Senior Business Operations Manager

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Works with management team to identify, develop and implement strategic plans to achieve goals, including staffing, operational and financial analysis, reporting and planning.

This position is open to current, regular Boise State University employees only.

Department Overview:

Housing & Residence Life (HRL) is a department that accommodates approximately 3,000 students and staff across 10 on-campus living communities, which include traditional residence halls, suite-style, and apartment-style housing options. Our department is dedicated to supporting the academic and personal success of our residents. As we continue to grow and evolve, we aim to serve a broad range of students from across the region, including those from rural areas and those who are the first in their families to attend college.

The mission, vision, and values of Housing & Residence Life guide our approach to supporting students and maintaining a strong, purposeful community.
Housing & Residence Life “provides a vibrant residential experience that fosters learning, academic achievement, and meaningful relationships.”

The support we offer residents during their time on campus is anchored in the following values:

• Community – Fostering collaboration, mutual support, intentional engagement, and a sense of connection
• Learning – Encouraging critical thinking, personal growth, and exploration
• Respect – Emphasizing empathy, consideration, and authenticity

Our goal is to create a welcoming and secure living environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Through our programs and services, we aim to promote a positive residential experience rooted in shared values and a commitment to student success.

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 practices and procedures.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Senior Business Operations Manager must:

• Lead development, implementation, and monitoring of annual budgets and long-term financial plans.
• Ensure financial activities follow university policies and applicable regulations.
• Analyze spending trends and provide strategic recommendations to improve resource allocation.
• Supervise, develop, and evaluate business operations staff (classified, professional, and student).
• Oversee HR processes including hiring logistics, onboarding, payroll administration, and employee record compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency in office workflows and administrative procedures.
• Prepare financial and operational reports to support data-informed decision-making.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial forecasting, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Provide guidance to department leaders on financial health and operational performance.
• Oversee procurement, contracts, travel, and inventory processes.
• Educate team members on compliance with university purchasing, financial, and HR policies.
• Act as a liaison to institutional departments such as HR, Payroll, Purchasing, and Administrative Accounting.

35% of Time the Senior Business Operations Manager performs:

Housing Budget Oversight & Specialized Forecasting

• Manage complex, multi-year housing budgets tied to occupancy projections, capital renewal, utilities, and debt service.
• Conduct rate modeling and financial forecasting aligned with housing operations and residence hall/apartment growth.
• Collaborate with IT and university partners to integrate and maintain housing systems (e.g., StarRez, PeopleSoft, Transact, Authorize.net).
• Ensure data consistency and operational functionality across platforms impacting student billing, assignments, and facilities work orders.
• Participate in strategic planning for summer housing, conferences, and occupancy planning.
• Support Residence Life, Facilities, and Housing Operations through shared financial tools and staffing models.
• Lead or support business continuity planning for housing-specific functions during emergencies or transitions.