Director, Project Rebound

Join Our Team as the Director of Project Rebound At San Diego State University (SDSU), we believe in the transformative power of education and in creating pathways of opportunity for all students, especially those who have been historically excluded from higher education. Project Rebound embodies this mission by supporting formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted students as they pursue their academic and personal goals. We are seeking an inspiring, student-centered leader to serve as the Director of Project Rebound, guiding a program that changes lives, strengthens communities, and advances SDSU’s deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, the Director provides strategic leadership, vision, and advocacy for a growing program that plays a critical role in supporting access, retention, and graduation for justice-impacted scholars. This position is a visible, trusted leader who collaborates across the university and throughout the region to reduce barriers, expand opportunities, and uplift the success stories of Project Rebound students. As the Director of Project Rebound, you will: Lead Project Rebound’s mission, vision, and strategic direction, ensuring the program remains a model across the CSU system. Oversee day-to-day operations, staffing, budgeting, assessment, and resource management to support a thriving and sustainable program. Design and deliver high-impact programming—including academic success initiatives, leadership development, and community-building opportunities—that help students navigate the transition to SDSU and achieve their goals. Champion equity and justice by addressing barriers such as housing insecurity, stigma, limited access to services, and structural inequities affecting justice-impacted students. Lead the Project Rebound Housing Initiative to provide stable, supportive housing pathways for students facing housing insecurity. Collaborate across Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and campus partners to strengthen retention, academic advising, and student support services tailored to Project Rebound students. Build and nurture partnerships with community organizations, justice-focused agencies, and statewide networks to expand opportunities and strengthen support systems. Represent SDSU and Project Rebound in community, advocacy, and government-facing spaces, helping to elevate the excellence, resilience, and leadership of justice-impacted students. Mentor and supervise professional and student staff who are committed to empowering students and building pathways to educational justice. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can build systems, inspire community, navigate complex and sensitive issues, and respond with compassion and clarity. The Director of Project Rebound must embody SDSU’s values of care, inclusion, and belonging while championing the brilliance and potential of justice-impacted students.Why you’ll love working here:San Diego State University is a destination workplace where innovation, equity, and community impact are at the heart of everything we do. As one of the most diverse universities in the nation, SDSU is deeply committed to fostering an environment where all students and employees can thrive. At SDSU, you’ll find: A Mission That Matters: Your work directly contributes to transforming the lives of justice-impacted students and advancing educational equity. A Supportive, Values-Driven Community: SDSU’s Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity actively works to eliminate systemic inequities and promote inclusion, belonging, and student success. Opportunities for Growth: With ongoing professional development, cross-divisional partnerships, and leadership opportunities, staff are encouraged to grow their careers and contribute to institutional change. A Vibrant Campus in a Dynamic Region: Located in one of the most diverse and innovative regions in the country, SDSU is deeply connected to San Diego’s community organizations, public agencies, and justice-focused partners. Joining Project Rebound means becoming part of a powerful movement working to break cycles of incarceration, expand access to higher education, and uplift the brilliance and potential of justice-impacted students. Position Information This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits. 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. The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego. Department Summary Project Rebound supports formerly incarcerated students in their transition to higher education by providing academic guidance, mentoring, advocacy, housing support, community connections, leadership opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Guided by principles of equity, social justice, and community empowerment, Project Rebound fosters student success through programming that addresses educational barriers, stigma, housing insecurity, and systemic inequities. As part of the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, Project Rebound aligns with SDSU’s mission to foster an affirming campus culture grounded in the values of excellence, equity, diversity, belonging, and inclusion. For more information regarding Project Rebound, click here. Education and Experience  Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., higher education, social work, counseling, ethnic studies, public administration, criminology, or a related discipline). Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, student services, social justice work, or a related field. Experience supervising professional and/or student staff. Key Qualifications Experience designing, implementing, or overseeing programs that support diverse or marginalized communities. Demonstrated knowledge of fiscal management, personnel supervision, and operational oversight within a university or nonprofit setting. Demonstrated leadership experience developing strategic plans, managing projects, and building community partnerships. Strong understanding of student development, identity development, and support models for justice-impacted or marginalized populations. Ability to design and deliver culturally responsive trainings, workshops, and developmental programming. Experience working with reentry programs, criminal justice systems, or advocacy for formerly incarcerated individuals. Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and mediation skills; able to navigate sensitive issues with discretion and empathy. Ability to collaborate across departments and divisions, building strong working relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners. Experience with program evaluation, data collection, reporting, and continuous improvement processes. Ability to support students holistically, including crisis response, resource navigation, and strengths-based advising. Experience in grant writing, fundraising, or resource development. Deep understanding of social, political, and cross-cultural issues, especially those impacting justice-impacted communities. Demonstrated commitment to anti-oppression frameworks, equity-minded practices, and inclusive leadership. Compensation and Benefits At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance: Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year. Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits. Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you. Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent. Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings. The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $90,000 to $110,000 annually. 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.