Revolutionizing the way people work to ensure the world is a healthier place.

Careers

Our Mission

We provide exceptional learning and development experiences for the transformation of individuals, organizations, and communities.

The Academy for Professional Excellence is a project of San Diego State University School of Social Work. We strive to create an environment where the unique contributions of our staff are valued and where our core values are more than just words on a wall.

 
A significant effort in the Academy’s commitment to the ongoing work of creating an anti-racist, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed workplace is the recruitment of individuals who represent the full diversity of our community. The Academy invests in people to create an innovative work environment that promotes well-being and a culture that builds on and fosters the strengths of its staff and their intersectional identities. When you join the Academy team you can expect to contribute to an inclusive and innovative environment where the sharing of ideas, perspectives, and experiences is welcomed and encouraged. In applying for a position at the Academy, we invite you to consider our Core Values and our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Our Core Values

PROFESSIONALISM

Using expertise and the application of best practices to respectfully serve stakeholders and coworkers.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Being reliable and responsive to stakeholders and coworkers.

COLLABORATION

Achieving organizational goals through mutual sharing, teamwork, and cooperation with stakeholders and coworkers.

INNOVATION

Seeking ways to enhance the Academy’s work and develop creative solutions to challenges encountered.

FLEXIBILITY

Demonstrating openness, flexibility, and adaptability in thought and action.

INTEGRITY

Being honest, ethical, fair, and considerate in interactions and decisions.

DIVERSITY

Creating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment that appreciates and builds on the diverse talents, cultures, backgrounds, experiences and opinions of coworkers and stakeholders.

WELL-BEING

Seeking a state of work/life balance where we can function at our best, learn and grow, and find meaning in our work.

Employee Benefits

Full health benefits and wellness support
Paid vacation, sick leave, & holidays
Employer contribution to retirement plan
Remote work and flexible work schedules
Learning & development opportunities
Volunteer opportunities to support our communities
Picnics, hikes, celebrations, and more
Discounts to various attractions, goods, and services

What Our Employees Think About Us

Word Bubble

Jen TT

“I joined the Academy because I was impressed by the culture and energy I felt when walking down the halls. I have seen the organization grow from 12 to 100+, and I have not seen that culture or energy compromised. I am grateful for the passionate, innovative, and committed staff who have joined our team, and who have worked intentionally to keep our culture front and center as we’ve grown.”

– Jennifer Tucker-Tatlow, MSW, Chief Executive Officer

Dawn

“We’ve built a strong APSWI team and are on the cutting edge of creating tools to support APS professionals and APS programs. We’re doing things for the very 1st time-things that have never before been done in the APS world.”

– Dawn Gibbons-McWayne, APSWI Program Manager

Wanjiru

“The Academy provides a space for me to be authentic and innovative in bringing about systemic change. I am part of the solution, and surrounded by kindred spirits who share the same journey in transforming the hearts and minds of those we touch. I am home!”

– Wanjiru Golly, PhD, CRA Program Manager, CWDS

Linda

“I have worked for the Academy for almost four years. I love that the Academy CEO and Leadership Team values my well-being as much as they value what I contribute to my program. They truly understand work-life balance.”

– Linda Haugan, Program Manager, Leaders in Action (LIA)

Cynthia

“I have worked at the Academy for 17 years. During this time, I have seen it grow positively in many aspects. I appreciate the family-like culture, company’s priorities, promoting staff well-being, and a culture that builds on and nurtures staff’s strengths. Also, job flexibility and the growth and development opportunities available. I am happy to be a part of an organization that works hard at maintaining employee’s well-being as a priority.”

– Cynthia Angton, Fiscal Analyst

Joanne

“I applaud the Leadership Team for their thoughtfulness in designing, facilitating, and supporting organization-wide initiatives and tools that help Academy staff access what they may need in order to show up as our Best Selves as we each carry out our individual work in support of our team/program and the Academy Promise.”

– Joanne Chen, MA, CPC, Organization Development Specialist

LaPrincess

“My work at the Academy changes hearts, minds, and practice by allowing me to experience a heartfelt connection with people in my culture and help them move forward in their work to create a healthy impact on families.”

– LaPrincess Greene, BA, Tribal STAR Administrative Assistant

Donald

“There is a strong belief system that exists within the DNA of the Academy. That belief is that everyone genuinely cares about the work they do and care for the people that they work with. This provides the staff with the confidence to rely on each other when the opportunity is presented and with a shared mutual respect for diverse ideals and perspectives throughout the organization.”

– Donald Whitaker, AS User Experience Designer

Jocelyn Smith

My experiences at the Academy have not only been transformative internally but also showed me the type of workplace that can be created when DEI and growth mindset are centered as workplace culture.

The Academy has infused DEI into their workplace culture, and it is apparent in all their efforts, which in-turn has provided me with an action-oriented lens to view my own behavior and thought processes to critically analyze my own biases.

– Joceyln Smith, MSW / MPH Intern

Current Opportunities

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Academy cultivates an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment that appreciates and builds on the diverse talents, cultures, backgrounds, experiences and opinions of coworkers and stakeholders.

San Diego State University Research Foundation is committed to a diverse workforce and affirmative action and is an equal opportunity / Title IX employer. SDSU Research Foundation maintains and promotes a policy of non-discrimination and non-harassment on the basis of race, sex, gender, color, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, medical condition, genetic characteristics, status as a disabled veteran, or disabled veteran of the Vietnam era.

Learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

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Some files may require the download of plugins and other third party software to view

Download Adobe Acrobat DC PDF Viewer (opens in a new window) To view word documents use Microsoft Word viewer online (opens in a new window) To view Excel workbooks or sheets use Microsoft Excel viewer online (opens in a new window) To view Power Point slide use Power Point online (opens in a new window)
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