Professional Development Coach Jobs in California

Position Summary

The Career Development Coach plays a vital role in preparing Fowler College of Business students for lifelong career success. As a member of the Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development, this position delivers personalized career coaching, professional development programming, and employer engagement initiatives that help students confidently transition from the classroom to the workforce. Working closely with students, employers, alumni, faculty, and campus partners, the role expands internship and employment opportunities while creating innovative programs that strengthen career readiness. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, student-centered professional who is passionate about empowering future business leaders and building meaningful industry connections.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized and group career coaching on career exploration, internship and job search strategies, resume development, interviewing, and professional growth.
• Develop and facilitate workshops, career readiness programming, and employer engagement events that prepare business students for career success.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, alumni, and industry partners to expand internship, networking, and employment opportunities.
• Collaborate with faculty and campus partners to develop strategic career initiatives and enhance student engagement.
• Promote career resources, employment trends, and experiential learning opportunities through effective communication and outreach.

Why Join Us?

• Empower students to achieve their career goals and launch successful professional journeys.
• Build meaningful partnerships with employers and alumni that create lasting opportunities for students.
• Design innovative career programming within a nationally recognized business college.
• Work in a collaborative, student-centered environment that values creativity, service, and professional development.
• Join a mission-driven team dedicated to career readiness, experiential learning, and 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 eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

The Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development (CCD) within the FCB provides career and professional development services for students in the Fowler College of Business. Activities with the Partrick-Clayes CCD include, but are not limited to, career coaching, the development and implementation of specific activities to improve job market success of students, and development and implementation of regular events to permit employers and students to interact. A critical component of the CCD as a unit is to develop an extensive list of employers and alumni and to cultivate a relationship with other career-related agencies within the university, region, and nation to improve the development and employment opportunities of students upon graduation. The CCD is also responsible for designing metrics to assess its success, and to design and implement a constant improvement system.

For more information regarding the Partrick-Clayes Center for Career Development, 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 the professional experience.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Minimum one year of professional work experience in a business or academic organization.
• Must have the ability to maintain positive customer service orientation and display strong communication skills.
• Excellent computer skills; knowledge of MS office suite including Excel and PowerPoint and Google suite including Google Docs, Google Slides, etc. and aptitude for learning new software.
• Aptitude for employer relations.
• Strong writing ability and presentation skills.
• An appreciation for and interest in working with students and faculty.
• Knowledge of the local area and regional job market/economy.
• Familiar with career services and employment trends, issues, and challenges.
• Experience communicating with diverse and changing audiences in person and via web, print, and other media.
• Familiarity with Handshake, Canvas, Canva, Adobe, and Qualtrics is preferred.
• Experience in organizing and managing career fairs, employer/student engagement events and internship programs is preferred.
• Previous experience working in Career Services, business/employer services, and/or higher education is preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required
Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

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 August 5th, 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).