Position Summary

Program Coordinator – Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR)

Join a dynamic team committed to fostering inclusive excellence and empowering students through transformative programming and mentorship.

Under the leadership of the Director of the Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR), the Program Coordinator plays a vital role in designing and implementing initiatives that promote scholarship, personal and leadership development, civic engagement, and student success. This position supports the center’s mission by coordinating innovative programs and services that enhance student outreach, inclusion, retention, and overall campus engagement.

The Program Coordinator collaborates closely with the Director of CIR, the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, and campus/community partners to deliver impactful programming and training. This role also provides mentorship to students, supervises student assistants, and contributes to the operational management of the center.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and evaluating programs that support academic success, leadership development, and multicultural education
• Mentoring and advising students, with a focus on equity, identity, and intersectionality
• Coordinating events and initiatives that promote social justice, inclusion, and belonging
• Supporting student assistants in program design and delivery
• Serving as a resource for sensitive equity-related concerns and student support
• Representing CIR on campus-wide committees and promoting student excellence through events and communications

Why You Should Apply:

• Be part of a mission-driven team advancing equity and inclusion
• Make a meaningful impact on student development and campus culture
• Collaborate with diverse campus and community stakeholders
• Lead innovative programming that celebrates identity and belonging
• Gain valuable experience in student affairs, leadership, and intercultural engagement
• Work in a vibrant, student-centered environment that values mentorship and advocacy

Apply now to help shape a more inclusive and empowering campus experience!

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. (Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, with advance notice)
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity is responsible for the coordination and development of student services and building the inclusive excellence of San Diego State University's (SDSU) staff and faculty. Departments include, but are not limited to, Assistant Deans for Student Affairs; Career Services; Center for Educational Partnerships, Outreach and Success; Communications Services; Counseling and Psychological Services; Educational Opportunity Programs and Ethnic Affairs; Financial Aid and Scholarships; Military Veterans Program; New Student and Parent Programs; Office or the Student Ombudsman; Residential Education; Resource Management; Student Ability Success Center; Student Health Services; Student Life and Leadership; Student Rights and Responsibilities; Testing Services Office; Well­ being & Health Promotion; Cultural and Identity Centers; and programming related to Inclusive Excellence. 

The Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR) supports the academic, personal, and professional success of all students through multicultural programming, academic advising and support, access to basic needs, and wellness programming. Our center provides a home-like environment for students with several meeting and living spaces for students to hang out, study, and build community with others. All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in the CIR are welcome. Learn more by reading SDSU's Affirming Equal Opportunity statement.

For more information regarding the Center for Intercultural Relations department, 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. 

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.

Possession of these 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.

Key Qualifications

• Ability to develop and deliver training and education workshops.
• Documented experience developing and coordinating programs and events. Knowledge, sensitivity, and understanding of the social, political, personal, and cross-cultural needs of students from various backgrounds.
• Ability to effectively administer and coordinate a variety of concurrent and ongoing activities.
• Knowledge and experience working with varied and diverse populations of students.
• Experience in student advising is preferred.
• Possesses leadership qualities such as: proactiveness, vision, being a self-starter, positivity and creativity.
• Demonstrated success working on teams and supporting colleagues on collaborative initiatives.

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 August 17, 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 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 Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.