Assistant Director, Black Student Center - Cal State San Marcos

At a glance

Join Cal State San Marcos as the Assistant Director, Black Student Center, where innovation and tradition unite to elevate student success in San Marcos, CA! With CSUSM still in its growth phase, this is a rare opportunity to establish new programs, build strong leadership, and create an enduring impact. You'll lead student-centered initiatives, drive retention and engagement, and collaborate with a passionate team dedicated to equity and empowerment. If you're ready to leave your mark on a thriving campus, this is the role for you! Ready to build something meaningful? Submit your application today to learn more!

Description: What you'll be doing

Another Source’s client, California State University, San Marcos, is recruiting an Assistant Director, Black Student Center to join their team on-site in San Marcos, CA.   

Here’s a little about CSUSM’s Black Student Center and the position they are recruiting for:   

The Black Student Center at California State University San Marcos celebrates the dignity, diversity, and cultural heritage of students of African descent. It serves as a dynamic space that both honors tradition and challenges norms, fostering a strong sense of community for students and allies committed to individual and social change. With a focus on student retention and success, the Center provides support and resources that empower students to excel academically, professionally, and personally—both within the university and beyond. As part of the university’s commitment to inclusivity and equity, the Center advocates for Black student success through education, mentorship, and community engagement. By deepening the understanding of the Black experience and its impact on society, the Center serves as a hub for academic achievement, professional growth, and cultural enrichment for students of all backgrounds. 

Learn more about The Black Student Center here: https://www.csusm.edu/bsc/index.html  

The anticipated annual base salary for this position is $65,000- 75,000 based on experience.    

About the Role:  

The Assistant Director will play a key role in fostering student success and engagement, with a particular focus on supporting Black students. Reporting to the Director for Student Inclusion & Engagement, this position is responsible for developing and overseeing student programs, services, and initiatives that promote academic success, leadership development, and community engagement. This role requires a strategic, student-centered leader with experience in program development, student services, and fostering inclusive campus communities. The Assistant Director will also work collaboratively to address barriers to student success, enhance retention efforts, and create an environment where students feel valued and empowered. 

What you will be doing: 

Program Development & Student Success (50%) 

• Design and implement programs that support Black student retention, academic success, and professional growth, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. 

• Lead key initiatives such as the Black Student Retreat, Ujamaa Achievement Program, and Black Excellence Month, fostering meaningful engagement opportunities. 

• Develop and facilitate outreach efforts, orientations, and campus events to support incoming and current students, as well as their families. 

• Provide mentorship, advocacy, and direct student support, addressing challenges and connecting students with critical resources. 

• Encourage student participation in leadership development programs, campus organizations, and community engagement initiatives to promote holistic student growth. 

• This position requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop impactful programs that cultivate belonging and student success. 

Administration & Operations (35%) 

• Oversee daily operations of the Black Student Center, ensuring it remains a dynamic and supportive space for students. 

• Manage budgets, compliance, and assessment strategies, tracking fiscal responsibilities while aligning with university priorities. 

• Recruit, train, and mentor student employees and volunteers, fostering professional growth and leadership skills. 

• Continuously assess, refine, and enhance programs based on student needs, research, and best practices in student success and engagement. 

• Organize fundraising efforts, including Giving Day and other development initiatives, to support ongoing programs and center operations. 

• This role requires strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities while maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment. 

University & Community Partnerships (15%) 

• Develop and sustain collaborations with campus partners, faculty, and staff to expand student engagement and success initiatives. 

• Partner with organizations such as the CSU System Office and the Coalition on Black and African American Education to enhance student opportunities and outcomes. 

• Serve as a university representative at events, strategic planning meetings, and initiatives focused on equity, inclusion, and student empowerment. 

• Engage with student government, university leadership, and external stakeholders to enhance student experiences and increase visibility of key programs. 

• This position is well-suited for someone who is passionate about student advocacy, experienced in building strategic relationships, and committed to creating transformative opportunities for students. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least three (3) years of professional experience in student services or a related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Student Support & Advising: Experience advising students individually and in groups on academic, career, and personal success, with a strong understanding of first-generation, multicultural, and Black-identified student development models. 

• Program Development & Leadership: Proven ability to design, implement, and assess student programs, workshops, and leadership initiatives tailored to diverse student populations, including residential and commuter students. 

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Strong awareness of the cultural diversity of university communities, with the ability to develop inclusive programs, foster student engagement, and facilitate conversations around identity and success. 

• Assessment & Data Analysis: Experience collecting, analyzing, and evaluating student data, retention strategies, and program outcomes to inform decision-making and long-term planning. 

• Problem-Solving & Strategic Planning: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues, develop strategic solutions, and implement long-term program planning in a growing university setting. 

• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Ability to handle sensitive student and personnel matters with discretion, initiative, and ethical judgment. 

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, digital communication platforms, and student information systems for program management and outreach. 

• Budget & Resource Management: Experience developing program budgets, monitoring expenditures, and preparing financial reports to ensure effective use of resources. 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• A Master’s degree in Counseling, Higher Education Administration or Leadership, Student Affairs/Student Development, or another related field is preferred and may be substituted for one year of the professional experience. 

• Experience working with Black-identified students, is preferred. 

What’s in it for you: 

California State University, San Marcos offers a comprehensive benefits package for fulltime staff. Learn more about the benefits here: https://www.csusm.edu/hr/benefits/documents/benefit_summaries/employee_benefits_summary_2023.pdf  

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:  

The CSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity and inclusion in its recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion policies and practices. It is CSU policy to provide equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, and veteran status. 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA , and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.     

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Salary : $65,000 - $75,000