"Student Success Lead Advisor (Student Services Professional III)"

Position Summary

Under the direction of the SDSU Imperial Valley Dean of Students, the Student Success Lead Advisor provides comprehensive academic advising and counseling to support the holistic success of SDSU Imperial Valley students. This position advises students on academic planning, transition to the university, financial aid referrals, personal development, and academic standing, while addressing complex and sensitive student concerns. The incumbent plays a leadership role within the Student Affairs unit, providing work direction to professional staff and contributing to the strategic goals of the campus, division, and university. The role requires independent judgment, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of student services to support student persistence, retention, and success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive academic advising and counseling to students on academic planning, transitions, financial aid referrals, personal development, and academic standing.
• Address complex and sensitive student issues independently, determining appropriate courses of action when established policies or procedures may not exist.
• Provide leadership and work direction to professional staff within the Student Services Unit, supporting effective service delivery.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to assess student needs, inform recommendations, and support program improvements.
• Collaborate with campus partners to advance student success initiatives aligned with institutional and divisional goals.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on student success and equity at SDSU Imperial Valley.
• Serve a diverse, bilingual, and historically underserved student population in a student-centered environment.
• Exercise leadership, professional judgment, and creativity in addressing complex student needs.
• Contribute to campus-wide strategy and long-term improvements in student support services.
• Join a collaborative Student Affairs team committed to access, retention, and academic excellence.

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.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in SDSU Imperial Valley.

Department Summary

SDSU Imperial Valley is a campus/college of San Diego State University serving the desert area of southeastern California. It is accredited as an integral unit of SDSU and operates under the same governance structure and university policies. Established in 1959 by an act of the State Legislature, SDSU IV offers its programs at two locations in Imperial County: Calexico and Brawley. Offering four-year and two-year undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and post-baccalaureate credential programs, SDSU Imperial Valley helps matriculated students achieve their higher education goals. Currently, SDSU IV employs 61 full-time faculty and staff members.

The SDSU Imperial Valley Student Affairs unit, working in conjunction with the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity at the San Diego campus, are mutually responsible for the coordination and development of student services and building the inclusive excellence of SDSU's staff and faculty. Areas of services include, but are not limited to, Career Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Educational Opportunity Programs, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Veterans Services, Student Ability Success Center, Student Health Services, Student Life and Leadership, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Testing Services, and Supporting the Associated Students.

Under the direction of the Dean for SDSU Imperial Valley, the Dean of Students is the lead administrator for the Student Affairs unit.

The Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity works proactively to address systemic inequities through professional learning, community building, advocacy, policy recommendations and organizational structures, while facilitating an integrated vision and shared responsibility for prioritizing and advancing institutional goals. We aim to foster an affirming campus culture based on the core values of excellence, equity, diversity, belonging and inclusion.

For more information regarding the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, 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 coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related. 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.

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.

Key Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is required.
• One year of experience supporting low-income, traditionally underserved, and disadvantaged student populations and utilizing individual counseling techniques.
• Minimum of one year experience advising students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters.
• Minimum of two years of experience analyzing complex situations accurately and adopting effective courses of action.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to collect, compile, evaluate, and interpret data; analyze complex situations; draw valid conclusions; and develop sound recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to advise students individually and in groups on both routine and complex student-related matters, including sensitive or contentious situations, while applying appropriate counseling and communication techniques.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations, recognizing multicultural, multi-gender, and multi-aged perspectives, and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with students, colleagues, and campus partners.

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.

Supplemental Information

Apply by February 12th, 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.