Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Academic Operations Coordinator supports the academic operations of the Graduate College with a focus on graduate curriculum processes, academic policy implementation, graduate faculty appointments, and direct support to graduate programs. Reporting to the Academic Systems Manager, this position manages the day-to-day administrative and operational work of the Graduate Council, including preparing agendas, coordinating materials, and supporting curriculum review and governance workflows. The position also oversees graduate faculty nominations appointments and works closely with graduate program coordinators and faculty to ensure consistent, timely, and policy-aligned academic operations. The role collaborates with the Academic Systems Manager to ensure that operational procedures and program support activities are well aligned with system workflows and Graduate College priorities.

This is an internal opportunity open only to current, benefit-eligible employees of Boise State University.

Level Scope:

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision; exercises judgment within defined guidelines and practices to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals and/or support employees.

Essential Functions:

95% of Time the Academic Operations Coordinator must:

1. Graduate Council and Curriculum Support

• Manage daily administrative and logistical support for Graduate Council, including agenda preparation, coordinating materials, maintaining records, and tracking proposals.
• Support curriculum review processes in collaboration with Graduate Council leadership, the Registrar’s Office, and academic departments.
• Review submissions for completeness and alignment with Graduate College policies and timelines.
• Coordinate communication to programs regarding curriculum deadlines, expectations, and outcomes.

2. Graduate Faculty Appointments and Governance

• Coordinate graduate faculty appointment processes, including nominations, renewals, and status changes.
• Manage the Graduate Faculty Representative (GFR) assignment workflow, ensuring timely communication with departments.
• Maintain accurate records of graduate faculty status and collaborate with the Academic Systems Manager on workflow or data needs.

3. Program Support and Policy Implementation

• Serve as a primary liaison for graduate program coordinators and faculty leaders, supporting ~80 programs across campus.
• Provide onboarding, training, and ongoing guidance on policies, degree requirements, academic workflows, and best practices in graduate program administration.
• Assist programs with academic actions, petitions, exceptions, and procedural questions.
• Develop documentation, training guides, and communication materials to support program operations.
• Monitor policy adherence and elevate issues or needs to the Academic Systems Manager as appropriate.

4. Collaboration and Process Improvement

• Work closely with the Academic Systems Manager to identify and implement improvements to operational procedures, workflows, and program support structures.
• Participate in projects or campus working groups related to academic operations and graduate student success.

5% of Time the Academic Operations Coordinator must: 

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of graduate education structures, policies, and processes.
• Ability to communicate academic policies clearly to faculty, program coordinators, and students.
• Experience supporting graduate program leaders and navigating varied program infrastructure and needs.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to collaborate across departments and colleges.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple program-facing responsibilities.
• Skill in designing training materials, documentation, and onboarding resources.
• Ability to collaborate with systems staff to align operational processes with technical workflows.
• High level of professionalism, organization, and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education, with responsibilities involving graduate program support, administration, advising, or academic coordination.
• Master’s degree in education, public administration, higher education, or a related field.
• Experience serving in or supporting a graduate program coordinator, academic program manager, or similar role.
• Experience with graduate curriculum processes, academic governance structures, or coordinating committee work (e.g., Graduate Council).
• Familiarity with systems such as PeopleSoft, Slate, Kuali Curriculum Management, or similar workflow or student information systems.
• Experience developing training, onboarding, or resource materials for academic staff or faculty.
• Experience supporting or coordinating faculty credentialing, appointments, or graduate committee processes.
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement, academic operations management, or cross-unit academic collaboration.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is $68,827.20 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:

Cover letter and resume.

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 https://www.boisestate.edu/about/