Assistant Program Director, Parent and Family Programs; Student Services Professional III

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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…