Native Student Success Advisor and Program Manager (Student Services Professional III)

San Diego State University is seeking a collaborative and student-centered Native Student Success Advisor and Program Manager to join the Native Resource Center (NRC) and support the academic success, well-being, and sense of belonging of Native and Indigenous students. This position offers a meaningful opportunity to work directly with students, coordinate culturally responsive programs and events, and contribute to initiatives that celebrate Native and Indigenous identities, histories, and communities.

Working closely with the Native Resource Center Director, you'll oversee daily center operations, supervise and mentor student assistants, and provide individualized advising and support to students navigating academic, personal, and transitional challenges. You'll also coordinate signature programs, collaborating with campus and community partners to create engaging educational and cultural experiences.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who values culturally responsive student support, enjoys building meaningful relationships, and wants to contribute to programs that make a lasting impact on student success.

• →Supervise, mentor, and support student assistants through training, professional development, and daily operations.
• →Provide individualized student advising, guidance, and referrals that support academic success, retention, and well-being.
• →Coordinate signature cultural and educational programs, including Orange Shirt Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, and the Native & Indigenous Research and Arts Symposium.
• →Collaborate with faculty, campus departments, and community partners to support culturally responsive programming and student engagement.
• →Support NRC operations, assess program effectiveness, and identify opportunities to enhance student services and experiences.

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• 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 Native Resource Center at San Diego State University, residing on Kumeyaay Land, facilitates the academic and personal success of Native American and Indigenous identified students through: relevant and accessible programming and resources, services to identify and address barriers to academic achievement, community building, on and off-campus partnerships, and advocacy for the inclusion of Native American/Indigenous peoples’ unique histories, cultures, and perspectives in campus programs and curriculum.

For more information regarding the Native Resource Center, click here.

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate course work in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related. Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required.

A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

• Basic understanding of decolonial methods in educational settings, including Native American history.
• Knowledge of Native and Indigenous student experiences, cultural perspectives, and approaches that promote belonging and equitable access to education.
• Experience providing individualized student advising, guidance, and referrals to support academic success, retention, and well-being.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and evaluating culturally responsive programs, educational workshops, and community-building events.
• Experience supervising, training, and mentoring student assistants while supporting daily program operations.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with experience collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including experience managing multiple priorities, assessing program effectiveness, and addressing complex student needs.

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.