Position Summary

Are you passionate about helping students understand their academic options and make meaningful progress toward graduation? San Diego State University’s Fowler College of Business is seeking an Academic Advisor to join the Center for Student Success, which provides academic and informational advising to approximately 8,500 undergraduate students. Under general supervision, the Academic Advisor manages an assigned caseload of current, prospective, and former students and graduation candidates through individualized appointments, group advising, virtual sessions, email, phone, and in-person interactions.

The Academic Advisor interprets University and College policies, procedures, degree requirements, impaction criteria, and graduation requirements to help students develop effective academic plans. The position provides specialized support to students who are on academic probation, experiencing difficulty meeting requirements, at risk of delayed progress, or seeking alternatives related to their academic goals. The Academic Advisor monitors student progress, identifies potential barriers, provides proactive follow-up, and makes referrals to appropriate College and campus resources.

In addition to advising and counseling, the Academic Advisor contributes to student success initiatives and events, including Explore SDSU, New Student Orientation, Commencement, major fairs, leadership activities, retention programming, and other outreach efforts. The position also develops and delivers presentations for students, faculty, staff, and community members while collaborating with College departments and campus partners to support a high-quality student experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Academic Advising: Manage an assigned caseload and advise current, prospective, and former students and graduation candidates on College, University, major, general education, and graduation requirements.
• Degree Planning: Develop individualized graduation and academic plans, explain impaction and prerequisite requirements, and recommend strategies for students to meet academic milestones and progress toward degree completion.
• Student Support: Counsel students on academic probation and those experiencing academic difficulty or delayed progress; identify potential solutions, provide proactive follow-up, and refer students to appropriate academic and campus resources.
• Policy Guidance: Interpret and explain University and Fowler College of Business policies, procedures, academic requirements, and available options through individual advising, group sessions, presentations, email, phone, Zoom, and in-person communication.
• Student Advocacy: Review and, when appropriate, prepare course attempt appeals, financial aid appeals, and other student documentation while helping students navigate complex or sensitive academic situations.
• Student Success Programs: Support events, projects, and initiatives for current, former, prospective, and graduating students, including orientation, commencement, retention programming, leadership activities, advising materials, and electronic communications.
• Outreach and Presentations: Deliver presentations to students, faculty, staff, and community members regarding the College, degree requirements, academic programs, and University policies and procedures.
• Campus Collaboration: Work with department chairs, College staff, the Registrar’s Office, campus departments, and other partners to address student concerns, maintain accurate advising information, and support effective academic advising.

Why Join Us?

• Student Impact: Help a diverse undergraduate population understand academic requirements, overcome challenges, and move successfully toward graduation.
• Comprehensive Advising: Gain broad experience advising students at multiple points in the student lifecycle, from prospective and pre-major students to graduation candidates and former students.
• Meaningful Outreach: Contribute to orientation, commencement, retention, leadership, major exploration, and other programs that shape the Fowler College of Business student experience.
• Professional Collaboration: Work closely with College departments, campus offices, faculty, staff, and student services professionals to address complex student needs.
• Advising Development: Strengthen expertise in academic advising, policy interpretation, student support, presentations, and proactive strategies for student success.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. 
• This position is designated as 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.  
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego, after an initial 6 month training period.

Department Summary

The Center for Student Success (CSS) within the Fowler College of Business provides all academic and informational advising for current, prospective, and former students and graduation candidates in the Undergraduate Program. It also focuses on students experiencing academic difficulty and those participating in special programs. It provides assistance to students in filling out academic forms and petitions, and in understanding university and college policies, requirements and procedures. The unit is responsible for implementing all policies, procedures, and decisions made regarding currently attending Business majors. The unit coordinates the following: primary commencement function (undergraduate for approximately 1,800 students/8,500 guests); undergraduate academic advising, tutoring, study abroad, incoming first year and transfer student orientation among others.

For more information regarding the Fowler College of Business, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.

Possession of this knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indica related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.

Key Qualifications

• Three years of experience working in a college or university’s admissions, advising, evaluations, registrar, or other student service-related office.
• Experience working with a large diverse student population and presenting to diverse audiences in varying sizes.
• Experience in student advising and working in an academic setting.
• Experience explaining and interpreting academic policies governing a public or private university either in person, on the phone, via Zoom or email.
• Familiarity with SDSU and CSU general education and graduation requirements.
• Experience with SDSU specific systems such as my.SDSU student information system, uAchieve degree evaluation, and SDSU Navigate (EAB), etc.
• General knowledge of Student Affairs principles, practices, trends, and student services programs, including those outside the assigned program area.
• Thorough knowledge of individual and group behavior principles and general knowledge of individual counseling techniques.
• Ability to analyze and define complex situations or problems, evaluate alternatives, draw valid conclusions, anticipate consequences, and determine effective courses of action.
• Ability to advise students individually and in groups on complex student-related matters.
• Ability to select appropriate techniques and respond effectively to argumentative or sensitive interpersonal situations.
• Initiative and creativity are required for situations involving changing guidelines and regulations or when existing procedures and guidelines must be applied to unusual circumstances.
• Ability to independently complete professionally complex assignments and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with diverse individuals.
• Master’s degree 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:
 Salary is based on your experience, education, and qualifications, within the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,083 - $7,228/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,083/month.

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 December 3rd, 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 at dpacheco@sdsu.edu.