Senior Business Operations Manager

The Student Involvement and Leadership Center creates opportunities for students to explore purpose, build meaningful connections, and develop the capacity to lead. Our work includes leadership development, advising and support for student organizations, fraternities and sororities, student media, and student government, service and civic engagement programs, and campus activities. As Boise State continues to grow and evolve, our department is experiencing exciting renewal and organizational growth. We are seeking a collaborative and strategic professional who can provide thoughtful financial and operational leadership while fostering strong partnerships in support of student success and departmental excellence.

The Senior Business Operations Manager provides strategic leadership for the department’s financial, operational, and administrative functions, supporting effective decision-making and long-range planning. This role oversees budgeting, financial reporting, personnel supervision, operational processes, and compliance while driving continuous improvement and organizational effectiveness. Working closely with department and divisional leadership, the position ensures efficient, accountable, and student-centered operations through strong collaboration, analysis, and team development.

Please note, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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 practices and procedures.

Leadership, Supervision, and Team Development

• Direct, coach, and evaluate the performance of professional, classified, and/or student employees within the business operations team.
• Establish clear responsibilities, expectations, and documentation for all team roles; create and maintain cross-training plans to ensure continuity.
• Lead the hiring, onboarding, and retention strategies to build and sustain a high-performing business operations team.
• Provide individualized mentoring and growth opportunities to the business and operations team to enhance employee performance and retention.

Budgets & Financial Operations

• Partner with the Department Head to develop, manage, and refine budgets across multiple funding sources, including appropriated, local, grant, and auxiliary funds.
• Manage the preparation of recurring financial reports and summaries to support department decision-making, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to established processes and policies.
• Serve as the point of accountability to ensure all financial transactions, reporting, and administrative commitments are completed timely, accurately, and in compliance with division and university standards. Escalate issues, remove barriers, and directly intervene when necessary to resolve outstanding tasks.
• Advise leadership on budget adjustments, forecasting, and funding models.
• Monitor and reconcile expenditures regularly to verify accuracy, compliance with policy, and alignment with fiscal objectives.
• Develop and present financial reports and projections that highlight trends, flag risks, and inform strategic resource decisions.
• Maintain adherence to financial regulations and internal controls by applying university state guidelines to all transactions and reporting activities.
• Lead long-term financial planning efforts by developing resource models to support growth, sustainability and alignment with departmental and divisional goals.

Operational Management & Process Improvement

• Manage day-to-day business operations including purchasing, travel coordination, contract processing, and HR transactions, ensuring timeliness and policy compliance.
• Support the administration of a student engagement platform used campus-wide, ensuring efficient workflows, accurate data management, and effective support for Student Involvement initiatives.
• Design and implement business workflows, internal controls, and training materials to standardize operational practices across the unit.
• Evaluate processes for efficiency, accuracy, and risk; recommend and implement improvements that support operational excellence and accountability.
• Lead daily business operations, including customer service strategy and delivery, to ensure a high-quality and responsive experience for students, staff, and campus partners.
• Facilitate inventory systems and physical space utilization, optimizing resources, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring facilities support operational and programmatic needs.
• Collaborate with administrative offices (e.g., HR, Payroll, P2P, Controller’s Office) to troubleshoot issues, align practices, and maintain continuity across systems.

Planning & Special Projects

• Lead or contribute to divisional initiatives, planning efforts, and cross-functional working groups that drive strategic improvements.
• Serve as a member of the Divisional Business Council, a key group responsible for alignment across the division. Bring forward department perspectives and communicate back clear, consistent guidance on processes, financial reporting, timelines, and priorities to department leadership and the business team.
• Track and report on unit progress toward divisional goals, using data visualization and written narratives to support impact storytelling.
• Facilitate cross-departmental collaborations to align operational practices.
• Complete additional assignments or projects as directed to support evolving department or divisional priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and solutions-oriented professional who thrives in a complex and fast-paced environment. This role requires someone who can effectively balance high-level financial planning and operational oversight with day-to-day problem solving, process management, and team leadership.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus 5 years experience in similar work

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in a relevant field such as: finance, accounting, education, business, or public administration.
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems and software (e.g., Oracle Financials Cloud, PeopleSoft, Excel)
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and support a team with varying roles, experience levels, and working styles.
• Experience developing multi-year budgets, financial models, or long-range resource plans
• Strong interpersonal and strategic communication skills and able to advise senior leaders with clarity and professionalism, including when delivering complex, sensitive, or difficult information
• Experience navigating higher education or public sector compliance, auditing, and reporting requirements.
• Ability to lead organizational change, manage ambiguity, and drive cross-functional collaboration with clear ownership of outcomes, timelines, and follow-through.

• Resume or CV detailing work history, education, and qualifications
• Cover letter addressing interest in this specific position
• Three references, including at least one direct supervisor

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/