Graduate employment & program data specialist (administrative analyst/specialist, exempt i)

Position Summary

The Graduate Employment & Program Data Specialist plays a key role in strengthening graduate education at SDSU by supporting graduate student employment and transforming program data into meaningful insights. This position collaborates with academic colleges to support the hiring and appointment of graduate students, ensure compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreement requirements, and assist units throughout the employment process. The role also works closely with College of Graduate Studies leadership and campus partners to analyze graduate program trends, develop reports and dashboards, and provide data that informs planning and resource decisions. This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical, solutions-oriented professional who enjoys combining human resources, policy expertise, and data analysis to make a meaningful impact on graduate student success.

Key Responsibilities

• Support graduate student employment across stateside and SDSU Research Foundation appointments by reviewing classifications, hiring documentation, and appointment requirements.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreement provisions, SDSU appointment processes, and SDSURF hiring practices to promote accurate and compliant employment practices.
• Collect, verify, reconcile, and analyze graduate employment and program data (to include admissions, enrollment, retention, degree progress, demographics, and completion outcomes).
• Develop reports, dashboards, and summary materials that identify trends and support program evaluation, planning, and resource decision-making.
• Collaborate with academic colleges and campus partners to establish consistent data and reporting practices and support College of Graduate Studies reporting.

Why Join Us?

• Support graduate students by strengthening employment processes and helping academic programs make informed decisions.
• Combine HR, policy interpretation, and data analytics in a unique role with broad campus impact.
• Partner with academic colleges and graduate education leadership on strategic initiatives and continuous improvement.
• Apply advanced analytical skills to turn complex institutional data into actionable insights.
• Join a collaborative team committed to graduate education, operational excellence, and data-informed decision-making.

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 may be eligible for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego, after one year within the role.

Department Summary

The College of Graduate Studies (CGS) promotes holistic excellence in graduate programs and advocates for the long-term success of our graduate students. We collaborate with SDSU stakeholders and the broader community, maintain robust frameworks, and empower faculty and staff to effectively administer their graduate programs and uphold academic standards. CGS provides leadership, advocacy, financial support, and coordination for all graduate and post-baccalaureate education at San Diego State University, including the university’s 115+ master’s and 32 doctoral programs. The organization consists of 13 full-time personnel, led by the Dean. Core office functions include degree evaluation and conferral, student services, implementation of policy of Graduate Council, CSU, and California Ed. Code Title V, and administration of graduate student funding.

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires general knowledge and skills in the applicable administrative and/or program field with a foundational knowledge of public administration principles, practices, and methods. This foundation would normally be obtained through a bachelor's degree and/or equivalent training and administrative work experience involving study, analysis, and/or evaluation leading to the development or improvement of administrative policies, procedures, practices, or programs.

Key Qualifications

• Experience supporting change management initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with human resources information systems, preferably PeopleSoft.
• Experience using queries and analyzing data from human resources information systems.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from underrepresented groups is preferred.
• Superior analytical skills, including high level of expertise in Microsoft Excel is preferred.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, initiative, and commitment to achieving high-level results is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

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 1 ($5,274). Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement. CSU Classification Salary Range: $5,274 – $7,684 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.

Supplemental Information

Apply by October 16th 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).