Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking a proactive and collaborative Administrative Support Coordinator I to support faculty and student research initiatives within the Division of Research and Innovation, working closely with the Deputy Chief Research Officer to help advance the university’s research mission. In this role, you’ll provide essential administrative and operational coordination that advances research, scholarship, and innovation activities across campus. You’ll help support divisional programs, events, communications, and projects that contribute to the growth and visibility of SDSU’s research enterprise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administrative & Operational Coordination
  • Provide administrative support for faculty, undergraduate, and student-focused research initiatives within the Division of Research and Innovation.
  • Coordinate meetings, prepare materials and presentations, and support communications and information flow across programs and projects.
  • Respond to inquiries, compile data, and assist with reporting and project tracking activities.
  • Maintain communication with campus partners, CSU offices, the SDSU Research Foundation, and external stakeholders.
• Research & Innovation Program Support
  • Support the coordination and implementation of faculty and student research programs and innovation initiatives.
  • Assist with administration of undergraduate research activities, innovation programs, and sponsored research initiatives.
  • Coordinate applications, track funded projects, and support program operations and timelines.
  • Assist with website updates and communications related to research support programs.
• Event Planning & Project Coordination
  • Coordinate logistics and implementation for divisional events, including the annual SDSU Student Symposium and award ceremony.
  • Work with vendors and campus partners to support purchasing, event preparation, and program execution.
  • Assist with budget tracking and administrative processes related to faculty and student research support initiatives.
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders supporting research and innovation efforts.
  • Support cross-functional collaboration across campus departments and divisional initiatives.
  • Contribute to projects and activities that enhance the visibility and impact of SDSU research programs.

Why Join Us?

• Support impactful research – Contribute to programs and initiatives that advance faculty and student innovation at SDSU.
• Dynamic and meaningful work – Support a wide range of projects, events, and research-focused activities in a collaborative environment.
• Campus-wide collaboration – Work with researchers, students, administrators, and external partners across the university community.
• Professional growth opportunities – Build experience in higher education administration, research support, and program coordination.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is 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 is eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

Led by the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Division of Research and Innovation serves as the university’s central hub for advancing research, scholarship, and innovation at San Diego State University. Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President provides leadership and coordination for all university research activities.

The Vice President for Research and Innovation also provides leadership and guidance for sponsored research activities within the San Diego State University Research Foundation, represents the university externally to major funding agencies, and oversees research regulatory committees.

The Division is responsible for the review and approval of all externally funded grant and contract proposals, research assurances, regulatory compliance and integrity efforts, and oversight of regulatory and research promotion committees, including direct-line reporting by the CEO of the SDSU Research Foundation.

In addition, the Vice President for Research and Innovation plays a leading role in the strategic planning of the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District, including identifying and developing relationships with entities interested in participating in public-private partnerships.

The Deputy Chief Research Officer oversees the SDSU Student Symposium, Undergraduate Research and shared facilities while also supporting the high-level priorities of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

For more information regarding the Division of Research and Innovation Department, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires a fully functional knowledge of and skill in standard office procedures and practices, as well as an ability to understand and operate in a variety of organizational structures. Additionally, incumbents are expected to have a thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation and be able to clearly communicate orally and in writing. Some positions may require a knowledge of business mathematics beyond basic arithmetic. The ability to use and quickly learn new office support technology systems and software packages is also a prerequisite.

These qualifications would normally be obtained through a high school program, technical/vocational program, or their equivalents combined with several years of related office work experience.

Key Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of office systems and ability to use a broader range of technology, systems, and packages.
• Ability to independently handle multiple work unit priorities and projects.
• Ability to apply independently a wide variety of policies and procedures where specific guidelines may not exist.
• Working knowledge of budget policies and procedures.
• Ability to perform standard business math, such as calculate ratios and percentages, track financial data, and make simple projections.
• Ability to draft and compose correspondence and standard reports.
• Preferred:
  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Three years of progressively responsible experience supporting an executive or senior management office, requiring a high degree of judgment, discretion, initiative, and coordination.
  • Experience using survey and data collection platforms such as Qualtrics or Google Forms.
  • Experience working in a large public sector, non-profit, or higher education environment.
  • Demonstrated experience working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and members of underrepresented groups.

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:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($4,047).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,047 – $5,896 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

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 June 15, 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 Livia Peeples at lpeeples@sdsu.edu.