San Diego State University · 4 days ago
Chief Student Development Officer
SD Metro Area
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$180K/yr - $202K/yr
10+ years expSan Diego State University (SDSU) is searching for a dynamic, student-centered leader to shape the living and learning experience for thousands of students. As the Chief Student Development Officer, you will lead programs that support student success, community building, and personal development, while also overseeing key student-facing portfolios on campus.
EducationSustainabilityUniversities
No H1B
Responsibilities
Lead the Residential Education program for nearly 9,000 students (growing to 12,000), ensuring every student finds community, safety, connection, and pathways to success
Build vibrant living-learning environments focused on identity development, life skills, leadership, academic momentum, and belonging
Champion a student experience rooted in respect, curiosity, personal responsibility, and cultural humility
Provide strategic oversight for Residential Education, Career Services, the Center for Student Rights & Responsibilities, and Program Evaluation, Compliance & Assessment
Shape programs and services that support the whole student - mind, body, and spirit
Drive initiatives that strengthen retention, persistence, well-being, and personal development
Inspire and mentor a diverse team of directors, staff, graduate students, and student leaders
Foster a culture where students feel empowered, seen, respected, and supported in their academic and co-curricular journeys
Promote equity-centered practices and help cultivate a campus where every student knows they belong
Serve as a key campus crisis response leader, supporting students during some of their most critical moments
Partner on emergency operations, expressive activities, risk management, and complex student situations
Offer calm, compassionate leadership in times of challenge
Collaborate on new housing construction projects, residential community expansion, and long-term staffing and budget planning
Strengthen academic partnerships that bring coordinated care advising, learning communities, and student success centers directly into the residential environment
Ensure the living experience reflects SDSU’s commitment to innovation, belonging, and excellence
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in student affairs, higher education, educational leadership, or a related field
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs leadership, ideally within a comprehensive university setting
Experience supervising professional staff and managing complex programs or departments
Experience working with diverse student populations and advancing equity and inclusion
Demonstrated professional experience in residential education, crisis response, student conduct, or student success initiatives
Strong knowledge of student development theory and best practices in residential education and student affairs
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, build partnerships, and collaborate across campus divisions
Proven experience managing budgets, staff, and operational systems in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
Ability to make sound decisions in crisis situations and support coordinated emergency response efforts
Skilled in assessment, program evaluation, and data-informed planning
Commitment to student-centered leadership, inclusive excellence, and fostering belonging
Ability to balance multiple priorities with initiative, judgment, and resourcefulness
Benefits
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.
Company
San Diego State University
San Diego State University is a public institution offering diverse educational experiences. It is a sub-organization of California State University.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$16MKey Investors
The Conrad Prebys FoundationNational Science FoundationU.S. Department of Agriculture
2025-05-28Grant· $1M
2024-07-03Grant
2023-06-01Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Leslie Levinson
CFO
Amy Weiss
Professor of Journalism
Recent News
2025-11-19
Company data provided by crunchbase