Student Ombudsman Case Coordinator (Student Services Professional II)

Position Summary

The Office of the Student Ombuds at San Diego State University is seeking a Student Ombuds Case Coordinator to help students navigate academic, administrative, financial, enrollment, housing, grade appeal, and other University-related concerns. Working under the direction of the Student Ombuds, this student-facing role provides information, referrals, case coordination, and follow-up while helping students understand University policies, procedures, resources, and available options.

Working alongside the Student Ombuds, this position helps organize and advance student cases from intake through follow-up. The role gathers relevant information, prepares case documentation, explains established University processes, coordinates referrals and communication, and supports informal resolution efforts. The role offers meaningful exposure to conflict resolution, student advocacy, University policies, administrative processes, and campus services while contributing to fairness, transparency, and constructive communication across the University.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Student Ombuds with case coordination, fact-finding, communication, problem-solving, conflict coaching, and informal resolution efforts.
• Meet with students to understand their concerns, clarify goals, and provide individualized guidance, referrals, and follow-up.
• Gather and evaluate information through interviews, records review, and communication with appropriate campus partners.
• Explain established University policies, procedures, grievance processes, student rights, responsibilities, and available resources.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records; prepare case notes, correspondence, summaries, reports, and program data.
• Coordinate with faculty, staff, administrators, campus departments, committees, student organizations, and community partners to support communication and timely resolution.
• Develop and support presentations, workshops, outreach activities, website content, and educational materials related to student concerns, conflict resolution, University processes, and campus resources.

Why Join Us

• Make a meaningful difference by helping students navigate complex concerns and connect with information, resources, and support.
• Build valuable experience in student services, case management, conflict resolution, advocacy, policy navigation, and cross-campus collaboration.
• Contribute to a growing office where your contributions can help strengthen services, systems, educational resources, and outreach.
• Explore a wide range of student concerns, University policies, administrative processes, and campus services while supporting the work of the Student Ombuds.

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

• Full-time, benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2027, with the possibility of reappointment.
• Position is designated 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 is eligible for telecommuting up to 1 day per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

The Office of the Student Ombudsman provides a confidential, neutral, and student-focused resource for addressing concerns that arise within the University. The Office provides information, advice, referrals, and intervention to help students understand University policies, procedures, and available options; navigate academic, administrative, financial, enrollment, housing, and other University-related concerns; and pursue informal resolution whenever possible. Through fact-finding, facilitation, mediation, and guidance regarding formal grievance processes, the Office supports fair and constructive communication while maintaining neutrality and respecting the privacy of all individuals involved.

For more information regarding the Office of the Student Ombudsman, click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in one of the behavioral sciences, public or business administration or a job-related field. Additional specialized experience during which the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown below may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Possession of the required knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent of two years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field; experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth. A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of the professional experience.

Key Qualifications

• Working knowledge of student services practices, program operations, research methods, interviewing techniques, and individual and group behavior.
• Experience interpreting and applying program rules, University policies, procedures, grievance processes, and student resources.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive, confidential, and emotionally difficult student concerns and records.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution, mediation, interviewing, and student advising practices.
• Experience maintaining a neutral and impartial approach when gathering information, explaining options, facilitating communication, and supporting resolution.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills when working with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and campus partners from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience preparing clear case notes, correspondence, summaries, reports, and presentations using case-management systems and other technology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, higher education, student affairs, or a job-related field.
• Experience working with students and parents in an ombuds or similar student services environment, including working with a student grievance process.
• Experience advising and/or counseling underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation college students and working effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with Maxient or a similar case-management system.

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: $5,083.00–$7,228.00/month; hiring salary not expected to exceed $5,083.00/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 November 10th, 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.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

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 Yura Boyce (yboyce@sdsu.edu).