The Santos Manuel Student Union Academic Careers
The Santos Manuel Student Union
5500 University Pkwy, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA
Explore our Workplace and Current Job Opportunities
Discover The Santos Manuel Student Union, a premier destination renowned for its vibrant academic culture and commitment to excellence. This profile offers deep insights into the institution’s workplace and world-class environment, tailored for scholars. View the latest openings here and transition to the full The Santos Manuel Student Union jobs portal for a complete list of vacancies.
About The Santos Manuel Student Union
The Santos Manuel Student Union (SMSU) is the vibrant hub of campus life at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), located in San Bernardino, California. Named in honor of Santos Manuel, the respected leader of the Serrano people who inhabited the San Bernardino Mountains, the SMSU embodies a deep commitment to community, inclusivity, and student empowerment. The organization operates as a nonprofit auxiliary of CSUSB, managing a sprawling 120,000-square-foot facility that serves as the gathering place for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members throughout the Inland Empire region of California.
The SMSU's mission centers on enriching the student experience through exceptional programs, services, and facilities. Following a significant expansion completed in recent years, the union now houses an expansive food court featuring national brands like Panda Express, Subway, and Starbucks, alongside the Coyote Market convenience store. The facility also encompasses the Cross Cultural Center, Women's Resource Center, Queer and Transgender Resource Center, multi-purpose event spaces, conference rooms, and a recreational lounge. This comprehensive infrastructure supports thousands of students daily and creates a diverse array of employment opportunities spanning food service, event management, facility operations, marketing, and student development programming.
Governed by a student-majority Board of Directors, the Santos Manuel Student Union maintains a distinctive organizational culture that prioritizes student leadership and professional growth. Employees at SMSU work within a collaborative environment that values innovation, cultural competency, and service excellence. For academics exploring broader campus opportunities, CSUSB—the university SMSU supports—offers tenure-track and lecturer positions across five colleges. Prospective faculty can explore professor ratings through Rate My Professor to gain insights into teaching quality. Career opportunities at SMSU are regularly posted on Higher Ed Jobs at AcademicJobs.com. Learn more at the The Santos Manuel Student Union Website.
The SMSU's strategic priorities include advancing student success, fostering inclusive excellence, and creating sustainable operational models. Whether you are seeking a student assistant role, a professional staff position in program coordination, or an executive leadership opportunity, the Santos Manuel Student Union provides a dynamic setting where your work directly impacts the collegiate experience of nearly 20,000 CSUSB students. Discover detailed career guides and hiring trends at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Faculty Job Opportunities at The Santos Manuel Student Union
The Santos Manuel Student Union offers a wide spectrum of professional employment opportunities that support student engagement, facility operations, and organizational leadership within the California State University system. While the SMSU itself does not employ faculty, it serves as a critical career launchpad for those pursuing roles in student affairs, higher education administration, and campus services. For individuals seeking traditional academic appointments at the university level, CSUSB offers faculty positions through its five colleges. Explore Higher Ed Jobs for comprehensive listings spanning the United States academic market.
High-demand roles at the Santos Manuel Student Union include Program Coordinators for student development initiatives, Event Services Managers overseeing facility rentals and campus events, Marketing Coordinators responsible for digital engagement and brand strategy, and Facility Supervisors managing the day-to-day operations of the 120,000-square-foot complex. Student employment positions remain consistently available across food service operations, front desk services, audio-visual support, and building management—offering flexible schedules designed to accommodate academic commitments. The SMSU also recruits accounting professionals, IT specialists, and human resources coordinators to support its administrative infrastructure. Academic job seekers interested in faculty careers at CSUSB can explore Faculty Jobs to review tenure-track positions in business, education, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts and letters.
💼 Program Coordinator
Program coordinators at SMSU design and implement student engagement programs, cultural events, leadership development workshops, and community building initiatives. Roles typically require a bachelor's degree in student affairs, higher education, or a related field, with starting salaries ranging from $42,000 to $58,000 annually.
View Program Coordinator Jobs →🎪 Event Services Manager
Event Services Managers coordinate facility reservations, campus event logistics, audio-visual support, and client relations for conferences, performances, and student activities. Candidates with hospitality or event management experience earn between $52,000 and $70,000 annually.
View Administration Jobs →📣 Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Coordinators develop digital content, manage social media channels, design promotional campaigns, and support the SMSU brand across campus and community platforms. Salaries range from $45,000 to $62,000, depending on experience and portfolio strength.
View Marketing Positions →🏗️ Facility Supervisor
Facility Supervisors oversee building maintenance, safety compliance, custodial services, and space utilization across the expanded SMSU complex. Positions require strong operational leadership skills and pay between $52,000 and $68,000 annually.
View Facility Management Roles →🎧 Audio-Visual Technician
AV Technicians support event production, classroom technology, video conferencing systems, and digital signage across the SMSU and CSUSB campus facilities. Competitive compensation ranges from $48,000 to $65,000 annually.
View AV Technician Jobs →🎓 Student Assistant
Student Assistants work across SMSU departments including food services, front desk operations, building management, event support, and marketing. These flexible part-time roles pay $16 to $20 per hour and provide valuable professional experience alongside academic coursework.
View Student Jobs →Why Work at The Santos Manuel Student Union
Pursuing a career at the Santos Manuel Student Union offers a unique blend of professional growth, student-centered impact, and community connection. Employees at SMSU are embedded within the dynamic ecosystem of California State University, San Bernardino, one of the most diverse universities in the western United States. This environment exposes staff to a rich tapestry of cultural perspectives, student needs, and collaborative partnerships that enhance professional development and cultural competency. The SMSU's recent expansion has created modern facilities, including the Cross Cultural Center and multiple resource centers, providing employees with contemporary workspaces and the infrastructure to innovate.
Beyond competitive compensation, SMSU staff enjoy access to the broader CSU system benefits package, which includes comprehensive health and dental insurance, retirement savings through CalPERS or alternative plans, generous paid time off, and professional development stipends. Student employees benefit from flexible scheduling designed around academic priorities, resume-building experiences, and opportunities for internal advancement. The organizational culture at the Santos Manuel Student Union emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and student voice—with student representatives serving on the governing Board of Directors. This commitment to shared governance ensures that staff members' work remains directly connected to student success outcomes and campus community building. Discover more about what makes higher education careers fulfilling at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Professionals at SMSU also benefit from San Bernardino's strategic location at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, offering proximity to Southern California's beaches, mountains, and cultural attractions—all within a reasonable cost of living compared to coastal metropolitan areas. For faculty interested in joining the academic ranks at CSUSB, the university's designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and its commitment to community-engaged scholarship create rewarding teaching and research environments. Explore professor ratings at the university through Rate My Professor to better understand the academic culture. Visit Academic Jobs in California for statewide opportunities.
Salary Guide for Faculty at The Santos Manuel Student Union
📊 Understanding compensation structures at the Santos Manuel Student Union and its affiliated university is essential for negotiating competitive offers. The SMSU operates as a separate nonprofit entity from CSUSB, with salary ranges established by its Board of Directors and informed by regional market data for student affairs and auxiliary services positions. Below is a comprehensive salary guide reflecting researched compensation data for both SMSU professional staff roles and CSUSB faculty positions, providing a complete picture of the campus employment landscape in San Bernardino.
| Position Category | Salary Range | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Student Assistant (Food Services) | $16 – $18 / hour | Entry-level, part-time |
| Student Assistant (Front Desk / Operations) | $16 – $20 / hour | Entry-level, part-time |
| Program Coordinator | $42,000 – $58,000 | Bachelor's degree, 1–3 years |
| Marketing Coordinator | $45,000 – $62,000 | Bachelor's degree, 2–4 years |
| Audio-Visual Technician | $48,000 – $65,000 | Technical certification, 2–5 years |
| Facility Supervisor | $52,000 – $68,000 | 3–5 years, supervisory experience |
| Accountant / Finance Specialist | $50,000 – $70,000 | Bachelor's in accounting, 2–5 years |
| Assistant Director | $60,000 – $82,000 | Master's degree, 5–7 years |
| Director | $75,000 – $105,000 | Master's degree, 7–10 years |
| Executive Director | $95,000 – $140,000 | Master's degree, 10+ years |
| CSUSB Lecturer | $55,000 – $80,000 | Master's or terminal degree |
| CSUSB Assistant Professor | $75,000 – $95,000 | Doctoral degree, tenure-track |
| CSUSB Associate Professor | $85,000 – $115,000 | Tenured, 6–10 years |
| CSUSB Full Professor | $105,000 – $160,000+ | Tenured, 10+ years |
Several factors influence compensation at the Santos Manuel Student Union. 📍 Geographic location plays a significant role—San Bernardino's cost of living is notably lower than coastal Southern California cities, making SMSU salaries highly competitive in terms of purchasing power. Experience level, educational attainment, and specialized certifications (such as Certified Meeting Professional for event roles) can push candidates toward the higher end of each range. Additionally, full-time staff receive comprehensive benefits that add approximately 30% to total compensation value, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave. For faculty, the California State University system operates on a standardized salary schedule, but department-specific market adjustments and summer research support can significantly augment base pay. Explore detailed nationwide comparisons at Professor Salaries and University Salaries.
Prospective applicants should also consider promotion timelines and merit-based increases. SMSU conducts annual performance evaluations, with salary adjustments tied to individual achievement and organizational funding. Student employees who demonstrate strong performance often receive incremental wage increases and priority consideration for leadership positions. For CSUSB faculty, the tenure and promotion process typically spans six years, with significant salary increases accompanying promotion to Associate and Full Professor ranks. To better understand the full landscape of compensation in higher education, visit Professor Salaries on AcademicJobs.com.
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at The Santos Manuel Student Union
Students and prospective faculty at California State University, San Bernardino—the university served by the Santos Manuel Student Union—can leverage Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com to identify exceptional educators and make informed course selections. Professor ratings provide transparency into teaching quality, grading fairness, accessibility, and student engagement across CSUSB's five colleges. Below are representative profiles showcasing how ratings illuminate the academic landscape at CSU San Bernardino. These examples illustrate the type of insights available through the platform.
Dr. Maria Hernandez
⭐ 4.8 / 5.0
Professor of Management
Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration
"Engaging lectures, real-world business cases, and incredibly supportive during office hours. Sets students up for success."
Dr. James Kim
⭐ 4.7 / 5.0
Associate Professor of Psychology
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
"Thought-provoking discussions, fair grading, and genuinely passionate about student mental health research."
Dr. Sarah Johnson
⭐ 4.9 / 5.0
Professor of Education
College of Education
"Inspiring mentor for future teachers. Provides exceptional feedback on lesson planning and classroom management strategies."
Dr. Robert Chen
⭐ 4.6 / 5.0
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
College of Natural Sciences
"Challenging but rewarding coursework. Excellent preparation for industry roles in software engineering and data science."
Dr. Emily Davis
⭐ 4.5 / 5.0
Lecturer in English
College of Arts and Letters
"Creative writing workshops that spark genuine growth. Provides detailed, actionable feedback on every assignment."
Dr. Michael Thompson
⭐ 4.8 / 5.0
Professor of Nursing
College of Natural Sciences
"Combines clinical expertise with compassionate teaching. Students consistently pass the NCLEX on their first attempt."
Career Progression at The Santos Manuel Student Union
Career advancement at the Santos Manuel Student Union follows structured pathways that reward dedication, skill development, and leadership capacity. Entry-level student assistants often progress into lead roles with supervisory responsibilities, gaining valuable management experience that translates directly into professional positions after graduation. Many current SMSU professional staff began their careers as student employees, reflecting the organization's commitment to internal development and succession planning.
For professional staff, the progression typically flows from Coordinator roles (requiring 1–3 years of experience) to Assistant Director positions (5–7 years) and ultimately Director-level leadership (7–10 years). Each promotion tier brings increased decision-making authority, budget oversight, and team leadership responsibilities. The SMSU actively supports this growth through professional development funding, conference attendance opportunities, and mentorship programs. Staff members pursuing graduate degrees in student affairs, higher education administration, or public administration receive tuition support and scheduling flexibility. The proximity of CSUSB's College of Education—which offers a Master of Arts in Student Affairs—creates a seamless pathway for SMSU employees to advance their credentials while working. Explore comprehensive career development resources at Higher Ed Career Advice.
For academics pursuing faculty careers at CSUSB, the tenure-track progression follows a rigorous but rewarding path. Assistant Professors undergo a six-year probationary period focused on teaching excellence, research productivity, and service contributions. Successful tenure review leads to promotion to Associate Professor, with further elevation to Full Professor contingent on sustained scholarly impact and institutional leadership. Lecturer positions, while not tenure-track, offer stable career opportunities with multi-year appointments and potential conversion to tenure-track roles. Faculty can develop application materials using the Free Resume Template and Free Cover Letter Template available on AcademicJobs.com. For adjunct opportunities, visit Adjunct Professor Jobs.
Research and Innovation at The Santos Manuel Student Union
The Santos Manuel Student Union functions as a living laboratory for innovation in student affairs practice, organizational leadership, and community engagement. The SMSU's recent facility expansion integrated sustainable design principles, accessible spaces, and technology-enhanced environments that reflect contemporary best practices in campus architecture. This commitment to innovation extends to the union's operational model, which incorporates data-driven decision-making, student feedback loops, and continuous improvement methodologies.
SMSU staff regularly engage in applied research projects focused on student engagement outcomes, program effectiveness, and operational efficiency. Recent initiatives include studies examining the impact of cultural centers on student sense of belonging, evaluations of dining service satisfaction among diverse student populations, and assessments of leadership development programs. These research activities align with CSUSB's broader academic priorities, which emphasize community-engaged scholarship addressing regional challenges in education, health disparities, social justice, and economic development. The university's designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution generates substantial research funding for faculty studying first-generation and underrepresented student success. Explore research opportunities across the academic landscape at Research Jobs.
Collaborative partnerships between SMSU and CSUSB academic departments create additional innovation opportunities. Faculty researchers occasionally utilize SMSU facilities for community engagement events, student focus groups, and intervention studies. The Cross Cultural Center and Women's Resource Center serve as research sites for social science faculty examining identity development, intersectionality, and institutional support systems. These collaborations strengthen the connection between SMSU's practical student affairs expertise and the theoretical frameworks developed within academic departments. For postdoctoral researchers and graduate assistants seeking involvement, visit Postdoc Jobs and Research Assistant Jobs.
Resources for The Santos Manuel Student Union Academics
- 📚 Professional Development: SMSU staff access CSU system-wide training platforms, conference funding, and tuition assistance through the California State University System. Regular workshops cover leadership, diversity and inclusion, and technical skill development.
- 🤝 Union Representation: Career staff may be represented by collective bargaining units under the California State University Employees Union (CSUEU), providing negotiated wages, benefits, and workplace protections.
- 🏥 Health and Wellness: Full-time employees receive comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance through CalPERS, along with access to CSUSB's Student Health Center and campus wellness programs including counseling services and recreational facilities.
- 💰 Retirement Benefits: SMSU participates in CalPERS retirement plans, offering defined benefit pensions that provide long-term financial security. Employees also have access to supplemental 403(b) and 457(b) retirement savings plans.
- 🎓 Educational Benefits: Staff and their dependents may qualify for reduced tuition at CSU campuses through the Fee Waiver Program, enabling employees to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees at significantly reduced costs.
- 🌐 Career Resources: AcademicJobs.com provides Free Resume Templates, Free Cover Letter Templates, and Higher Ed Career Advice tailored for the academic job market.
- 📍 Location Resources: Explore academic employment beyond San Bernardino through Academic Jobs in United States or specifically in Academic Jobs in San Bernardino.
For faculty at CSUSB, additional resources include the Faculty Center for Excellence, which supports teaching development, research mentoring, and work-life balance. The university's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs assists with grant writing, compliance, and external funding identification. Faculty considering transitions within higher education can explore Lecturer Jobs, Professor Jobs, and Community College Jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
Student Life and Perspectives at The Santos Manuel Student Union
Students at California State University, San Bernardino experience campus life through the lens of the Santos Manuel Student Union, which serves as their home away from home. The expanded SMSU facility offers countless opportunities for involvement, connection, and personal growth. From grabbing a meal at the diverse food court to attending cultural celebrations in the Cross Cultural Center, students find a welcoming environment that reflects the university's rich diversity. The Women's Resource Center and Queer and Transgender Resource Center provide dedicated support services, educational programming, and community building for historically underserved student populations.
Student employment at SMSU offers more than just a paycheck—it provides leadership development, transferable skills, and professional networking. Student employees gain experience in customer service, event production, marketing, financial operations, and team collaboration, all while building connections with mentors and peers. The SMSU Program Board, a student-led committee, plans major campus events including concerts, festivals, and speaker series, giving students direct experience in programming, budgeting, and event management. For students making academic decisions, consulting Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com provides valuable insights from peers about course quality, professor teaching styles, and workload expectations. This transparency empowers students to make informed choices that align with their learning preferences and career goals.
Career outcomes for CSUSB graduates are strong across multiple disciplines. The Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration maintains partnerships with regional employers, while the College of Natural Sciences' nursing program consistently produces highly sought-after healthcare professionals. Students can explore internship and post-graduation opportunities through CSUSB's Career Center, which collaborates with SMSU on career fairs and employer engagement events held within the student union. For students interested in pursuing graduate studies or entering the academic workforce, Higher Ed Jobs at AcademicJobs.com provides a comprehensive database of opportunities. Whether you are a prospective student exploring campus culture or a current student planning your professional trajectory, the Santos Manuel Student Union serves as the dynamic center of your university experience.