Application Process

This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter and resume, by 8am on Friday, September 19, 2025.

This role involves recruiting, training, and advising student leaders. In your cover letter, please share what qualities you would look for in student leaders, and how would you mentor them?

Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Evidence of degree(s) or certificate(s) and/or license(s) required at time of hire.

Job Summary

Reporting to and under general supervision of the Associate Dean of Academic Programs, the Coordinator, First- and Second-Year Transition (FAST) Programs performs highly complex professional student services work in support of assisting students in making successful progress toward their degree objectives and supplementing learning experiences within the classroom. The incumbent utilizes a combination of high-level analytical skills and high-level interpersonal skills in working on complex problems from the investigation and analysis stage through the solution and implementation stage. Specifically, the incumbent coordinates the development, design and implementation of First- and Second-Year Transition Programs and supports administrative planning including the recruitment, training, advising and supervision of student leaders, as well as developing and executing creative solutions for educational initiatives in First- and Second-Year Transition Programs. The incumbent also collaborates with leadership and staff in Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs to plan activities that support registration and orientation of first-time first-year students.

Key Qualifications

This position requires the equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field plus upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing and conflict resolution where such are job related. Possession of these knowledge and abilities is typically demonstrated through the equivalent to four years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience which includes experience in advising students individually and in groups, and in analysis and resolution of complex student services problems. A master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, organizational development or a job‑related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience. A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling, guidance or a job‑related field may be substituted for two years of the required professional experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional, personal or career counseling. Experience working as either an academic advisor or teaching undergraduate students preferred. Intermediate proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required. Knowledge of Google Suite and PeopleSoft preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $6,320 to $6,572 a month. This is a full time, exempt position, which will lead toward permanent status following the successful completion of a probationary period.

This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.

A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by clicking here to be taken to the CSU benefits page.

Supplemental Information

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community. 

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status. Mandated Reporting: This position may be 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.

CSU Out of State Policy - Sonoma State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current employees who apply for this position.

Sonoma State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

For questions related to the application process, please reach out to hr@sonoma.edu. The ADA Coordinator is also available (hraccommodations@sonoma.edu) to assist individuals with disabilities in need of accommodation during the hiring process.

Sonoma State University's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person by emailing the Clery Compliance and Safety Office at clery@sonoma.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is available for viewing at https://housing.sonoma.edu/compliance-data/2024-campus-housing-fire-safety-report. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within Sonoma State University student housing facilities for three years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Residential Education and Campus Housing at housing@sonoma.edu.