Academic Systems Manager

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Graduate Academic Systems Manager provides leadership for graduate academic operations, technology systems, and strategic projects that support the Graduate College’s mission and institutional goals. This position oversees staff responsible for admissions, degree processing, and graduate systems administration while leading initiatives that improve processes, enhance system functionality, and strengthen service delivery.

Department Overview

The Graduate Academic Systems Manager provides leadership for graduate academic operations, technology systems, and strategic projects that support the Graduate College’s mission and institutional goals. This position oversees staff responsible for admissions, degree processing, and graduate systems administration while leading initiatives that improve processes, enhance system functionality, and strengthen service delivery. The position serves as a key liaison across academic units, Enrollment Management, Information Technology, the Registrar’s Office, and other campus partners to identify needs, develop solutions, and implement improvements.

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

• Supervision and Team Leadership: Supervises and supports the Admissions and Degree Team, responsible for:

  • Processing graduate application materials and admitting graduate students
  • Reviewing graduate student academic progress, academic adjustments, and confirming degree completion
  • Front-office support and customer service for inquiries and requests

• Supervision and Support of the Systems Team: Responsible for:

  • Application and forms systems management, and electronic systems that support recruitment, admission, and graduation
  • Cross-unit coordination with OIT and systems-focused staff in Undergraduate Admissions, Extended Studies, and other units across campus
  • Maintaining and aligning staff technology and workstations with best practices
  • Developing and monitoring annual work plans, priorities, and unit initiatives

• Operations and Systems Improvement: Leads and coordinates initiatives that support Graduate College priorities, including those in admissions and degree processing, electronic systems, communications, graduate student success, and other mission-critical services. Liaises with campus partners to identify operational needs, improve processes, and implement solutions – including degree-granting colleges, OIT, Undergraduate Admissions, the Registrar’s Office, and Extended Studies. Oversees enhancements to systems, workflows, forms, and technology that support graduate education operations. Coordinates testing, implementation, documentation, and user support for new and existing systems. Utilizes data, reporting, and operational metrics to support decision-making and continuous improvement. Regularly reviews and maintains internal policies and procedures for academic administrative activities. Leads or supports special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Superior attention to detail and organizational skills

• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience

• Knowledge of project development and management

• Ability to implement and follow policies and procedures effectively

• Experience collaborating across multiple administrative and academic units

• Experience leading cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders

• Experience with graduate education, admissions, student records, enrollment management, or academic operations

• Experience analyzing, reporting, and interpreting institutional or operational data

• Experience developing business processes, workflows, and technology solutions

• Experience supervising professional staff

• Working knowledge of platforms such as Slate CRM, PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, Smartsheet, ServiceNow, Salesforce, Kuali, reporting tools, SQL, APIs, or similar enterprise applications

• Experience collaborating with information technology teams on system implementations, integrations, or process improvements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's and 2 years of professional experience or equivalent relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing or administering enterprise systems in a higher education environment

• Experience leading cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders

• Experience with graduate education, admissions, student records, enrollment management, or academic operations

• Experience analyzing, reporting, and interpreting institutional or operational data

• Experience developing business processes, workflows, and technology solutions

• Experience supervising professional staff

• Working knowledge of platforms such as Slate CRM, PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, Smartsheet, ServiceNow, Salesforce, Kuali, reporting tools, SQL, APIs, or similar enterprise applications

• Experience collaborating with information technology teams on system implementations, integrations, or process improvements

Salary and Benefits

Salary range is $60,673.60 to $75,836.80 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

• Resume and Cover Letter.

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/.