Programs Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator I)

Position Summary Join San Diego State University as a Programs Coordinator and support the programs and operations that help advance research and innovation across the university. Working within the Division of Research and Innovation (DRI), you'll provide administrative and program coordination support for faculty and student-focused initiatives, research operations, and special projects. In this role, you'll work closely with the Deputy Chief Research Officer, faculty, staff, and campus partners to coordinate meetings, maintain records, prepare materials, manage schedules, and support research-related programs and activities. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys staying organized, managing multiple priorities, and contributing to a collaborative university environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative & Executive Support

• Provide administrative support to the Deputy Chief Research Officer and the Division of Research and Innovation.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, agendas, presentations, reports, and other administrative materials.
• Manage communications, respond to inquiries, and maintain organized records and documentation.
• Assist with research-related projects, information requests, and confidential administrative matters.

Program & Research Operations Coordination

• Support faculty and student-focused programs, research initiatives, and university committees.
• Coordinate meetings and activities for the Deans' Research Council, University Research Council, and university Centers and Institutes.
• Assist with research operations, program documentation, policies, renewals, and special projects.
• Gather information, track activities, and support coordination among faculty, staff, and campus partners.

Meetings, Events & Operational Support

• Coordinate meetings, conferences, and project activities, including scheduling, logistics, materials, and meeting minutes.
• Arrange travel, reconcile expenses, and assist with purchasing and administrative transactions.
• Maintain shared calendars, group email accounts, project records, and other organizational resources.
• Support onboarding and administrative coordination for incoming project staff, interns, and volunteers.

What We're Looking For:

We're looking for an organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys supporting programs, coordinating activities, and working with a variety of people across a university environment. Experience in areas such as the following is especially valuable:

• Administrative support, office coordination, or program support
• Calendar management, meeting coordination, and scheduling
• Preparing correspondence, reports, presentations, and meeting materials
• Budget tracking, purchasing, travel coordination, or expense reconciliation
• Managing multiple priorities and handling confidential information
• Working with faculty, staff, leadership, or cross-functional teams is a huge plus
• Office technology and tools such as Google Forms, Qualtrics, or similar platforms is a huge plus
• Higher education, public sector, or nonprofit environments is a huge plus

Why Join Us?

• Support research and innovation – Contribute to the administrative operations behind SDSU's faculty and student research programs.
• Work with university leadership – Collaborate with the Deputy Chief Research Officer and campus partners on research-related activities and initiatives.
• Enjoy variety in your work – Support meetings, projects, communications, program activities, and day-to-day operations.
• Be part of a collaborative team – Work alongside professionals across the Division of Research and Innovation and the broader SDSU community.

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 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 eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week with on-sitework at SDSU campus in San Diego.

Department Summary

Led by the Vice President for Research and Innovation, the Division of Research and Innovation is the central university office with oversight of SDSU Research Foundation, and the following units: Innovation, Research Operations, Research Advancement, Research Support Services, Technology Transfer, the ZIP Launchpad, Research Communications, Undergraduate Research, and a specialized IT unit. The leader of the unit is the Vice President for Research and Innovation. As the chief research officer for SDSU, Division of Research & Innovation (DRI) promotes research opportunities for SDSU faculty and students and is leading the efforts to develop the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District. In collaboration with all academic colleges and other university divisions, DRI aims to increase the number and variety of corporate and foundation partnerships to expand the resources available to the university to achieve these goals.

The Deputy Chief Research Officer - Research Operations (DCRO) oversees the Dean's Research Council (DRC), University Research Council (URC), SDSU Center/Institute administrative management, and Program Termination/Bridge Funding. In addition, the DCRO serves as DRI representative and leads several university committees and working groups and serves as a regional representative on boards and at events. The DCRO is tasked with growing the cancer portfolio of research at SDSU, in collaboration with Moores Cancer Center and supports other high-level priorities of the Vice President for