Student Success Lead Advisor; Student Services Professional III

Position Summary

Under the direction of the SDSU Imperial Valley Dean of Students, the Student Success Lead Advisor provides comprehensive academic advising and counseling to support the holistic success of SDSU Imperial Valley students. The incumbent advises students on academic planning, transition to the university, financial aid referrals, personal development, and academic standing, while addressing complex and sensitive student concerns. The role includes leadership within the Student Affairs unit, providing work direction to professional staff and contributing to campus, divisional, and university strategic goals.

The position requires independent judgment, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of student services to support student persistence, retention, and success.

• Provide comprehensive academic advising and counseling to students on academic planning, transitions, financial aid referrals, personal development, and academic standing.
• Address complex and sensitive student issues independently, determining appropriate actions when established policies or procedures may not exist.
• Provide leadership and work direction to professional staff within the Student Services Unit, supporting effective service delivery.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess student needs, inform recommendations, and support program improvements.
• Collaborate with campus partners to advance student success initiatives aligned with institutional and divisional goals.

• Make a meaningful impact on student success and equity at SDSU Imperial Valley.
• Serve a diverse, bilingual, and historically underserved student population in a student-centered environment.
• Exercise leadership, professional judgment, and creativity in addressing complex student needs.
• Contribute to campus-wide strategy and long-term improvements in student support services.
• Join a collaborative Student Affairs team committed to access, retention, and academic excellence.

• 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 SDSU Imperial Valley.

SDSU Imperial Valley is a campus/college of San Diego State University serving the desert area of southeastern California. It is accredited as an integral unit of SDSU and operates under the same governance structure and university policies. Established in 1959 by an act of the State Legislature, SDSU IV offers programs at two locations in Imperial County:
Calexico and Brawley. SDSU IV offers four-year and two-year undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and post-baccalaureate credential programs, helping matriculated students achieve their higher education goals. Currently, SDSU IV employs 61 full-time faculty and staff members.

The SDSU Imperial Valley Student Affairs unit, in conjunction with the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity at the San Diego campus, coordinates and develops student services and fosters inclusive excellence among SDSU’s staff and faculty. Areas include Career Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Educational Opportunity Programs, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Veterans Services, Student Ability Success Center, Student Health Services, Student Life and Leadership, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Testing Services, and Supporting the Associated Students.

Under the direction of the Dean for SDSU Imperial Valley, the Dean of Students is the lead administrator for the Student Affairs unit. The Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity works to address systemic inequities through professional learning, community building, advocacy, policy recommendations and organizational structures, while prioritizing shared responsibility for institutional goals. We aim to foster an affirming campus culture based on excellence, equity, diversity, belonging and inclusion.

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