Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Dean, the Assistant to the Dean performs both specialized and general duties related to the overall administrative operations of the College of Engineering and understands and applies a wide array of University and College policies for the benefit of the Dean's Office and College as a whole. As such, the Assistant to the Dean responds to inquiries, interprets policies and gives direction on university procedures on the Dean's behalf. 

In addition, the Assistant to the Dean is responsible for numerous special projects that are critical to the operations and marketing of the College of Engineering. The Assistant to the Dean must have the ability to handle multiple work priorities and be accountable for their results, use independent judgment, make decisions, interpret and apply a wide range of policies and procedures, follow standard procedures and practices and determine appropriate solutions to a wide range of administrative problems related to the day-to-day operations of the College. 

The Assistant to the Dean also provides direct, confidential support to the Dean which requires researching, analyzing, and presenting information to the Dean and/or on the Dean's behalf; assuring that deadlines are met by the Dean's Office and Departments; and maintaining the Dean’s complex calendar.

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.

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Dean's Office in the College of Engineering is responsible for all administrative and managerial functions of the College, which include overseeing the operations of the College's four (4) departments, which have a total of (8) academic programs, coordinating work of the College's committees, managing budgetary and financial matters, providing faculty and staff support, working with other University departments to integrate College of Engineering functions, providing student services, supporting the College's outreach and research efforts, and managing the development activities for the benefit of the College and its students. 

The Dean's Office administers these programs with four (4) administrators and a student services professional: the Dean, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies & Research, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, and Director of the MESA Engineering Program. ln addition, the Dean's Office has a staff of (7) which includes an Assistant to the Dean, two (2) Administrative Analyst Specialists, an Administrative Coordinator, a Student Affairs Coordinator, Center for Student Success in Engineering Coordinator, and an Internship Coordinator. There are also three (3) Information Technology support personnel: an Operating Systems Analyst and two (2) Information Technology Consultants.

For more information regarding the College of Engineering, 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

• Experience working in a higher education environment. 
• Experience serving in an administrative support/executive assistant position to a high-level leadership role such as department head, director, dean, vice-president, etc.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and Google Suite.
• Working knowledge of graphic design, layout, photo editing and website support is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a solid foundation in grammar, spelling, and the composition of various communication vehicles.
• Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of executive-level administrative support experience is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $4,696 per month. 

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources. 

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here.

CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,865 - $6,336 per month. 

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. 

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement.  For more information, click here.

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. 

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on May 9, 2024.  To receive full consideration, apply by May 8, 2024. 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.

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Tina Deesen at tdeesen@sdsu.edu.