Program Support Assistant Jobs in Santee, CA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Department of Economics at San Diego State University is seeking a highly organized and motivated Administrative Support Assistant to join our team. The position supports day-today departmental operations, graduate program administration, event coordination, budget and purchasing activities, and serves as a critical point of contact for students, faculty, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Support: Provide primary day-to-day administrative and front-office support, including customer service, phone and visitor assistance, departmental communications, student assistant coordination, records and calendar maintenance, room scheduling, syllabi and meeting documentation, supply and equipment coordination, mail/shipping, facilities support, and assistance with student evaluations, data collection, reporting, and other departmental projects.
• Graduate Program Support: Support graduate program administration with inquiry responses, maintaining program information, processing student forms and documentation, coordinating communication among students, faculty, advisors, and the Graduate Office, and assisting with graduate employment, recruitment, admissions, onboarding, orientation, comprehensive exams, promotional materials, website updates, and student success activities.
• Event Support: Provide administrative and logistical support for department seminars, monthly Brown Bag events, boot camp activities, and related events, including scheduling, hotel reservations, conference room setup, IT/audiovisual coordination, visitor coordination, and event setup and cleanup.
• Budget and Purchasing Support: Process travel requests and reimbursements, track expenditures and funding allocations, support compliance across state, foundation, and other funding sources, and assist with Research Foundation grants, disbursements, stipends, purchase requisitions, labor distributions, documentation, payments, and personnel-related financial coordination.

Position Information

• 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.
• This position is approved for one day of telecommuting after an initial training period, with onsite work in San Diego.

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.

Department Summary

The Department of Economics prepares graduates for successful careers as applied economists and develops foundations for advanced studies in economics and related fields. We endeavor to prepare interested students for advanced studies in economics and related fields, as well as foster an appreciation for lifelong learning in all our students. Through these efforts, we strive to cultivate informed and productive citizens.

For more information regarding the Department of Economics, click here.

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires fundamental written and oral communication skills, including a sound foundation in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation; an ability to understand standard office procedures; an ability to operate standard office equipment; an ability to learn office technology systems; an ability to perform basic mathematical calculations; and typing and keyboard skills.

These entry qualifications would normally be obtained through completion of a high school program or its equivalent and some experience in an office environment.

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in procurement, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Experience working with university procurement policies and procedures, particularly within a higher education environment.
• Experience coordinating with university departments, research foundations, external agencies, or similar.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Gmail and Calendar).
• Experience with basic graphics programs.

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 3 ($3,709).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,565 - $5,092 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 August 2nd, 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 Justin Phung at jtphung@sdsu.edu.