About the role
Position Summary
Join San Diego State University as a Programs Coordinator and support the programs and operations that help advance research and innovation across the university. Working within the Division of Research and Innovation (DRI), you'll provide administrative and program coordination support for faculty and student-focused initiatives, research operations, and special projects.
In this role, you'll work closely with the Deputy Chief Research Officer, faculty, staff, and campus partners to coordinate meetings, maintain records, prepare materials, manage schedules, and support research-related programs and activities. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys staying organized, managing multiple priorities, and contributing to a collaborative university environment.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative & Executive Support
- Provide administrative support to the Deputy Chief Research Officer and the Division of Research and Innovation.
- Coordinate calendars, meetings, agendas, presentations, reports, and other administrative materials.
- Manage communications, respond to inquiries, and maintain organized records and documentation.
- Assist with research-related projects, information requests, and confidential administrative matters.
Program & Research Operations Coordination
- Support faculty and student-focused programs, research initiatives, and university committees.
- Coordinate meetings and activities for the Deans' Research Council, University Research Council, and university Centers and Institutes.
- Assist with research operations, program documentation, policies, renewals, and special projects.
- Gather information, track activities, and support coordination among faculty, staff, and campus partners.
Meetings, Events & Operational Support
- Coordinate meetings, conferences, and project activities, including scheduling, logistics, materials, and meeting minutes.
- Arrange travel, reconcile expenses, and assist with purchasing and administrative transactions.
- Maintain shared calendars, group email accounts, project records, and other organizational resources.
- Support onboarding and administrative coordination for incoming project staff, interns, and volunteers.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys supporting programs, coordinating activities, and working with a variety of people across a university environment.
Experience in areas such as the following is especially valuable:
- Administrative support, office coordination, or program support
- Calendar management, meeting coordination, and scheduling
- Preparing correspondence, reports, presentations, and meeting materials
- Budget tracking, purchasing, travel coordination, or expense reconciliation
- Managing multiple priorities and handling confidential information
- Working with faculty, staff, leadership, or cross-functional teams is a huge plus
- Office technology and tools such as Google Forms, Qualtrics, or similar platforms is a huge plus
- Higher education, public sector, or nonprofit environments is a huge plus
Why Join Us?
- Support research and innovation – Contribute to the administrative operations behind SDSU's faculty and student research programs.
- Work with university leadership – Collaborate with the Deputy Chief Research Officer and campus partners on research-related activities and initiatives.
- Enjoy variety in your work – Support meetings, projects, communications, program activities, and day-to-day operations.
- Be part of a collaborative team – Work alongside professionals across the Division of Research and Innovation and the broader SDSU community.
As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.
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 on-sitework at SDSU campus in San Diego.
Department Summary
Led by the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Division of Research and Innovation is the central university office with oversight of SDSU Research Foundation, and the following units: Innovation, Research Operations, Research Advancement, Research Support Services, Technology Transfer, the ZIP Launchpad, Research Communications, Undergraduate Research, and a specialized IT unit. The leader of the unit is the Vice President for Research and Innovation. As the chief research officer for SDSU, Division of Research & Innovation (DRI) promotes research opportunities for SDSU faculty and students and is leading the efforts to develop the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District. In collaboration with all academic colleges and other university divisions, DRI aims to increase the number and variety of corporate and foundation partnerships to expand the resources available to the university to achieve these goals. The Deputy Chief Research Officer - Research Operations (DCRO) oversees the Dean's Research Council (DRC), University Research Council (URC), SDSU Center/Institute administrative management, and Program Termination/Bridge Funding. In addition, the DCRO serves as DRI representative and leads several university committees and working groups and serves as a regional representative on boards and at events. The DCRO is tasked with growing the cancer portfolio of research at SDSU, in collaboration with Moores Cancer Center and supports other high-level priorities of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.
For more information regarding the Division of Research and Innovation, 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 lean 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
- Experience with survey or data collection tools (e.g., Qualtrics, Google Forms, SurveyMonkey), or a willingness to learn.
- Demonstrated experience with and/or commitment to working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and members of underrepresented groups.
- Preferred Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Three years progressively responsible experience in a position requiring a high degree of judgement, discretion, and initiative to coordinate activities associated with an executive or senior management office.
- Experience working in a large public sector, non-profit, or educational institution.
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 October 25, 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.
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
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.