The Advising Manager is a critical member of the Extended Studies Enrollment and Student Success Leadership team. Work is focused on student success and advising within the online program(s). This role partners with staff in Extended Studies and academic departments to create a cohesive, transparent experience for online students from the time of program admission to graduation.

This position may have the opportunity to work hybrid where a mix of in-person work from a Boise State worksite and an alternative work location is utilized, within the state of Idaho. Candidates must be able to work on-site as needed.

The Division of Extended Studies is on a mission to extend higher education beyond traditional boundaries. Our collaborative teams expand student access and improve student success with innovative programs that reach across our metropolitan area, Idaho and beyond. We facilitate online education, community-based programs, concurrent enrollment at high schools, summer sessions, continuing education programs and other lifelong learning options. Join us!

The Boise State Online advising team works with online students throughout their entire educational journey. We care deeply about providing fully online students with a positive advising experience from admission to graduation. Our team onboards students to Boise State, supports them during their time at the university, and celebrates with them at graduation. We treat each student as a unique individual, empowering and equipping them with the information and tools they need to reach their goals. We care deeply about student success and meet students where they are to help them reach their goals. Join us as the Advising Manager!

Provides direct supervision typically to professionals or skilled technical employees at the entry or intermediate level. Functions as advisor to unit and administration and sets goals and objectives for team members for achievement of operational results. Analyzes and resolves problems through drawing from prior experiences. Interprets policies (e.g., fiscal management, HR, contracts and grants, resource management in defined areas) and demonstrates solid subject matter knowledge. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. Supervises staff to assure accountability and stewardship of campus resources (operational, financial, and human) in compliance with departmental goals and objectives

● Direct partnerships with academic departments to provide comprehensive advising, student services, and student support for online programs and online students.
● Coordinate all services provided to current students admitted and enrolled in online programs.
● Remain current in knowledge and understanding of Boise State advising best practices, state of Idaho policies and federal policies. Specific examples include: FERPA (Family Rights and Privacy Act) and State Board of Education policies.
● Partner with Enrollment and Student Success and eCampus Center leadership to communicate and support all Boise State University offices and entities to serve online students, respond to new customer concerns/questions and identify opportunities for improvement.
● Train, mentor, and directly supervise Senior Student Success Advisor(s), Student Success Advisor(s) and Student Success Coach(es) who work with students admitted to and enrolled in online programs.
● Works with supervisor to develop a professional development plan with annual goals to accomplish the plan. Actively pursue excellence, effectiveness, and efficiency.
● Provide academic advising and support services for students enrolled in online program(s).
● Assist students in developing educational plans commensurate with student needs, interests and goals.
● Track online program students, including the collection of relevant enrollment data, degree plan, advising notes, degree progression, benchmarks for completion and graduation.
● Coach students through academic difficulties, developing a growth mindset and improving academic beliefs and behaviors to achieve success.
● Interpret academic policy, rules and regulations of online program and university as needed. Problem-solve a variety of student related issues that will involve interpreting policies and procedures, fact-finding, communicating with field experts, creating options, and deciding final action.
● Demonstrate a high level of maturity and independent judgment when working with various constituencies to analyze and evaluate the needs of the student, accurately assess the situation, determine appropriate information and referrals, exercise discretion to resolve issues, and tailor the message to fit each unique situation.
● Support the enrollment, retention and graduation goals of the online program(s), Extended Studies and the University.
● Be a functional expert for student services information related to admission, registration, academic adjustments, academic appeals, application for graduation, graduation, credit transfer, degree requirements, academic success/support, tutoring, financial aid, fee payment, course materials/tests, counseling services and community resources. Coordinate relationships with service specialists as needed. Document and train others as needed.
● Take a leadership role in the overall documentation of student orientation, enrollment and degree progress tracking and develop best practices for tracking timelines, documentation methods and troubleshooting.
● Lead efforts to create a unified, intentional communication plan for enrolled and stop-out students.
● Provide advice to the recruitment team and prospective students about university policies, programs of study and degree options. Utilize academic background, current enrollment, and courses maps to guide students with more nuanced academic backgrounds through the admission process and enrollment in a degree plan.
● Coordinate with the academic department on relevant academic adjustments, degree-related advising activities, and processes.
● Collaborate with assigned program(s) to document upcoming changes and write/update any related advising processes.
● Knowledge of internal advising SOPs and holding staff members accountable to those expectations.
● Lead ongoing process optimization and change implementation actions to improve coordination between advisors, the academic department, and relevant enrollment services offices.
● Oversee the technical credit analysis for students with technical credits in certain online programs.
● May perform other duties as needed.

● Ability to conceptualize, organize, direct and successfully execute multiple project planning processes simultaneously.
● Self-directed and imaginative in accomplishing objectives though tested methods but also demonstrating a willingness to innovate and take new approaches.
● Proven experience in completing and balancing multiple work projects
● Ability to provide exceptional student service
● Ability to work effectively both independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
● Exhibit professionalism and integrity through excellent verbal and written communication skills
● Ability to lead an institution-wide collaborative work group through the process of enhancing and/or changing a service.
● Support and advise students through nuanced challenges that arise throughout the admission, onboarding, enrollment and graduation cycles.
● Train, mentor, and supervise others to support unified efforts in student services and engagement.
● Create processes to efficiently serve students and track success. Evaluate effectiveness of work and revise approaches to reach desired outcomes.
● Perform in a manner that is reliable, dedicated, productive and exhibits strong self-initiative.
● Collaborate and negotiate to achieve a desired outcome.
● Handle difficult and sensitive situations, use sound, independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines.
● Defuse tension in customer interactions, should it arise.
● Establish and maintain effective working relationships with and elicit cooperation from colleagues, members of external groups, and co-workers on complex issues.
● Utilize organization, communication and time management skills.
● Preserve confidentiality of sensitive information.
● Be detail-oriented with a high level of energy, integrity and enthusiasm.
● Be sensitive to the concerns and needs of different student populations.
● Ability to collect, display, analyze, and describe data for stakeholders.

Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of experience or equivalent.

● Master’s degree in an appropriate field from an accredited college or university.
● A minimum of one year of experience supporting or advising online and/or non-traditional students at Boise State.
● A minimum of one year of experience autonomously supervising, managing, and directing the work of others.
● A minimum of one year of experience with PeopleSoft or similar student information systems.
● A minimum of one year of experience with Slate or similar Customer Relations Management (CRM) database.
● A minimum of one year of experience in partnership and change management.

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Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/