Associate Director of Residential Education for Academic Success (Administrator I)

Position Summary

The Residential Education Office at San Diego State University invites dynamic, driven professionals to apply for the Associate Director of Residential Education for Academic Success, a pivotal leadership role shaping the academic journey of thousands of residential students. In this position, you won't just oversee programs, you'll ignite a culture of achievement across a vibrant residential community of 7,500-9,000 students. You'll lead and mentor a talented team of advisors and student success professionals, drive innovative academic support initiatives, and help students navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Why This Role Stands Out:

• Lead with purpose, supervising and developing a high-impact team dedicated to student retention and success
• Shape transformative learning environments through STAR Centers and tutoring programs that empower students academically
• Drive innovation by designing interventions for at-risk students and building forward-thinking academic success strategies
• Make real-time impact through crisis management, student advocacy, and community leadership
• Collaborate across campus with faculty, administrators, and student support services to create a seamless student experience

What You'll Do:

• Inspire and supervise professional staff supporting academic advising and coordinated care
• Oversee academic resource centers and elevate tutoring and support services
• Develop and implement programs that boost retention, engagement, and academic performance
• Analyze student success data to inform strategy and close equity gaps
• Build strong partnerships across campus to expand opportunities for student growth
• Play a vital role in large-scale campus initiatives, events, and student experiences

The Impact You'll Have:

You'll help shape a residential experience where students are supported holistically as scholars, citizens, and leaders. Your work will directly influence student persistence, belonging, and long-term success, while advancing a culture rooted in equity, inclusion, and excellence.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated 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.; however, due to the nature of the role, evening and weekend hours are often required. The position also participates in an on-call rotation, typically one week at a time, several times per year. During on-call periods, the incumbent is expected to remain reachable and be prepared to respond to campus needs, including reporting to campus within a reasonable timeframe, generally within two (2) hours, when circumstances require.
• The individual hired for this role will work on the SDSU campus in San Diego.

Department Summary

Residential Education is where vibrant communities come to life, places where students don't just live but thrive. We are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive environments that empower students to grow as scholars, engaged citizens, and future leaders. Through dynamic curricular and co-curricular experiences, our staff spark academic success, inspire civic responsibility, and celebrate the richness of diverse perspectives.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to excellence, integrity, collaboration, and student-centered innovation. We continuously evolve to meet the needs of our diverse student population, ensuring every resident feels seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential.

Our impact is powered by an incredible team: 19 Residence Hall Coordinators, 12 general advisors/retention specialists, 231 paraprofessional staff members, 18 central office professionals, and a network of dedicated student assistants-all working together to shape meaningful residential experiences.

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, College Student Personnel, or a related field
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in an academic advising environment.

Key Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and develop professional staff, including coaching, evaluation, and performance management.
• Strong expertise in student success, retention strategies, and advising, with the ability to support students holistically.
• Demonstrated skill in managing complex and high-pressure situations, including crisis response and student behavioral concerns.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across campus with faculty, staff, and student support services.
• Experience using data and assessment to inform decisions, evaluate programs, and improve student outcomes.
• Strong ability to design and implement impactful programs and initiatives that enhance academic success and engagement.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting diverse student populations.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work additional hours as needed, including evenings and weekends, to meet the demands of the role.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that's just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $80,000 to $83,460 annually.