Life Advisor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Student Life Advisor for Center for Student Organizations & Activities (Student Services Professional II)
Job no: 558713
Work type: Staff
Location: San Diego
Categories: Unit 4 - APC - Academic Professionals of California, Probationary, Full Time, Student Services, Telecommute eligible (work onsite as scheduled and/or as requested and telecommute as scheduled)
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Director of the Center for Student Organizations & Activities and work direction from the Associate Program Director for Student Organizations, the Student Life Advisor provides guidance, mentorship, leadership development, support, and coordination for recognized student organizations through advising, programming, and student engagement initiatives. The position assists with the development and implementation of co-curricular programs, events, and leadership opportunities that enhance student involvement, campus pride, and sense of community. The incumbent also supports student organization operations, outdoor space coordination, leadership development initiatives, and campus-wide programs that contribute to student success and engagement within the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity.
Key Responsibilities

• Advise and support recognized student organizations by providing guidance on organization operations, events, leadership development, university policies, and recognition requirements.
• Coordinate and implement student engagement programs, leadership initiatives, student organization fairs, workshops, recognition events, and other campus-wide activities.
• Support the coordination of outdoor space reservations and educate students and campus partners on applicable university policies and procedures.
• Maintain student organization records, databases, websites, assessment tools, and reports to support program effectiveness and student engagement efforts.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop resources, training opportunities, and co-curricular experiences that enhance student involvement, leadership development, and community building.

Why Join Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on student engagement, leadership development, and campus involvement at SDSU.
• Work directly with student leaders and organizations while supporting programs that foster belonging, community, and student success.
• Gain experience coordinating campus-wide events, leadership programs, and co-curricular learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with a wide range of campus departments and partners dedicated to student development and inclusive excellence.
• Join a student-centered division committed to equity, diversity, belonging, and creating transformational experiences for students.

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 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.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends regularly, including select weekends during the first five weeks of the fall semester and as needed.
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to one day per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary
The Center for Student Organizations & Activities (CSOA) fosters a strong sense of belonging at San Diego State University by connecting students to meaningful co-curricular experiences, leadership opportunities, and community. Through intentional programming, education, and support, CSOA helps students navigate involvement, build lasting connections, and engage safely and confidently beyond the classroom.
For more information regarding the Center for Student Organizations & Activities department, 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 below may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Possession of the required 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 indicate the potential for further growth. A master's degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.
Key Qualifications

• Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience advising and counseling students in academic and/or co-curricular settings, applying student development theory to support individual and group growth.
• Experience in student affairs, student activities, leadership development, civic engagement, or community service programs, preferably in a higher education environment.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and fostering inclusive student engagement.
• Ability to design, implement, coordinate, and evaluate student programs, services, events, and activities that address identified student and campus needs.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and student organization support skills, including promoting collaborative and professional environments.
• Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities, including managing multiple priorities, complex assignments, and frequent interruptions with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to conduct workshops, explain policies and procedures, and interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Proficiency with technology and data management tools, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and learning management systems such as Canvas.
• Knowledge of higher education policies, regulations, and governance structures, or the ability to quickly learn and apply university, CSU, and student affairs policies while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

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 June 24th, 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 Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.
Advertised: Jun 10 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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