Assistant Program Director, Native American Resource Center (Student Services Professional III)

Company: San Diego State University
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Position Summary The Assistant Program Director of the Native Resource Center (NRC) supports the academic success, personal development, and community engagement of Native and Indigenous students at SDSU. This role provides leadership in developing and implementing programs that foster inclusion, advocacy, and student retention while advancing the mission and goals of the Native Resource Center and the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage daily operations of the Native Resource Center, including supervision of student staff and coordination of center activities. Support the development and implementation of the NRC’s mission, vision, and strategic plan through innovative programming and partnerships. Design, coordinate, and evaluate educational, cultural, leadership, and community-building programs that address Native and Indigenous student needs. Collaborate with campus partners and community organizations to promote outreach, retention, and student success initiatives. Support major events and celebrations, including Native Heritage Month, Pow Wow, and Howka Weekend. Provide general advising, mentoring, and academic support to Native students to enhance persistence and graduation outcomes. Represent the Native Resource Center and the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity on committees and at university and community events. Manage communication efforts, including social media, data tracking, and reporting to highlight NRC initiatives and impact. Join our team in empowering Native and Indigenous students to thrive academically, personally, and culturally. Apply Now! 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 travel and 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 Founded in 1897 on Kumeyaay land, San Diego State University is recognized as a national leader in higher education committed to equity, inclusion, and student success. The Native Resource Center (NRC) supports the personal, academic, and professional growth of Native and Indigenous students by fostering community, cultural connection, and educational empowerment. Through the NRC, students can engage with organizations such as the Native American Student Alliance and Indigenous Social Work Association and participate in initiatives like the Elymash Yuuchaap: Indigenous Scholars and Leaders Program. The NRC welcomes all students interested in learning about and supporting Native and Indigenous communities and contributes to SDSU’s mission of cultivating a diverse and inclusive campus where all students can thrive. For more information regarding the Native Resource Center, 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 Documented experience developing and coordinating programs and events both independently and collaboratively. Knowledge, sensitivity, and understanding of the social, cultural, and educational needs of Native and Indigenous students. Demonstrated ability to apply Indigenous-centered, anti-racist, and equity-based frameworks to create inclusive and supportive environments. Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across campus and community partners. Proven ability to assess, design, implement, and evaluate effective programming, policies, and student support initiatives. Experience recruiting, training, and mentoring student leaders or staff in advocacy, outreach, and program development. Master’s degree in American Indian Studies, Ethnic Studies, Cultural Studies, Higher Education, or a related field (preferred). 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 January 11, 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 Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu .

Keywords: San Diego State University, Indio , Assistant Program Director, Native American Resource Center (Student Services Professional III), Education / Teaching , San Diego, California