Doctoral Program Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator II)

Company: San Diego State University
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Position Summary The Doctoral Program Coordinator plays a central role in supporting SDSU’s doctoral community by helping ensure the smooth progression of students from admission through degree completion. Working under the supervision of the Doctoral Program Specialist and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, this position serves as a key liaison between doctoral programs and campus partners, including Financial Aid, the Bursar’s Office, Graduate Admissions, and the Registrar. The Doctoral Program Coordinator will support more than 30 doctoral programs, providing coordination, communication, and administrative experience while monitoring student milestones and maintaining critical academic records. This is an ideal opportunity for an organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys supporting advanced academic programs and collaborating across a complex university environment. Key Responsibilities Serve as an initial point of contact for doctoral students, faculty, and staff, responding to inquiries and resolving routine academic and administrative matters. Coordinate and track doctoral student progress and milestones, including admissions, committee formation, advancement to candidacy, and dissertation defense. Review, approve, and process academic progress forms, petitions, faculty appointments, and student records in accordance with university policies and deadlines. Maintain and share doctoral program information through Canvas, newsletters, websites, and campus systems, co-lead biannual Doctoral Town Halls. Collaborate with doctoral program directors and campus partners to address issues, support workflows, and ensure accurate degree evaluation processes. Why Join Us? Support the success of doctoral students and faculty across a wide range of academic disciplines. Work closely with campus leadership and partners in the College of Graduate Studies. Use your organizational and communication skills in a role with campus-wide impact. Gain exposure to advanced academic processes and doctoral-level program administration. Join a collaborative, mission-driven university committed to academic excellence and student success. Position Information This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of one year after initial hire date with the possibility of reappointment. 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 after a 6 month training period. Department Summary The College of Graduate Studies (CGS) provides leadership, advocacy, financial support, and coordination for all graduate and pos-baccalaureate education at San Diego State University, including the 138 master’s and 31 doctoral programs. The organization consists of approximately 12 full-time personnel, led by the Dean. Core office functions include degree evaluation and conferral, student services, implementation of policy of the Graduate Council, SDSU, CSU, and California Ed. Code Title V, and administration of graduate student funding. For more information regarding the College of Graduate Studies, 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 Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, or a related field or the equivalent of 3 years of progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience in a supervised office setting is preferred. Experience working in a university or higher education environment, with general knowledge of applicable campus infrastructure, policies, and procedures. Demonstrated ability to coordinate and perform a full range of clerical and administrative support functions for an academic or special-program administrative office, including collaboration with the College of Graduate Studies and other campus partners. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel Strong proficiency in Google Docs and Sheets Ability to track and manage overlapping projects, at different stages of completion. 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). 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 February 16th, 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 .

Keywords: San Diego State University, El Centro , Doctoral Program Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator II), Administration, Clerical , San Diego, California