Lieutenant (Administrator II)

The San Diego State University Police Department is seeking a dynamic and experienced Police Lieutenant to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and community-focused policing within a large, complex university environment. Reporting to the Assistant Chief or Captain, the Lieutenant plays a critical role in managing sworn and non-sworn personnel, guiding day-to-day law enforcement operations, and advancing public safety initiatives that protect life, property, and the SDSU community. This role offers the opportunity to lead with purpose, shape modern policing practices, and make a lasting impact on campus and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage police personnel across patrol, investigations, special events, or administrative functions
• Direct law enforcement operations, including crime prevention, investigations, emergency response, and special events
• Supervise sergeants and officers, including staffing, training, and performance evaluation.
• Foster strong police-community relationships through community-oriented and problem-solving policing strategies
• Develop, implement, and review policies, procedures, and special projects to ensure legal compliance and operational excellence
• Oversee complex investigations, review reports, and represent the department in court, hearings, and public forums
• Plan and coordinate staffing and security for large-scale special events, including Mission Valley Stadium operations

Why Join Us?

At SDSU, public safety is more than a function, it’s a shared commitment to a vibrant, inclusive academic community. As a Police Lieutenant, you’ll join a forward-thinking department that values professionalism, innovation, and collaboration. You’ll have the opportunity to lead diverse teams, tackle meaningful challenges, and help shape the future of campus policing at one of California’s leading public universities. If you’re a proven leader ready to make an impact where education, community, and public service intersect, this is your next chapter.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

Safety and security is coordinated by University Police, through a force of 42 sworn full-time police officers, 40 sworn part-time, and 25 non-sworn support employees. Our police officers are graduates of the California Peace Officers Standards Training Academy with full arrest powers throughout the state. They undergo continued training to upgrade their skills as well as first aid and CPR. University Police officers are armed. They conduct foot, vehicular and bicycle patrols on campus and in the adjacent community 24 hours a day. Officers are responsible for reporting and investigating crimes and traffic accidents, enforcing state laws and local ordinances, responding to medical emergencies and all other incidents requiring police assistance.

For more information regarding the University Police Department, click here .

Education and Experience

• Five (5) years of sworn law enforcement experience, including three years at the rank of Sergeant or higher, or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the
• Graduation from a certified California P.O.S.T. academy or equivalent
• Supervisory California P.O.S.T. certificate or equivalent

Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of current law enforcement methods and procedures.
• Working knowledge of current CA criminal codes and laws.
• Effective interpersonal skills to resolve a wide variety of sensitive situations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including writing clear and comprehensive reports.
• Demonstrated ability to think and act effectively in emergency and sensitive situations.
• Work involves an element of personal danger and employees must be able to exercise considerable independent judgment and professional knowledge in making decisions regarding the use of deadly force in protecting citizens and themselves without the benefit of immediate supervisory assistance or advice. Ability to work on-call.
• Ability to operate complex digital media storage systems as well as electronic forms of emergency notification, websites, etc.

License and Certifications Required

• Possession of a Class C or higher California driver's license at the time of appointment and satisfactory driving record is required.
• Possession of a Supervisory Certificate issued by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $158,000 to $166,716 annually.

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 February 2, 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 Rachael Stalmann at rstalmann@sdsu.edu.

Advertised: Jan 16 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

• 

• San Diego State University

• 619-594-5200

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