"Assistant Director of Admissions - First Year (Student Services Professional IV)"

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Admissions - First Year provides hands-on leadership for first-year admissions operations. Serving as a working lead, this role partners with admissions leadership to oversee daily activities of the First Year Admission Eligibility and Processing units while actively participating in evaluation and processing work. The position sets priorities, monitors workflows, ensures deadlines are met, and leads staff development, process improvements, and system enhancements to strengthen admissions operations and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day lead work direction and operational oversight of first-year admission eligibility and processing functions.
• Set priorities, monitor workflows, and ensure timely completion of admissions cycles and deadlines.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate staff to support performance, growth, and achievement of departmental goals.
• Lead procedural improvements and support enhancements to PeopleSoft, Campus Solutions, and OnBase systems.
• Interpret and apply complex admissions policies and institutional regulations while supporting data-informed decision-making.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key leadership role in shaping access and entry for first-year students.
• Balance strategic leadership with hands-on admissions work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Lead and mentor a team while contributing to operational innovation and system improvements.
• Collaborate with campus partners in a mission-driven, student-centered admissions office.
• Join an institution committed to access, excellence, and continuous improvement in enrollment services.

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.
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week.

Department Summary

Enrollment Services is comprised of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Office of Evaluations, Prospective Student Services, Out-of-State Recruitment and Strategic Partnerships, International Recruitment, Class Schedule, Communications, Financial Aid, Scholarships, and the Cal Coast Student Financial Center. Enrollment Services implements SDSU enrollment management policies and provides services to students from their initial point of interest in SDSU to their graduation.

The Office of Admissions consists of the following units: First Year Admission Eligibility, Transfer Admission, Graduate Admission, International Admission, Specialized Admission, First Year Processing, Graduate Admission Processing and Enrollment Support Services.

The function of the First Year Admissions Eligibility Unit (AEU) is to perform various tasks related to the admission review of approximately 94,000 first year admission applications to determine CSU admission eligibility. AEU is also responsible for evaluating high school transcripts and test scores throughout the admission process to calculate grade point averages, verify admission eligibility, and code eligibility for CSU reporting. AEU also determines residency status (for tuition and fee purposes) of all undergraduate applicants.

The function of the First Year Admission Processing Unit (APU) is to support the First Year Admission Eligibility Unit and Admission management team with the processing of undergraduate applications, which include reconciling application errors, updating personal and application data in the student information system, posting transcripts and test scores, processing admission appeals and archiving academic records/documents to imaging system.

For more information regarding the Enrollment Services department click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field plus upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing and conflict resolution where such are job related.

Possession of the below required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent to four years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience which includes experience in advising students individually and in groups, and in analysis and resolution of complex student services problems.

A master's degree in counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling, guidance or a job-related field may be substituted for two years of the required professional experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional, personal or career counseling.

Key Qualifications

• Four years of professional work experience in a university setting in admissions, advising, evaluations or other student service related office.
• Experience in navigating and articulating complex institutional regulations and/or academic policies governing a public or private university.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to small and large groups.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365, utilizing data-driven tools in Excel.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and mentoring staff to meet departmental goals.
• Master's degree 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: $6,320 - $9,014/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $6,320/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.