Position Summary             

The Lead Academic Advisor plays a pivotal role in supporting the academic success and exploration of undergraduate students, with a primary focus on first- and second-year Undeclared students and upper-division students pursuing individualized academic pathways. Reporting to the Undergraduate Studies Director, this position provides comprehensive coordinated care advising that empowers students to explore majors, develop academic plans, and achieve timely graduation. The role also contributes to campus-wide advising initiatives by helping develop advising infrastructure, including EAB Navigate configuration and cross-divisional collaboration. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced advising professional who is passionate about student success, equity, and innovative approaches to academic support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising to first- and second-year Undeclared students, as well as major advising for upper-division Undeclared students.
• Guide students through academic planning, major exploration, degree requirements, and university policies to support timely graduation.
• Collaborate with cross-divisional partners to develop and maintain advising infrastructure, including EAB Navigate configuration and advising tools.
• Interpret academic records, degree audits, transfer coursework, and university policies to support informed student decision-making.
• Contribute to student success initiatives and continuous improvement efforts that enhance advising services and support equitable student outcomes.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact by helping students discover academic pathways and achieve their educational goals.
• Collaborate with campus partners to shape innovative advising practices and student success initiatives.
• Support a diverse student population through a coordinated care advising model focused on equity and belonging.
• Apply your expertise in academic advising, technology, and policy interpretation to improve the student experience.
• Join a mission-driven team committed to access, student achievement, and continuous improvement.

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 Office of Faculty Advancement and Student Success (FASS) fosters inclusive academic excellence through support for faculty careers, professional development, and community engagement and student academic support and enrichment, including the Weber Honors College and Undergraduate Studies.

Undergraduate Studies includes all the non-Honors College undergraduate degree and curriculum programs within FASS including General Studies and First Year Seminar programs, Faculty-Student Mentoring Program, Supplemental Instruction, Undeclared, and Interdisciplinary Studies in Three Departments major.

For more information regarding the Office of FASS, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field; including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing and conflict resolution where such are job related. Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required.

A master’s degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Key Qualifications

• A Master's degree in student personnel, higher education/student affairs, counseling or related field.
• Experience advising a diverse group of students. 
• Experience utilizing SDSU Navigate advising (EAB) and other academic advising tools
• Knowledge of one or more academic disciplines  in terms of curricular  requirements and career paths.
• Experience advising a student organization.
• Ability to use initiative to plan and implement program activities and improvements.
• Experience in database tracking and management.
• Two years of experience in interpreting and explaining academic policies governing public or private university admissions.
• Two years of experience working in a college or university’s admissions, advising, evaluations, registrar or other student service related office.
• Demonstrated experience using a degree audit system.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing college transcript information.
• Ability to calculate grade point averages.
• Demonstrated commitment to engaging in service with underrepresented populations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of barriers for underrepresented students.
• Experience in fostering or has demonstrated commitment to underrepresented student success.
• Expertise or demonstrated commitment to developing expertise in cross-cultural communication and collaboration.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,540 - $7,893/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540/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.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by July 27, 2026 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 is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

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, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Danan Pacheco (dpacheco@sdsu.edu).