Position Summary

The JDP Program Coordinator plays a central role in supporting the academic, operational, and administrative success of a joint doctoral program (JDP). Working closely with the JDP Director, College leadership, and campus partners, this position coordinates a wide range of academic processes, faculty support functions, and business operations. The role also serves as a key liaison between SDSU and UCSD partners, as well as internal units such as the Graduate Division, Psychology Department, and JDP Training Clinic. With responsibility for supporting accreditation efforts and maintaining complex workflows, this position is ideal for a highly organized professional who thrives in a collaborative, multi-institutional academic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate academic and faculty processes, including scheduling, documentation, and personnel-related workflows.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison with SDSU and UCSD partners, ensuring effective communication and program coordination.
• Support accreditation activities, including documentation, compliance tracking, and reporting requirements.
• Manage business and financial coordination in collaboration with College Care teams and campus partners.
• Maintain accurate records, data systems, and communications to support efficient operations and policy compliance.

Why Join Us?

• Support a unique joint doctoral program that bridges two leading research institutions.
• Work closely with faculty, students, and partners across SDSU and UCSD.
• Contribute to accreditation and academic excellence in a high-impact graduate program.
• Apply organizational, analytical, and communication skills in a complex, collaborative environment.
• Join a mission-driven academic community committed to research, education, and student success.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

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

Psychology is one of the largest departments at the university, and among the joint doctoral programs in which SDSU participates, the Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) in Clinical Psychology is the largest. The Employing Unit provides comprehensive informational, administrative, operational, and accreditation support services for the SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. These services support faculty who teach and mentor within the program as well as current students and alumni.

The program includes more than 170 affiliated faculty members from the SDSU Department of Psychology, the SDSU School of Public Health, and the UCSD Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine. The JDP has over 360 alumni and 77 current students, with approximately 700 applicants competing annually for 12 available admission slots. Students are admitted into one of three specialized tracks, with both faculty and students aligned accordingly.

Although the program is jointly sponsored by SDSU and UCSD, JDP Program Coordinator manages nearly all administrative operations for the doctoral program. This position serves as the sole full-time administrative support role at SDSU and oversees the full student lifecycle—from application processing and admissions coordination to maintaining comprehensive student and alumni records in both database and hardcopy formats, including post-graduation documentation.

The JDP Program Coordinator works closely with the SDSU Program Director, the Director of the Clinic, and program partners at UCSD to coordinate workflow and ensure smooth program operations. Responsibilities include developing and maintaining multiple databases; managing student, alumni, budget, and accreditation records; ensuring compliance with national accrediting bodies; preparing and revising complex and confidential reports; maintaining web-based program information; advising faculty and students on program requirements and policies; serving as liaison to the Graduate Division, the Department, the Clinic, and UCSD partners; and coordinating meetings, conferences, and retreats.

The Clinical Psychology JDP is a component of the SDSU College of Sciences. The College of Sciences is a diverse academic institution encompassing eight academic departments, eight joint doctoral programs, and a multitude of academic program areas. Additionally, it houses the California State University Program, the Education and Research in Biotechnology program, the Coastal Waters Institute, the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education, the Molecular Biology Institute, and off-campus sites including the San Diego State University Field Stations and the Mt. Laguna Observatory. Within its ranks, the College boasts a dedicated faculty comprising over 260 full and part-time members, along with a support staff of 80 clerical and technical employees. Their interests span a wide spectrum, encompassing both teaching and research.

For more information regarding the Psychology Department, 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 learn 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

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and workflows in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail and accuracy in records and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft professional correspondence and interact effectively with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners in both routine and sensitive situations.
• Proficiency in office software and data systems to organize, track, and analyze information, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies and processes.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to use data to support decision-making and operational needs.
• Ability to independently interpret and apply policies and procedures, exercising sound judgment in complex or unclear situations.
• Experience working in higher education administration, preferably in academic or faculty-focused units, with familiarity with CSU or SDSU policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements is preferred. 
• Experience supporting academic personnel processes such as lecturer hiring, evaluations, RTP, workload tracking, and course scheduling or instructional planning is preferred.
• Proficiency with HR and academic administration systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Interfolio, OnBase) and maintaining faculty workload, appointment, and instructional records is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a shared services or cross-functional environment, collaborating with departments and central administrative offices is preferred.
• Experience working with diverse faculty, staff, and student populations; familiarity with STEM or science-related academic environments 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:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($4,367).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,367 – $6,362 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

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 May 3, 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. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

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 Danan Pacheco (dpacheco@sdsu.edu).