Director, Permitting & Code Enforcement (Administrator II)

San Diego State University is seeking a collaborative and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Permitting & Code Enforcement within the Office of Real Estate, Planning & Development. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Real Estate, & Planning Development and Campus Deputy Building Official, this role leads the University’s permitting, inspection, and code enforcement functions in support of SDSU’s growing portfolio of capital improvement, infrastructure, and public works projects.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring campus projects are designed, reviewed, permitted, and constructed in compliance with the California Building Standards Code, CSU requirements, and applicable regulatory agency standards. This position partners closely with campus leadership, Facilities Services, Project Management, Planning, Design & Construction, Housing, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs + Campus Diversity, and external agencies to help deliver safe, efficient, and innovative campus environments that support SDSU’s academic mission and long-term growth.

This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking professional who enjoys building collaborative processes, leading multidisciplinary teams, improving operational effectiveness, and contributing to transformative projects at one of California’s leading public universities.

• →Provide oversight for the University’s permitting, inspection, and code enforcement operations related to capital, infrastructure, maintenance, and public works projects.
• →Ensure compliance with CSU policies, California Building Standards Code, California Fire Code, and applicable state and local regulatory requirements.
• →Guide project permitting, design review, inspections, occupancy approvals, and project closeout activities.
• →Partner with campus departments, consultants, contractors, architects, engineers, and regulatory agencies to support efficient and compliant project delivery.
• →Advance the continuous improvement of permitting and code enforcement processes, procedures, and operational practices.
• →Serve as a technical resource on code compliance, constructability, permitting requirements, and regulatory coordination.
• →Oversee inspection activities, including coordination with the CSU Office of Fire Safety, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Division of the State Architect, and other governing agencies.
• →Provide direction, mentorship, and support to management, represented, and confidential staff responsible for project administration and compliance activities.
• →Contribute to campus planning and development initiatives through strategic analysis, collaborative problem-solving, and effective communication.
• →Foster a service-centered environment that values accountability, responsiveness, professionalism, and partnership across the University community.

• Be part of a nationally recognized public research university with a strong commitment to innovation, student success, and community impact.
• Contribute to high-profile campus development and infrastructure projects that shape the future of SDSU.
• Collaborate with talented professionals across planning, construction, facilities, and campus leadership teams.
• Work in a dynamic and mission-driven environment that values inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Experience the energy of a vibrant campus community located in sunny 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.

• 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., but may vary based on operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive work environment while providing the highest quality of service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure, and human resources at San Diego State University.

Permitting & Code Enforcement is an office within the Division of Business and Financial Affairs. The office is under the direct supervision of the Associate Vice President of Real Estate, Planning & Development, who reports to the Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs. Permitting & Code Enforcement is responsible for Building Permit issuance & Inspection Services, including oversight of special inspection services, the CSU Office of Fire Safety,  and Office of State Fire Marshal inspections for all University construction projects, infrastructure improvement projects, capital renewal projects, deferred maintenance projects, and tenant improvement projects for the University at large, including the Office of Housing Administration, Foundation, Auxiliaries and outside enterprises such as Cell Service Providers and Public-Private Partnerships (P3s).

Permitting & Code Enforcement is also responsible for ensuring compliance with code requirements outside of construction, including compliance with State and/or California State University (CSU) mandated inspections (e.g., balcony inspections). Typical oversight functions include review of furniture purchases to ensure ADA and Fire Life Safety egress is maintained, as well as review of special projects' requests such as art installations (temporary or permanent). Permitting & Code Enforcement works closely with the University’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to ensure compliance with campus Fire & Life Safety requirements, including chemical and equipment purchases by departments for use in research.

For more information regarding the Planning, Design, and Construction department, click here.

For more information regarding the Division of Business and Financial Affairs, click here.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, Business Management, Construction Management, Public Administration, or related degree.
• Five or more years of managerial experience in the delivery of project planning and implementation services, including coordination and work assignments to implement project programming, budgeting, design, bid preparation, construction, and inspection by others. Construction administration experience and skills to monitor assigned projects for conformance to contract documents and applicable codes; review and negotiate contractor claims; and actively assist in the resolution of technical and procedural problems.
• Experience working in a service-oriented environment, subject to frequently changing priorities requiring initiative and independent problem-solving.
• California Architectural License– Candidates with NCARB Certification are acceptable with California Licensure required within 12 months of start date.

• Thorough technical knowledge of construction methods and skilled trades, contract language, drafting and specification development, facility maintenance and renewal forecasting; project and construction costs and experience with industry standard cost estimating systems; standard design and construction sequences and durations necessary to prepare, monitor, and manage detailed project schedules; working knowledge of architectural, engineering, and construction practices; familiarity with California and applicable building codes and regulations; and professional design experience to effectively direct and review the preparation of design and construction documents, review and approve contractor submittals, and to effectively resolve field problems during construction.
• Demonstrated experience with creating effective work policies, practices, and procedures. Knowledge of management principles and techniques; knowledge and experience in labor relations, conflict resolution and grievance administration.
• Must possess demonstrated leadership and managerial skills to simultaneously direct professional and trade teams working on unique and technically difficult projects in a complex administrative environment.
• Financial skills to prepare, monitor, and manage detailed project budgets; gather data and information; evaluate independent cost estimates; and review and approve payment requests.
• Incumbent shall have excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to prepare concise and professional reports and correspondence.
• Must have demonstrated ability to manage and provide leadership to staff involved in facility development and renewal activities in a major university setting and bargaining unit environment. Must have ability to provide unit supervision and individual work direction, train others in proper work methods and safety practices and provide feedback on work performance.
• Must have the ability to analyze assignments, projects, and issues; act independently to successfully resolve problems, meet deadlines and ensure continuity of operations; must have ability to recognize need and take action.

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• California Architect’s license or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire.
• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

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. 

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.