Lead Academic Advisor (Student Services Professional III)

Lead Academic Advisor (Student Services Professional III)

Job No: 562564
Work Type: Staff
Locations: Southern California: San Diego
Categories: Bargaining Unit: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Appointment Type: Probationary, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Student Services, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac): Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)

Position Summary            

The Admissions Counselor plays an exciting role in introducing future students and their families to the opportunities available at San Diego State University. Reporting to the Director of Student Recruitment and School Relations, this position independently plans and delivers strategic recruitment activities at high schools, community colleges, on campus, and virtually. From leading admissions presentations and application workshops to representing SDSU at college fairs and major recruitment events, the Admissions Counselor serves as a knowledgeable and welcoming ambassador for the university. This is an excellent opportunity for an outgoing, student-centered professional who enjoys public speaking, building relationships, traveling, and helping prospective students confidently navigate their path to SDSU.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and conduct recruitment activities at assigned high schools and community colleges, including admissions presentations, application workshops, college fairs, and virtual events.

Advise prospective students and families on SDSU and CSU admission requirements, application processes, and available campus programs and resources.

Build and maintain strong relationships with school counselors, educational partners, faculty, staff, and community stakeholders.

Coordinate and support campus visitation and recruitment programs, including tours, preview events, open houses, and targeted outreach initiatives.

Represent SDSU at recruitment events throughout the region and California, including occasional overnight travel and evening or weekend activities.

Why Join Us?

Inspire prospective students as they explore one of the most important decisions of their educational journey.

Represent SDSU throughout California while building meaningful relationships with students, families, and educational partners.

Combine public speaking, advising, event coordination, and travel in a dynamic student-facing role.

Help expand access to higher education by connecting diverse prospective students with opportunities and resources at SDSU.

Join a collaborative enrollment team committed to recruitment, access, and creating a welcoming experience for future Aztecs.

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 San Diego.

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.

Department Summary

Enrollment Services is comprised of the Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions, Office of the Registrar, Prospective Student Services, Out of State and Strategic Partnerships, International Recruitment, Enrollment Services Communications, Cal Coast Student Financial Center, and Financial Aid and Scholarships. The goals of Enrollment Services are to implement SDSU enrollment management policies and to provide services to students from their initial point of interest in SDSU to their graduation.

Prospective Student Services (PSS) represents SDSU to various constituents regarding university admissions. The unit consists of senior admission counselors, admissions counselors, director, and assistant director. The admission counselors are responsible for recruiting undergraduate students, presenting admission information to students, parents, and counselors and coordinating their travel to various high schools and community colleges throughout the year. The assistant director and director oversee all operations of the Prospective Student Center, manages the staff and student assistants for this unit, and implements the strategic plan in order for the university to meet its enrollment management goals.

For more information regarding the Prospective Student Services, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown below may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth. A master's degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.

Key Qualifications

• Ability to work alternative hours for activities such as recruitment events that take place on weekends or evenings.
• Experience working in an admissions office.
• Experience conducting admissions presentations.
• Knowledge of CSU/SDSU enrollment requirements.
• Ability to travel for work and experience visiting high school and community colleges to speak to prospective students about college/university.
• Experience with MS Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and software programs such as Peoplesoft, Slate CRM, OnBase, and Zoom are preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of California State University admissions requirements and policies is preferred.
• Knowledge of university-level departments and student services such as Enrollment, Financial Aid, Housing, Educational Opportunity Program, and student life are preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are preferred.
• Experience conducting small and large scale group presentations are preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

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: $5,083 - $7,228/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,083/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.

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 15th, 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. 

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 Danan Pacheco (dpacheco@sdsu.edu).

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To apply, visit https://careers.sdsu.edu/en-us/job/562564







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