Job Description

The Institute for the Arts, Humanities, and Social Justice is seeking an organized and detail-oriented VISTA Coordinator (Valuing Incarcerated Scholars through Academia) to provide comprehensive administrative, operational, and logistical support to the VISTA program for incarcerated students enrolled in SDSU degree programs. In this role, you’ll serve as a key liaison among SDSU departments, Centinela State Prison staff, Global Campus, and community college partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Administrative Operations & Scheduling: Coordinate administrative operations of scheduling, meeting logistics, reimbursements, procurement support, and preparation of program materials.
• Instructional Materials & Operational Support: Organize instructional materials, inventory, classroom logistics, faculty clearances, Canvas support, and academic scheduling resources.
• Communication & Documentation: Maintain program communications, operational records, shared documents, and administrative documentation systems.
• Enrollment and Student Process Support: Support student enrollment processes, transcript and financial aid tracking, confidential records management, and coordination of student-related program logistics.

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.
• The individual hired into this role must be able to travel to SDSU main campus and the work site in the Imperial Valley.

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 Institute for the Arts, Humanities, and Social Justice at SDSU advances inclusive, justice-oriented education through interdisciplinary teaching and programs. SDSU’s VISTA (Valuing Incarcerated Scholars through Academia) is a BA degree completion program, currently offering degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies and Journalism to incarcerated students at Centinela State Prison. In partnership with Global Campus, the Institute supports equity, access, and academic success for incarcerated individuals, aligning with SDSU’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For more information regarding the Institute for the Arts, Humanities, and Social Justice, click here

Education and Experience

Entry to this classification requires a fully functional knowledge of and skill in standard office procedures and practices, as well as an ability to understand and operate in a variety of organizational structures. Additionally, incumbents are expected to have a thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation and be able to clearly communicate orally and in writing. Some positions may require a knowledge of business mathematics beyond basic arithmetic. The ability to use and quickly learn new office support technology systems and software packages is also a prerequisite.

These qualifications would normally be obtained through a high school program, technical/vocational program, or their equivalents combined with several years of related office work experience.

Key Qualifications

• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Gmail and Calendar).
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting the success of all students, including students from historically underserved populations and dedicated to equity for students who are incarcerated.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

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 ($4,367).
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,367 – $6,362 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.

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 June 16th, 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.

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