Director of Academic Advising Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 15438)

Description

Position Summary  

The Director of Academic Advising is an exempt position that reports to the Dean of Student Access and Achievement, works under administrative direction, and is a member Student Affairs Cabinet. This position leads campus-wide advising services, to include academic planning, pathway guidance, future quarter registration support and monitor academic progress.

The position is administrative in nature, ensures compliance to state and federal regulations, and has full authority to develop policies and procedures that meet compliance standards and department needs. This position is also responsible for providing strategic program vision, high impact practice development and assessment, and coordination and collaboration with other college departments and programs.  

The director has budget authority for Academic Advising and provides direct supervision to the Associate Director, the Program Specialist 3 Academic Advisors, and part-time advisors. The Director performs highly complex work and operates at an expert level. 

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $97,166/year - $140,891/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Typically, new hire starts no higher than $108,097/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 is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which means that you are not 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 College's impact, visit Facts at a Glance.

About the Department  

The Academic Advising Department at Bellevue College plays a critical role in advancing the College's mission to be a catalyst for lifelong transformation and social and economic progress. Through a Guided Pathways framework, the department provides inclusive and comprehensive support in two core areas: Pathway specific Academic Advising, and University Transfer Support. Advisors work collaboratively with students to develop educational plans aligned with their career, academic, and personal goals' empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and resilience to thrive in an evolving world. The department supports students pursuing certificates, professional/technical degrees, and transfer associate degrees, and strengthens their transfer outcomes through quarterly fairs and institutional partnerships. With a commitment to access, innovation, and student-centered service, the Academic Advising team fosters purpose-driven learning that equips all students to shape their future and strengthen their communities. 

Essential Functions  

Lead Advising Services

• Lead and coordinate Academic Advising for new and current students. 
• Co-lead Guided Pathways efforts related to student advising.
• Implement federal and state regulations and college policies as they relate to Academic Advising, degree and certificate completion, and university transfer. Use this information to counsel students and staff based on specific circumstances.  
• Evaluate student-required processes and implement changes to increase quality of service delivery, and/or to ensure compliance with regulations. 
• Provide reports to Dean, Vice President (VP), and others regarding progress toward department objectives and key results.
• Manage department budget, forecasting and making decisions that impact the budget based on college standards.
• Ensure cross-department coordination of services to support students. 

Hire, Train, Develop, and Supervise Department Staff

• Select, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate Academic Advising staff to enhance their ability to accomplish the department¿s objectives, vision, and mission. Make recommendations for disciplinary action, approve/deny leave requests, resolve grievances in consultation with HR, establish office expectations, and take corrective action.
• Provide regular feedback, instruction, encouragement, and resources to promote continuous improvement and optimum job performance, including professional development and training opportunities.
• Foster a student-centered approach, training staff to engage collaboratively with students using an integrated service model.
• Build an effective team driven by results and grounded in collaboration, cooperation, and trust.
• Plan and facilitate regular meetings to provide consistent communication, departmental updates, team discussion, and shared development.
• Coordinate and deliver training for employees and other division staff associated with Academic Advising.

Serve as campus-wide Academic Advising subject matter expert

• Serve on campus committees as needed to ensure consideration of the needs of Academic Advising when changes on campus or in systems occur. Examples include Guided Pathways, Integrated Student Supports, Achieving the Dream, and others.
• Participate in other campus initiatives providing an Academic Advising/Student Affairs perspective related to proposed changes.
• Represent Academic Advising in cross-departmental planning efforts to ensure alignment with institutional goals, student success priorities, and campus initiatives.
• Provide expert advice regarding technological system changes that may affect and/or improve the work of Academic Advising.
• Analyze and interpret policy changes at the institutional or system level to assess their impact on advising practices, making recommendations as appropriate.
• Serve as a member of Student Affairs Cabinet.
• Serve on the state-wide SBCTC Advising and Counseling Council and share back information and best practices with campus stakeholders.
• Provide training and consultation to faculty and staff across campus on all elements of educational planning, university transfer, and the academic advising process and relationship.
• Collaboratively and individually solve complex student problems related to student advising, degree completion, and other related situations.
• Build and maintain relationships with instructional departments, Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, and other key offices to streamline the student experience and reduce barriers to completion.
• Lead and/or contribute to the development and implementation of campus-wide strategies that promote student success and data-informed advising practices.

Implement Technology to Support Student

•  Lead implementation and ongoing utilization of a client relations management (CRM) system to streamline student and staff communication processes and improve tracking of student engagement.
• Review and update department website regularly to reflect current processes, services, and advising resources in alignment with student needs and institutional priorities.
• Collaborate with IT and institutional research teams to ensure advising systems integrate effectively with other campus technologies and support data-informed decision making.
• Identify and implement additional technology tools (e.g., appointment scheduling platforms, chatbots, degree planning software) to enhance the student experience and improve advising efficiency.
• Ensure all digital tools and platforms used by the department meet accessibility standards and are student-friendly across diverse devices and user needs.
• Provide training to staff on effective use of advising technologies and promote consistent utilization to ensure reliable and equitable student service delivery.

Provide direct student advising services

• Work with students in-person, over the phone, and via email to create an educational plan that considers their career and life goals.
• Resolve complex student situations related to prior advising experiences, referrals from other departments, and referrals from outside agencies.
• Present workshops, make classroom visits, and attend new student orientations and other sessions as able and needed to support the department and division.
• Provide accurate, and holistic advising that empowers students to make informed decisions aligned with their academic and personal goals.
• Proactively conduct outreach to students at key points in the academic cycle to promote retention, persistence, and timely completion.
• Collaborate with faculty and other student services staff to ensure coordinated and consistent messaging across support systems.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of college programs, transfer requirements, and student support resources to ensure accurate guidance.
• Use advising data and student feedback to reflect on and improve individual advising practices and department-wide approaches.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor's degree in student services, education, educational administration or a related area. Relevant work experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis
• A minimum of three (3) years of administrative and supervisory experience in student services
• Demonstrated experience implementing Client Relationship Management systems
• Budget management experience
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills
• Intermediate Word, Excel, databases, and presentation software skills
• Demonstrated leadership, experience and knowledge in principles and practices of academic advising and large-scale student success programs
• Demonstrated experience working with colleagues and/or students in a collaborative and inclusive environment 
• Demonstrated working knowledge of FERPA and other compliance issues related to student records and advising

Preferred Qualifications  

• Master's degree in Student Development Administration, Education, Counseling or related field
• Knowledge of career exploration and development strategies and techniques
• Familiarity with Washington State's CTC system and working knowledge of ctcLink (PeopleSoft) or similar enterprise systems used in student services
• Experience using data and technology to inform advising strategies, measure outcomes, and improve student success
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead a collaborative team focused on student-centered service and equity 

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 applicant's 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 03/19/2026 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 .

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