Associate Director, Academic Advising

Position Summary

The Associate Director supports the mission of the Academic Advising Department by helping students explore academic opportunities, identify goals, and implement plans to reach those goals. The Associate Director provides leadership, supervision, and operational oversight for academic advising services at Bellevue College. This position ensures consistent, high-quality advising practices that support student progression, retention, and completion. The role supervises advising staff, manages advising systems and data, and maintains a direct advising caseload.

The Associate Director translates institutional priorities into advising operations and uses data to guide decision-making and continuous improvement. This position will assist the Director of Advising in the administration of the Academic Advising Department including supervision, strategic planning, some budget responsibilities, representing the department on various committees and work groups, and acting on behalf of the Director as requested.

This position reports to the Director of Academic Advising.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Position Salary Range: $78,777/year - $114,227/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidates qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Typically, new hire starts no higher than $87,639/year based on Bellevue College Exempt salary schedule.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This position may be eligible for overtime under the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Positions with salaries below the WA State Salary Threshold is eligible for overtime pay.

About The College

Bellevue College is a vibrant, student-centered institution located just 10 miles east of Seattle. Serving one of the most diverse student populations in Washington - we are proud to reflect the global community we serve.

As an employer, Bellevue College is committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered. We believe that our faculty and staff are essential partners in fulfilling our mission, and we prioritize professional growth, collaboration, and innovation in everything we do. Employees at Bellevue College benefit from opportunities to expand their skills, contribute to meaningful work that changes lives, and engage in a community that is deeply committed to inclusion.

We are dedicated to creating an environment where creativity and innovation thrive, and where the contributions of every employee help shape both the success of our students and the vitality of the region. At Bellevue College, you will find a community that supports your goals, values your voice, and celebrates your impact.

For more about Bellevue Colleges impact, visit Facts at a Glance.

About the Department

To provide equitable, personalized, and high-quality advising that empowers students to confidently navigate their educational journeys, access essential resources, make informed decisions, and achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. (Mission Statement, adopted May 2026). The Department is comprised of trained professionals who work directly with Bellevue College students to meet their goals. Academic Advising partners with and provides comprehensive and accurate information to students, faculty, and other staff in support of transfer and professional/technical academic programs, all structured within a Guided Pathways framework.

Essential Functions

Supervision and Advising Operations Leadership

• Lead and coordinate the operations of the academic advising team, ensuring alignment with divisional and institutional priorities, under the direction of the Director of Academic Advising
• Select and hire staff, make recommendations for disciplinary action, approve/deny leave requests, evaluate employee performance yearly, resolve grievances in consultation with HR, establish office expectations, and take corrective action
• Ensure consistent, accurate, and student-centered advising services across all delivery modalities
• Monitor advisor caseloads, workload distribution, and service coverage to ensure equitable and efficient operations
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine advising models aligned with Guided Pathways and institutional priorities
• In collaboration with the Director, support management of the advising budget, including staffing and operational resources
• Oversee advising systems, including scheduling platforms, student information systems, and CRM tools to ensure effective student flow and access
• Identify and implement process improvements to reduce duplication, increase efficiency, and improve student experiences
• Provide leadership for the Advising Department in the absence of the Director

Data Management and Assessment

• Analyze advising data related to student access, persistence, completion, and equity gaps
• Develop, maintain, and interpret reports and dashboards to inform advising strategy and operational decisions
• Use data to guide proactive outreach, caseload management, and resource allocation
• Monitor advising outcomes and service utilization to identify trends and areas for improvement
• Lead or support assessment of advising services, including establishing metrics, evaluating effectiveness, and implementing improvements
• Ensure data integrity, accurate documentation, and compliance with institutional reporting requirements

Collaboration and Campus Engagement

• Collaborate with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and other campus partners to implement proactive advising model through data informed decisions and best practices
• Represent Academic Advising on college committees, workgroups, and governance bodies at Bellevue College
• Participate in Student Affairs meetings and cross-functional initiatives
• Consult with faculty, staff, and external partners to address student concerns and coordinate appropriate interventions
• Facilitate referrals and coordinated support for students across campus services

Direct Advising

• Provide one-on-one advising to students in-person, by phone, and via virtual platforms such as Microsoft Teams
• Monitor and track student progress using advising technologies, including TargetX, Degree Audit, and ctcLink (PeopleSoft)
• Develop, review, and update educational plans; communicate timely updates, alerts, and required actions to students
• Conduct proactive outreach and follow-up, including Early Alert interventions, for assigned caseloads
• Assist and provide advocacy to students with administrative processes that impact their enrollment at Bellevue College
• Maintain confidential student records and ensure compliance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling or related field. Any combination of relevant education and/or experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience advising students in a community college setting or relaying information related to university transfer, admissions process, policies, articulations, and requirements.
• Demonstrated experience navigating institutional barriers and demonstrated ability to be an effective advocate for all students.
• Demonstrated initiative, project management and leadership skills.
• Ability to develop, implement, assess, and refine initiatives in deliberate, collaborative, timely, and effective manner.
• Experience in organizing and developing a team.
• Effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to use computers for data entry, web applications, searching the internet, and troubleshooting basic computer issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling or related field.
• Demonstrated experience using multiple modalities and Universal Design principles in one-on-one and group advising settings.
• Demonstrated experience using degree audit systems, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, or other advising-specific technology to monitor student progress.
• Demonstrated experience presenting and leading advising related workshops to students, college staff, and faculty.
• Experience working within an integrated academic and career advising department or system; ability to articulate the relationship between college major and career exploration.

Conditions of Employment

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties.

Other Information

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply

Applications received by 08/02/2026 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled.

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional documents will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Complete Job Questionnaires

Contact:

If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at jobs@bellevuecollege.edu.

EEO Statement

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126.

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .