Executive Director, Student Health Services
Opt For Healthy Living, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Executive Director, Student Health Services
Job no:
554886 Work type:
Management (MPP) Location:
San Diego Categories:
MPP, At-Will, Health Professionals, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location) SDSU
is seeking a dynamic, student-centered, and visionary leader to serve as the next
Executive Director of Student Health Services (SHS) . This is an opportunity for a collaborative and strategic college health professional to guide a comprehensive, AAAHC-accredited health center that serves a diverse student population of approximately 35,000. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Health, Wellness, and Student Services, the Executive Director will lead a multidisciplinary team and provide administrative and clinical leadership to ensure delivery of high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive medical care. SHS is located on SDSU’s campus and supports a holistic commitment to student well-being. What You’ll Do: Lead, Connect, and Innovate Lead a Comprehensive, Student-Centered Health System Provide overall vision and direction for SHS, ensuring high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive medical care. Guide strategic planning, policy development, and organizational sustainability while maintaining compliance with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in college health. Continuously assess and adapt services to meet evolving student and institutional needs. Strengthen Campus and Community Partnerships Serve as SDSU’s senior health leader and public health subject matter expert. Collaborate with campus partners (Athletics, Student Affairs, Risk Management, Strategic Communications) and maintain strong relationships with local, county, and state health agencies. Act as a trusted advisor to university leadership and a visible representative for health-related matters, particularly during public health situations and emergencies. Advance Holistic and Integrated Care Champion innovative approaches to student health that support medical care, prevention, education, and overall well-being. Collaborate with Counseling and Psychological Services and Well-being & Health Promotion to advance an integrated, student-centered model of care. Ensure ethical practice, data privacy, and HIPAA compliance across all programs and services. Empower and Develop a High-Impact Team Lead and support a multidisciplinary team of clinical, administrative, and management professionals. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture that values professional development, accountability, and excellence in service delivery. Work with the Medical Director to ensure effective clinic operations and alignment between administrative and clinical leadership. Steward Resources and Build for the Future Oversee financial, human, and physical resources to ensure responsible budgeting, staffing alignment, and long-term sustainability. Identify opportunities for revenue generation, external partnerships, and philanthropic support. Position SHS to adapt and thrive in a complex higher education and healthcare environment. Who You Are The ideal candidate is collaborative and strategic, with leadership experience in college health, student affairs, or a complex healthcare environment. You bring strong financial and administrative acumen, experience leading multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to navigate complex organizations with diplomacy and integrity. You are committed to equity, inclusion, and cultural humility, and excel at building trust and partnerships with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community stakeholders. You communicate effectively, lead with vision and empathy, and are energized by advancing student health, well-being, and success. Why SDSU SDSU is a nationally recognized public research university committed to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement. SHS plays a vital role in supporting students’ personal, academic, and professional journeys, and the Executive Director has the opportunity to shape the future of student health at a dynamic and diverse institution. Position Information This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits. Exempt under FLSA and not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., may vary based on operational needs. The role is on-campus at SDSU in San Diego. Department Summary SHS offers primary medical care and health promotion to SDSU students through a wide range of programs and services. Care is provided by board-certified physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and other medical staff. The unit also works with SDSU’s athletic trainers for sports-related injuries and general health needs in support of Division I student-athletes, and in accordance with NCAA requirements. Education and Experience A master’s degree in health care administration, public health, educational health administration, or related field AND a minimum of five years of professional leadership and management experience in a comparable health services or university program. Knowledge of funding principles and resources within a public university environment (state allocations, fee-generated revenue, program-generated revenue, contracts & grants, gifts, donations, accounting, contract negotiations). Experience in assessment and evaluation of programs/services. Experience with quality assurance programs. Ability to envision and plan strategically; develop and implement policy and procedures. Proactive in addressing current issues and trends; strong initiative, judgment, resourcefulness, and communication. Experience working with diverse educational, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Direct supervisory experience within a classified system, preferably in a collective bargaining environment. Knowledge of organizational sustainability including budget and human resources. Ability to interact professionally with institutional partners to maintain and grow relationships. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication. Preferred Qualifications Terminal degree in a related field. Experience overseeing day-to-day management and administration of a healthcare organization; collaboration with a medical director or equivalent role. Knowledge of higher education policies governing student health services. Knowledge of HR management and collective bargaining practices in a university healthcare facility. Knowledge of HIPAA, FERPA, Mandated Reporting, and the Jeanne Clery Act related to healthcare delivery. Understanding of healthcare regulations and trends affecting public healthcare delivery and financing. Knowledge of budgeting and financial management in a public institution setting. Familiarity with current and future health technology uses (billing, patient information systems, imaging, etc.). Preferred strengths: vision, innovation, leadership, collaboration, student-centered approach, motivation, creativity, and strong communication. Compensation and Benefits At SDSU, we offer a competitive salary and a robust benefits package to support well-being and work-life balance: Generous Leave Benefits:
15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year. Retirement Security:
CalPERS pension plan with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits. Health Coverage:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans. Educational Opportunities:
CSU system fee reduction program for self or dependents. Voluntary Benefits:
Auto & Home, Life and Disability Insurances, Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and 529 plan options. Anticipated hiring range: $200,000-$223,260 annually Diversity and Community at SDSU We value diversity and inclusion and encourage open, respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. SDSU is committed to an inclusive environment and upholds Principles of Community. Additional information about diversity initiatives is available on the SDSU site. Supplemental Information SDSU partners with Keeling & Associates in this search. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter (PDF preferred) to recruiting@keelingassociates.com with the subject line “SDSU—Executive Director SHS.” Confidential inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Dickson at jsmdickson@keelingassociates.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the appointment is made. Materials submitted by March 9, 2026 will receive full consideration. A background check is required for employment. SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a smoke-free campus. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities. For more information, contact Casie Martinez at cmartinez12@sdsu.edu.
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Job no:
554886 Work type:
Management (MPP) Location:
San Diego Categories:
MPP, At-Will, Health Professionals, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location) SDSU
is seeking a dynamic, student-centered, and visionary leader to serve as the next
Executive Director of Student Health Services (SHS) . This is an opportunity for a collaborative and strategic college health professional to guide a comprehensive, AAAHC-accredited health center that serves a diverse student population of approximately 35,000. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Health, Wellness, and Student Services, the Executive Director will lead a multidisciplinary team and provide administrative and clinical leadership to ensure delivery of high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive medical care. SHS is located on SDSU’s campus and supports a holistic commitment to student well-being. What You’ll Do: Lead, Connect, and Innovate Lead a Comprehensive, Student-Centered Health System Provide overall vision and direction for SHS, ensuring high-quality, accessible, and culturally responsive medical care. Guide strategic planning, policy development, and organizational sustainability while maintaining compliance with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in college health. Continuously assess and adapt services to meet evolving student and institutional needs. Strengthen Campus and Community Partnerships Serve as SDSU’s senior health leader and public health subject matter expert. Collaborate with campus partners (Athletics, Student Affairs, Risk Management, Strategic Communications) and maintain strong relationships with local, county, and state health agencies. Act as a trusted advisor to university leadership and a visible representative for health-related matters, particularly during public health situations and emergencies. Advance Holistic and Integrated Care Champion innovative approaches to student health that support medical care, prevention, education, and overall well-being. Collaborate with Counseling and Psychological Services and Well-being & Health Promotion to advance an integrated, student-centered model of care. Ensure ethical practice, data privacy, and HIPAA compliance across all programs and services. Empower and Develop a High-Impact Team Lead and support a multidisciplinary team of clinical, administrative, and management professionals. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and growth-oriented culture that values professional development, accountability, and excellence in service delivery. Work with the Medical Director to ensure effective clinic operations and alignment between administrative and clinical leadership. Steward Resources and Build for the Future Oversee financial, human, and physical resources to ensure responsible budgeting, staffing alignment, and long-term sustainability. Identify opportunities for revenue generation, external partnerships, and philanthropic support. Position SHS to adapt and thrive in a complex higher education and healthcare environment. Who You Are The ideal candidate is collaborative and strategic, with leadership experience in college health, student affairs, or a complex healthcare environment. You bring strong financial and administrative acumen, experience leading multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to navigate complex organizations with diplomacy and integrity. You are committed to equity, inclusion, and cultural humility, and excel at building trust and partnerships with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community stakeholders. You communicate effectively, lead with vision and empathy, and are energized by advancing student health, well-being, and success. Why SDSU SDSU is a nationally recognized public research university committed to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement. SHS plays a vital role in supporting students’ personal, academic, and professional journeys, and the Executive Director has the opportunity to shape the future of student health at a dynamic and diverse institution. Position Information This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits. Exempt under FLSA and not eligible for overtime compensation. Standard work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., may vary based on operational needs. The role is on-campus at SDSU in San Diego. Department Summary SHS offers primary medical care and health promotion to SDSU students through a wide range of programs and services. Care is provided by board-certified physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and other medical staff. The unit also works with SDSU’s athletic trainers for sports-related injuries and general health needs in support of Division I student-athletes, and in accordance with NCAA requirements. Education and Experience A master’s degree in health care administration, public health, educational health administration, or related field AND a minimum of five years of professional leadership and management experience in a comparable health services or university program. Knowledge of funding principles and resources within a public university environment (state allocations, fee-generated revenue, program-generated revenue, contracts & grants, gifts, donations, accounting, contract negotiations). Experience in assessment and evaluation of programs/services. Experience with quality assurance programs. Ability to envision and plan strategically; develop and implement policy and procedures. Proactive in addressing current issues and trends; strong initiative, judgment, resourcefulness, and communication. Experience working with diverse educational, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Direct supervisory experience within a classified system, preferably in a collective bargaining environment. Knowledge of organizational sustainability including budget and human resources. Ability to interact professionally with institutional partners to maintain and grow relationships. Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication. Preferred Qualifications Terminal degree in a related field. Experience overseeing day-to-day management and administration of a healthcare organization; collaboration with a medical director or equivalent role. Knowledge of higher education policies governing student health services. Knowledge of HR management and collective bargaining practices in a university healthcare facility. Knowledge of HIPAA, FERPA, Mandated Reporting, and the Jeanne Clery Act related to healthcare delivery. Understanding of healthcare regulations and trends affecting public healthcare delivery and financing. Knowledge of budgeting and financial management in a public institution setting. Familiarity with current and future health technology uses (billing, patient information systems, imaging, etc.). Preferred strengths: vision, innovation, leadership, collaboration, student-centered approach, motivation, creativity, and strong communication. Compensation and Benefits At SDSU, we offer a competitive salary and a robust benefits package to support well-being and work-life balance: Generous Leave Benefits:
15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year. Retirement Security:
CalPERS pension plan with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits. Health Coverage:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans. Educational Opportunities:
CSU system fee reduction program for self or dependents. Voluntary Benefits:
Auto & Home, Life and Disability Insurances, Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and 529 plan options. Anticipated hiring range: $200,000-$223,260 annually Diversity and Community at SDSU We value diversity and inclusion and encourage open, respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. SDSU is committed to an inclusive environment and upholds Principles of Community. Additional information about diversity initiatives is available on the SDSU site. Supplemental Information SDSU partners with Keeling & Associates in this search. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter (PDF preferred) to recruiting@keelingassociates.com with the subject line “SDSU—Executive Director SHS.” Confidential inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Dickson at jsmdickson@keelingassociates.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the appointment is made. Materials submitted by March 9, 2026 will receive full consideration. A background check is required for employment. SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a smoke-free campus. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities. For more information, contact Casie Martinez at cmartinez12@sdsu.edu.
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