Senior Academic Advisor I

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Provide comprehensive academic advising to support students in navigating academic pathways and degree completion. Utilize strong knowledge of curriculum, academic policies, and university systems to proactively support individualized, holistic planning and student success., Serve as an example for and mentor less experienced colleagues with respect to effective practice and continued growth. Contribute to the unit’s broader mission

Department Overview:

The College of Arts and Sciences is the home to three Schools and over 20 academic Departments and Programs. Our Advising team is a central pillar of our approach to student success, and we are excited to fill a Sr. Advisor position within the College's centralized advising unit.

Level Scope:

Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience. Manages large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time Academic Advisor, Senior will:

• Provide comprehensive academic advising to students on degree requirements, course selection, university policies, and academic planning to support timely graduation.
• Deliver specialized advising for students facing complex academic situations, including academic difficulties, major changes, or career alignment issues.
• Offer holistic support and coaching to help students develop academic skills, resilience, and self-advocacy, promoting persistence and overall student success.
• Connect students to appropriate academic and non-academic resources such as tutoring, peer coaching, counseling, and student involvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement advising strategies that address the unique needs of a variety of student populations.
• Maintain accurate advising records and support unit level engagement with university data systems to monitor student progress, and identify students needing additional support
• Develop relationships with faculty, department chairs, and campus support partners to enhance student engagement and relationship building; leverage partnerships for problem-solving with and for students.
• Engage in continuous professional development and remain current with evidence-based advising practices; contribute to local or campus-wide professional development efforts for advising staff.
• Mentor less-experienced advisors to strengthen team competencies and ensure consistency in advising practices.
• Contribute to the unit’s ongoing assessment and use of data to support advising outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to unit and campus events that support student engagement, such as Bronco Day, Discover Boise State, and college-specific workshops.
• Work collaboratively to achieve unit and university advising goals.
• Represent the advising or college advising unit on university committees, councils, or task forces, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement in advising practices.

35% of Time Academic Advisor, Senior will:

• Leadership and Team Organization: Provide direction, mentorship, and support to ensure effective advising services. Coordinate team meetings, professional development opportunities, and ongoing training to enhance advisor competency and team cohesion.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to student academic progress, retention rates, and graduation outcomes. Use findings to inform decision-making and improve advising services.
• Design and Lead Professional Development: Stay current with trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in academic advising and higher education. Participate in professional development opportunities and pursue relevant certifications or credentials.
• Academic Advising Content Expert: Provide comprehensive academic advising services to undergraduate students, including but not limited to course selection, degree requirements, academic planning, and career goals alignment. Point person for helping academic advisors navigate curriculum and other policies pertaining to student success.
• Student Support: Offer personalized support to students, including guidance on academic policies, procedures, and resources available on campus. Assist students in navigating challenges such as academic probation, course withdrawals, and major changes.
• Program Coordination: Coordinate and facilitate academic programs or initiatives designed to support student success, retention, and progression towards graduation. This may involve collaborating with faculty, staff, and administrators across departments or colleges.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ability to apply student-centered advising strategies that promote persistence, resilience, and student autonomy.
• Foundational understanding of student development theory and academic advising best practices.
• Ability to engage effectively with all student populations in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with students, assess their needs, and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners; ability to leverage partnerships to problem solve with and for students.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply understanding of curricular requirements and university, college, and departmental academic policies and procedures.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to support students through complex academic decisions and changing goals.
• Skill in using institutional systems and platforms to document interactions, monitor progress, and identify students needing proactive outreach.
• Ability to use assessment results and data to contribute to continuous improvement of advising.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a larger team within the advising office; capacity to act as role model for less experienced colleagues.
• Ability to contribute to campus-wide advising initiatives or working groups.
• Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement in advising practice
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing advising demands.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Advanced Degree and 5 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong experience leading projects, initiatives, or committees
• Strong experience with student information systems (PeopleSoft, Student Success Hub, Slate, Etc.)
• Experience partnering with faculty, department chairs, and campus partners
• Experience advising for programs supported in the College of Arts and Sciences
• Familiarity with complex curriculum pathways

Salary and Benefits:

Salary starting at $60,673.60 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)

Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service

10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)

11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)

Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages

Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents

See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the position.

About Us:

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