDSU is a smoke‑free campus. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.
Contact For more information regarding the Student Affairs New Student and Parent Programs Department, contact the department office or visit the SDSU website.
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Key Responsibilities
Plan, implement, and evaluate parent and family programs that support student transition, retention, and success.
Lead logistics, communications, and operations for Family Weekend and orientation events.
Develop and assess culturally responsive programming for First-Generation and Latinx families, including Spanish-language initiatives.
Recruit, train, supervise, evaluate, and mentor SDSU Ambassadors, the official student representatives, tour guides, and orientation leaders.
Support parent and family communications, including newsletters, social media, and the Parent Hotline.
Collaborate with campus partners to align and enhance family engagement efforts.
Position Information
This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
The 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 will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.
Department Summary The Office of New Student and Parent Programs supports and enhances student success through Orientation, Transition, and Retention initiatives. It fosters a sense of community and belonging for SDSU students through quality orientation programs and student development initiatives, operates a large student leader program (SDSU Ambassadors), cultivates partnership with parents and families via Parent & Family Orientation, New Student and Family Convocation, and Family Weekend, and responds to changing student needs through evaluation, assessment, and communication initiatives.
Education and Experience • Graduation from a four‑year college or university in a related field, with or without upper‑division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where applicable.
• A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may substitute for one year of experience; a doctorate with appropriate internship or clinical training may substitute for three years of experience for positions with major counseling responsibilities.
• Typically demonstrated through three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience; one year in the specific program area may be preferred but is not required.
Key Qualifications
Strong oral and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.
Thorough knowledge of higher education trends and factors impacting First‑Generation and Latinx college students and their families.
Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Counseling, or related field is preferred.
3–5 years professional work experience in student development, student activities, or student involvement is preferred.
Experience advising, planning events, and programs at a collegiate level, and contemporary use of technology in a university setting.
Experience planning, organizing, and executing large‑scale events to welcome new students and parents in a university setting.
Experience working with diverse college student and parent and family populations, including first‑generation and Latinx communities.
Compensation and Benefits San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth.
Salary Salary is based on experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.
CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 – $7,893 per month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540 per month.
Full Benefits Package Includes
Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on protected status, in compliance with federal and state civil rights laws. SDSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Application Information Apply by December 7, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as‑needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.
The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. A background check, including a criminal records check, must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. SDSU is a smoke‑free campus. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.
Contact For more information regarding the Student Affairs New Student and Parent Programs Department, contact the department office or visit the SDSU website.
#J-18808-Ljbffr