Programs Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator I)

Position Summary

Are you passionate about supporting groundbreaking research and student success? Join San Diego State University’s Division of Research and Innovation as our next Programs Coordinator. In this pivotal administrative role, you will support initiatives that advance faculty and undergraduate research and contribute directly to the university’s growing research enterprise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Coordination: Assist with planning, implementing, and maintaining faculty and undergraduate research support programs.
• Administrative Support: Provide high-level, confidential administrative support for the Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Partnerships, Director of Undergraduate Research, and Faculty Fellows.
• Liaison Duties: Serve as a primary point of contact between DRI leadership, faculty, students, senior university officials, and campus partners.
• Program & Project Coordination: Coordinate meetings, timelines, budgets, and activities for research-related initiatives, ensuring smooth execution, accurate financial tracking, and attention to detail and confidentiality.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Support programs that empower faculty innovation and student discovery, helping shape the future of research at SDSU.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside dedicated professionals in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Professional Growth: Gain exposure to high-level campus initiatives and senior leadership, with opportunities for skill development and advancement.
• Innovative Environment: Be part of a division that champions creative problem-solving and forward-thinking approaches to research and education.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is 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.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

Led by the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Division of Research and Innovation is responsible for university advocacy for research and scholarship. The Vice President for Research and Innovation reports to the President, is a member of the President's Cabinet, and provides leadership and coordination of all research activities at San Diego State University. The Vice President for Research and Innovation provides leadership and guidance to sponsored research activities within the San Diego State University Research Foundation, represents the university externally to major funding agencies, and oversees research regulatory committees. The Division of Research and Innovation is responsible for the review and approval of all proposals for external funding of grants and contracts, research assurances, regulatory compliance/integrity, oversight or regulatory and research promotion committees, including direct line reporting by the CEO of the SDSU Research Foundation.

In addition, the Vice President for Research and Innovation will play a lead role in the strategic planning of the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District, including identification and development of relationships with entities who may be interested in participating in public/private partnerships. The Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Partnerships oversees Research Communications, Undergraduate Research, divisional partnerships, and engagement efforts with corporations, foundations, and trade associations, and supports high-level priorities of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.

For more information regarding the Division of Research and Innovation, click here .

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires a fully functional knowledge of and skill in standard office procedures and practices, as well as an ability to understand and operate in a variety of organizational structures. Additionally, incumbents are expected to have a thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation and be able to clearly communicate orally and in writing. Some positions may require a knowledge of business mathematics beyond basic arithmetic. The ability to use and quickly lean new office support technology systems and software packages is also a prerequisite.

These qualifications would normally be obtained through a high school program, technical/vocational program, or their equivalents combined with several years of related office work experience.

Key Qualifications

• Experience with survey or data collection tools (e.g., Qualtrics, Google Forms, SurveyMonkey), or a willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated experience with and/or commitment to working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and members of underrepresented groups.
• Experience working in a large public sector, non-profit, or educational institution is preferred.
• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Around three years of experience using sound judgment, discretion, and initiative to manage complex tasks or support decision-making is preferred.

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: $3,864 - $6,072/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $4,123/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 August 21, 2025 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 Livia Peeples at lpeeples@sdsu.edu .

Advertised: Aug 07 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• San Diego State University

• 619-594-5200

Show more