Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Student Government Director will provide dynamic leadership and professional guidance to the five elected A.S. Executive Officers and other elected and appointed student leaders. The Student Government Director oversees the development and implementation of key initiatives, programs, services, and advocacy in close consultation with student leaders to ensure the action of student government comply with A.S. bylaws. This role provides support to student leaders in planning and executing events/activities. Advises student leaders on A.S. and San Diego State University policies and procedures and ensures they are consistent with the mission and goals of A.S. and University. Oversees and ensures the smooth operation of student government structure and functions and that programs, services and events of A.S. Student Government are successfully operated and executed. Serves as a primary contact and resource for various university departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Functions

• Ensures the development, planning, coordination, programming, services and fiscal management for the Student Government department
• Provides day-to-day oversight and support for the full-time primary advisors to the A.S. boards and committees
• Serves as direct resource and secondary advisor to the many A.S. student leaders across the four governing boards, the A.S. boards and committee and the college councils
• Serves as a liaison and representative for A.S. at more managerial level committees and meetings throughout San Diego State University
• Directs planning and organizing of key A.S. program and initiatives, including but not limited to, Aztecs Rock Hunger, Rock the Vote, Your Voice Matters and mental health initiatives
• Makes programming changes, assesses needs, and develops ideas to enhance the attainment of desired outcomes for the programs under supervision
• Develops programming alternatives and attainment of department budget results
• Acts as a resource person to A.S. staff and various University entities
• Advises Executive Director regarding relevant matters and, on occasion, represents the Executive Director

Minimum & Preferred Requirements

Education:

• Four-year degree in a job-related field from an accredited college or university required. Master’s degree preferred

Experience:

• Five years working with student employees and/or volunteers required
• Five years’ progressively responsible for advising boards and/or committees required. Higher Ed experience preferred
• Five years in a supervisory role required
• Experience in the Student Affairs field preferred

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Must professionally represent the Associated Students and San Diego State University at all times
• Demonstrated success in managing and mentoring work teams of diverse functions, complying with organizational policies and procedures and managing and leading change within an organization
• Commitment to values of diversity, multi-culturalism, and higher education

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to relate and communicate effectively with a diverse population of students, staff, faculty, colleagues and guest
• Strong ability to lead and motivate student employees and volunteers
• Capable of building and maintaining positive working relationships with students and staff
• Ability to gather and organize data, draw logical conclusions and discern implications
• Well organized, ability to effectively multi-task, ability to prioritize work, problem solve, make decisions and meet scheduled deadlines under pressure
• Self-motivated, self-starter and perform with minimal direction and supervision
• Ability to present a consistent positive approach to students and all internal and external contacts by being courteous, respectful, helpful and cooperative at all times
• Ability to interpret and communicate policies and procedures
• Must have strong English language skills and the ability to read, write and verbally communicate at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
• Ability to operate personal computer, proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn and utilize new software programs
• Must be able to exercise tact and exhibit sound professional judgment
• Strong political acumen
• Expertise in handling emergency situations with composure
• Ability to adapt to and work in an environment of constant change, growth and frequent interruptions

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a regular, full-time position. Flexibility and willingness to work long and irregular hours and days, including some weekends and evenings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT   The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work conditions may vary depending upon the location of programs; programs may occur indoors and outdoors, therefore requiring exposure to a variety of elements. While working indoors, the lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available. While working outdoors, the work environment may involve exposure to various elements including but not limited to: sun, heat/cold, dust, pollens and other environmental risks.

This position may also call for occasional business-related driving. A valid California Drivers’ License and proof of automobile insurance is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include talking, listening, sitting, standing, walking, manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, use of office equipment including but not limited to computers, scanners, printers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, digital cameras, corrected vision and hearing to standard range.

Depending on program requirements, physical demands may require standing and walking for extended lengths of time and may require lifting, pushing, pulling, moving and carrying items up to 25 pounds.

RELATIONSHIPS

Inside the Organization:

• Reports to the Executive Director
• Supervises:
  • Government Affairs Assistant Director (2, full-time)
  • Government Affairs Coordinator (full-time)
• Provides direction to A.S. Office Assistants (part-time)
• Serves as member of A.S. Senior Staff and management
• Works closely with Executive Officers and student leaders
• Works closely with Aztec Student Union staff
• Works with Business Services and A.S. staff as needed

Outside the Organization:

• Interacts with the Executive Assistants for the Provost, the University Vice Presidents, the Director of Enrollment Services; the University Senate; the Executive Director and staff of CSSA; the Office of the Registrar of Voters; elected local and state officials and their staff, and various vendors 

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY:     Full-time; Exempt; Salaried; Grade 17

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