Position Summary

Are you an organized, service-oriented professional who enjoys working in a collaborative academic environment? The Department of Political Science is seeking an Administrative Support Assistant II to provide day-to-day administrative support for faculty, advisors, students, and department programs. This position serves as an important point of contact for the department, helping keep office operations, events, purchasing, communications, and graduate program processes running smoothly.

Working closely with the Department Chair, Administrative Support Coordinator II, faculty, advisors, and students, the Administrative Support Assistant II will gain broad experience in university administration while supporting a diverse range of departmental activities. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys helping others, managing details, and contributing to a busy academic office.

Key Responsibilities

• Office & Front Desk Support: Provide front office and customer service support, including answering phones, assisting visitors, managing department communications, and helping maintain consistent office coverage.
• Administrative Coordination: Maintain departmental calendars, records, files, contact information, meeting materials, and other administrative systems while supporting day-to-day office operations.
• Event & Program Support: Coordinate logistics for departmental events, commencement, and program activities, including room reservations, technology, catering, communications, and event materials.
• Communications & Outreach: Support department and program websites, social media, Canvas announcements, mailing lists, and other communications that keep students and the campus community informed.
• Budget & Purchasing Support: Assist with faculty allocations, event purchases, travel reimbursements, inventory, and routine financial and payroll documentation under established procedures.
• Graduate Program Support: Assist with graduate admissions by maintaining application records, tracking materials and progress, preparing files for committee review, and responding to general inquiries.
• Student Employee Support: Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and day-to-day coordination of work-study and student assistants.

Why Join Us?

• Build University Experience: Gain broad exposure to academic administration, student services, events, communications, and department operations.
• Work with Faculty & Students: Support a diverse academic community and interact with faculty, advisors, graduate students, and undergraduate students throughout the department.
• Develop Transferable Skills: Strengthen your organization, communication, customer service, technology, and administrative skills in a professional setting.
• Support Meaningful Programs: Contribute to events, academic programs, and student opportunities within Political Science and related interdisciplinary programs.
• Join a Collaborative Team: Work alongside experienced university professionals while developing your knowledge of higher education operations.

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• 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, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

The College of Arts and Letters (CAL) is dedicated to advancing the study of human expression, culture, language, history, governance, and creative practice. Through innovative teaching, research, and community engagement, the College prepares students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage responsibly in a complex global society.

CAL supports a wide range of academic departments, interdisciplinary programs, centers, and initiatives that foster intellectual inquiry, cultural understanding, civic engagement, and ethical leadership. The College is committed to inclusive excellence, academic rigor, and collaborative partnerships that connect scholarship to public life.

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

• Experience working in a university setting is preferred.
• Customer service experience in an office setting.
• Experience greeting and communicating instructions and information to customers.
• Experience with basic graphics program 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 3 ($3,709 per month).
• 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.

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.

Supplemental Information

Apply by October 14, 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.