Program Director, Center for Intercultural Relations (Student Services Professional IV)

San Diego State University is seeking a collaborative and student-centered Program Director to lead the Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR). Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President for Campus and Community Affairs, the Program Director oversees the center’s programs, operations, staff, and resources while supporting a welcoming environment for students from diverse cultural, racial, religious, and identity backgrounds.

The Program Director serves as a key campus partner, student advocate, and resource to faculty and staff. This position works across departments and with community organizations to strengthen student success, belonging, leadership development, engagement, and retention. The role also supports the continued growth and visibility of CIR through inclusive programming, student outreach, campus partnerships, communication, and advocacy.

• →Oversee CIR’s programs, daily operations, staffing, budget, facilities, and resources while ensuring alignment with university and divisional priorities.
• →Lead the development, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support student belonging, leadership, academic success, engagement, and retention.
• →Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus departments, community organizations, alumni, and other partners to expand resources and support for students.
• →Serve as a mentor and resource to students, providing guidance, support, and appropriate referrals related to academic, personal, cultural, and well-being concerns.
• →Represent CIR across campus and promote its programs, services, and priorities through outreach, communications, assessment reports, advocacy, and university-wide initiatives.

• 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.

The Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR) supports the academic, personal, and professional success of all students through multicultural programming, academic advising and support, access to basic needs, and wellness programming. This center provides a home-like environment for students with several meeting and living spaces for students to hang out, study, and build community with others. All students, regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin, who are interested in the CIR are welcome. Learn more by reading SDSU's Affirming Equal Opportunity statement.

For more information regarding the Center for Intercultural Relations (CIR), click here.

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.

• Knowledge of student development, leadership, and identity development theories, with the ability to apply them when supporting individuals and groups.
• Experience designing, implementing, assessing, and improving student programs, educational workshops, events, or services.
• Skill in building collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, community partners, and student organizations.
• Clear and respectful communication skills, including the ability to present information, prepare reports, and engage with varied audiences.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when responding to sensitive, complex, or emotionally charged situations.
• Capacity to manage multiple programs, priorities, and complex assignments while meeting deadlines and working with minimal direction.
• Experience recruiting, training, guiding, or supervising student employees and supporting student leadership or advocacy efforts.
• Ability to analyze information, navigate conflict, mediate concerns, and recommend thoughtful solutions that support an inclusive environment.

• Graduate degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience leading student services programs or operations in a college or university setting.
• Background advising students individually or in groups on complex, sensitive, or varied matters.
• Experience using qualitative and quantitative data, assessment findings, budgets, and operational information to guide decisions and improve programs.

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. 

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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.