Position Summary

Love turning complex data into something people can actually use? San Diego State University’s Program Evaluation, Compliance, and Assessment (PECA) team is seeking a Data Specialist to help build the data foundation behind student success initiatives across the University.

Think of this position as part of PECA’s data engine. You’ll work with student-centered data from multiple sources, organizing, structuring, validating, and preparing datasets so they can be used for meaningful research, predictive modeling, reporting, and dashboards. Rather than focusing on traditional data pipelines or large-scale data infrastructure, this role is centered on understanding the nuances of the data itself and creating mature, reliable datasets that help SDSU better understand student engagement, retention, well-being, and success. The position will work with tools such as Python and R, with opportunities to apply SQL as the team’s data practices continue to evolve.

You’ll join a collaborative team that provides data strategy, consultation, and insights to departments throughout Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, helping transform information about SDSU students into resources that inform programs, services, and interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize, clean, transform, and integrate student data from multiple sources into reliable, analysis-ready datasets.
• Support data modeling and statistical projects focused on student engagement, retention, well-being, and success.
• Create and maintain dashboards and accessible data resources that help campus partners explore and understand student data.
• Collaborate with PECA colleagues and campus partners to understand data needs and turn complex information into useful resources and insights.
• Support responsible data practices that prioritize accuracy, consistency, privacy, and appropriate use of student information.

Why Join Us

• Work with data that directly contributes to understanding and improving the student experience at SDSU.
• Explore meaningful questions around student engagement, retention, well-being, and success; not just numbers for the sake of numbers.
• Join a collaborative and innovative team where curiosity, experimentation, and learning are encouraged.
• Expand your technical toolkit through hands-on projects, professional development, and opportunities to explore new approaches.
• Help shape how SDSU organizes and uses student data as PECA continues to grow its data strategy and resources.

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 up to 3 years.
• 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 2 days per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Department Summary

Program Evaluation, Compliance, and Assessment (PECA) supports SDSU’s Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity by using data, assessment, and program evaluation to strengthen student services and promote student success. The department partners with campus programs to evaluate effectiveness, interpret data, identify opportunities for improvement, develop high-impact interventions, and support continuous improvement aligned with SDSU’s priorities. PECA also provides consultation, survey and evaluation design, data storytelling, data stewardship, and professional development to help foster a collaborative, student-centered, and data-informed culture across the university

For more information regarding the Program, Evaluation, Compliance, and Assessment (PECA), click here.

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Key Qualifications

• Experience organizing, cleaning, transforming, and integrating data from multiple sources into reliable, usable datasets.  
• Proficiency with Python and/or R, with familiarity with SQL and database concepts.  
• Knowledge of data structures, data modeling, statistical methods, and data quality practices.  
• Experience working with complex datasets with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.  
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with an interest in learning new tools, methods, and approaches independently.  
• Experience with data visualization and dashboard tools.  
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, including experience working with stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.

Preferred

• Knowledge of or experience with student affairs in a university setting.
• Master’s Degree in a quantitative field such as Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Policy, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field.

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 ($6,492 per month).
• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,492 - $9,458 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

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 10/26/2026 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 Eurick Hilario at echilario@sdsu.edu.