Position Summary

The Department Care Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the academic and operational excellence of the department. Working closely with the Department Chair, College leadership, and campus partners, this position provides comprehensive coordination across academic processes, faculty support, business operations, and shared services. The role ensures that documentation, data, and communications are handled accurately and efficiently while maintaining compliance with university and CSU policies. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized professional who enjoys supporting faculty and academic operations in a collaborative higher education environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate academic and faculty-related processes, including documentation, scheduling, and personnel actions.
• Support departmental business operations, data entry, and financial coordination in partnership with College Care teams and campus offices.
• Maintain accurate records and administrative systems while ensuring compliance with university and CSU policies.
• Draft and manage professional correspondence, reports, and communications with faculty, staff, and campus partners.
• Manage multiple workflows and deadlines independently in a fast-paced academic setting.

Why Join Us?

• Support faculty success and academic excellence within a collaborative college environment.
• Play a central role in ensuring smooth and efficient departmental operations.
• Develop expertise in academic administration, personnel processes, and university systems.
• Work closely with college and campus partners in a service-oriented role.
• Join a mission-driven institution committed to professionalism, accuracy, and high-quality service.

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

The Department of Biology is one of the largest departments within the University. Its wide spectrum of teaching and research covers all major areas of biology and includes ~1600 undergraduate majors and ~200 graduate students. Degrees offered by the Department include: BA or BS in Biology, BA or BS in Microbiology, BS in Biology with optional emphases in Cell and Molecular Biology, in Ecology, in Evolution and Systematics, in Marine Biology, and in Zoology, as well as preparation for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Life Sciences; B.S. in Microbiology with optional emphasis in Clinical Laboratory Science and Public Health Microbiology; a Certificate in Biotechnology; MA or MS in

Biology or in Microbiology; MA or MS with emphases in Ecology, in Evolutionary Biology, in Molecular Biology, and in Physiology; Ph.D. in Biology (with UCSD); Ph.D. in Ecology (with UC Davis) and Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology (with UC Riverside). The Department currently generates ~1100 FTES per semester.

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 Department of Biology, 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

• Ability to independently manage multiple deadlines, and workflows in a fast-paced academic environment.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate records, documentation, and data systems.
• Demonstrated ability to draft clear, professional correspondence and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners, including in sensitive or confidential situations.
• Proficiency using office software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, shared documents) to organize, track, and analyze information.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures independently, using sound judgment when precedents may not exist.
• Experience working in higher education administration in academic or faculty-focused units is preferred.
• Familiarity with CSU or SDSU policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements is preferred.
• Experience supporting academic personnel actions (e.g., lecturer hiring, evaluations, RTP, workload tracking).
• Experience with course scheduling or instructional planning processes is preferred.
• Experience using systems such as PeopleSoft, Interfolio, OnBase, or similar HR/academic administration platforms 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 March 9th, 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 Danan Pacheco (dpacheco@sdsu.edu).