Position Summary

Join a dynamic team committed to empowering Indigenous scholars and fostering inclusive excellence. The Elymash Yuuchaap Retention Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the Elymash Yuuchaap Indigenous Scholars and Leaders Program (EY), working closely with the Director of the Native Resource Center to recruit, retain, and uplift Native and multicultural students.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about equity, student development, and culturally responsive programming. You’ll lead initiatives that make a lasting impact on campus and in students’ lives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement engaging, high-impact practices that support EY Program goals and learning outcomes
• Recruit, interview, train, and supervise peer mentors
• Facilitate weekly mentor team meetings and provide one-on-one support to mentors
• Collaborate with Native Resource Center leadership on programming and events
• Serve as a resource for sensitive equity and crisis-related issues affecting Native and multicultural students
• Mentor students and guide interns and assistants in delivering leadership and equity-focused programs
• Promote multicultural education, social justice, and intersectional awareness across campus
• Represent the Native Resource Center on university-wide committees and through written communications

Why You Should Apply:

• Be part of a mission-driven team that champions Indigenous excellence and student success
• Shape meaningful programming that addresses identity, equity, and leadership
• Build lasting relationships with students, mentors, and campus leaders
• Contribute to a vibrant, inclusive campus culture

Apply now to make a difference and help build a more equitable future for all students.

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.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, with advance notice.

Department Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity is responsible for the coordination and development of student services and building the inclusive excellence of SDSU's staff and faculty at San Diego State University. Departments include, but not limited to, Assistant Deans for Student Affairs; Career Services; Center for Educational Partnerships, Outreach and Success; Communications Services; Counseling and Psychological Services; Educational Opportunity Programs and Ethnic Affairs; Financial Aid and Scholarships; Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center; New Student and Parent Programs; Office of the Student Ombudsman; Residential Education; Resource Management; Student Ability Success Center; Student Health Services; Student Life and Leadership; Student Rights and Responsibilities; Testing Services Office; Well-being & Health Promotion;  Centers; and programming related to Inclusive Excellence.

The Native Resource Center (NRC) at San Diego State University, located on Kumeyaay Land, supports the academic and personal success of Native American and Indigenous students through culturally relevant programming, student engagement, and campus partnerships. The NRC provides resources to help students navigate challenges, build community, and connect with opportunities across the university.

Students can get involved through initiatives like the Elymash Yuuchaap: Indigenous Scholars and Leaders Program and student organizations such as the Native American Student Alliance and Indigenous Social Work Association.

San Diego State University, founded in 1897, offers a wide range of educational opportunities designed to foster intellectual growth and prepare students for success in a global society.

For more information regarding the Native American Resource Center click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related.

Possession of this knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience. One year in the program area to which assigned may be preferred but is not required.

A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum of three years implementing educational programs, workshops, and co-curricular events , with prior experience in higher education is preferred.
• Deep understanding of the social, political, and cross-cultural needs of Native/Indigenous, marginalized populations, and people of color; experience supporting these communities is preferred.
• Skilled in cross-cultural communication and engaging with senior leadership, faculty, and administrators on sensitive issues.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential, emotional, or complex situations.
• Capable of managing multiple concurrent initiatives with minimal supervision and consistent follow-through.
• Experience in community building, outreach, and organizing efforts that foster inclusive environments.
• Familiarity with intersectional, multicultural, and Indigenous pedagogies, including trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to apply concepts of power, privilege, and inequity to create safe, supportive spaces for minoritized students, faculty, and staff.

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: $5,540 - $7,893/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,540/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 September 7, 2025 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 Pang Thao at pythao@sdsu.edu.