Postsecondary Education Administrators

 1. OVERVIEW

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. Their duties vary depending on the department in which they work, such as admissions, student affairs, or the registrar’s office. These professionals ensure the smooth operation of the institution, managing everything from student enrollment to academic policies.

• 2024 Median Pay: $103,960 per year

• Job Growth (2023–2033): 3% (As fast as average)

• Typical Education: Master’s degree

• Work Experience in a Related Occupation: Less than 5 years

• On-the-job Training: None

• Number of Jobs (2023): 216,400

• Employment Change (2023–33): 6,200 openings

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level Role: Postsecondary Education Administrator

• Job Titles: Admissions Officer, Student Affairs Coordinator, Assistant Registrar

• Education: A master’s degree in higher education administration, business, or a related field. Some roles may allow candidates with a bachelor’s degree, especially in smaller institutions.

• Experience: Typically requires 0-2 years of experience in a related administrative or student support role.

• Certifications: No formal certifications required, but experience or internships in postsecondary education administration is beneficial.

• Core Duties:

• Process student admissions applications and help manage the enrollment process.

• Provide support services for students, such as housing assignments or academic counseling.

• Assist with registration and record-keeping in the registrar’s office.

• Advise students on personal and academic matters.

• Salary Range: $48,000 – $75,000 per year

• Key Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Organizational and time management skills.

• Basic knowledge of data management and student records systems.

• Problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Mid-Level Role: Senior Postsecondary Education Administrator

• Job Titles: Academic Dean, Associate Director of Admissions, Director of Student Affairs

• Education: Master’s degree in higher education, business, or a related field. Additional certifications in student services or educational leadership can be helpful.

• Experience: Typically 5-10 years of experience in postsecondary education administration, with increasing responsibilities.

• Certifications: Some positions may benefit from certifications in higher education management or student affairs.

• Core Duties:

• Manage a department or team, such as admissions, student affairs, or academic programs.

• Develop and implement academic policies in collaboration with faculty and administration.

• Oversee student activities and coordinate non-academic programs for student engagement.

• Supervise and mentor junior staff, including other administrators and student workers.

• Salary Range: $75,000 – $110,000 per year

• Key Skills:

• Leadership and management skills.

• Budgeting and resource allocation.

• Strategic planning and policy development.

• Strong communication skills for interacting with students, staff, and faculty.

Senior-Level Role: Postsecondary Education Executive

• Job Titles: Provost, University President, Vice President of Student Affairs

• Education: Doctorate (Ph.D.) in higher education, business administration, or a related field, often preferred for these senior positions.

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in higher education administration, with extensive experience in leading academic or student affairs departments.

• Certifications: Leadership certifications in educational administration or governance may be beneficial.

• Core Duties:

• Oversee the entire academic division or student affairs department, ensuring policies are in place to support student success.

• Collaborate with college/university leadership to set strategic academic goals and institutional priorities.

• Manage budgets and resource allocations for multiple departments or units.

• Represent the institution at meetings, conferences, and public events, often liaising with external stakeholders.

• Salary Range: $110,000 – $212,420 per year

• Key Skills:

• High-level leadership and decision-making abilities.

• In-depth knowledge of academic policies, regulations, and higher education trends.

• Public speaking, networking, and relationship-building skills.

• Expertise in budget management, institutional governance, and educational policy.

3. How to Become a Postsecondary Education Administrator

• Education Requirements:

• Entry-Level: Typically requires a master’s degree in a related field (e.g., higher education administration, business, or social sciences). Some roles may accept a bachelor’s degree for smaller colleges or community colleges.

• Mid-Level: A master’s degree is often required, but additional certifications or specialized training in student affairs or higher education can be beneficial.

• Senior-Level: A Ph.D. is typically required for high-level roles such as provost or college president. Many senior administrators begin their careers as faculty members and transition into administration.

• Work Experience:

• Entry-level positions may require less than 5 years of experience in an administrative or student service role.

• Mid-level positions typically require 5-10 years of experience in postsecondary education administration.

• Senior-level roles usually require 10+ years of experience, with leadership responsibilities and high-level decision-making experience.

• Licenses and Certifications:

• No formal licensing is required, but certifications in educational leadership or student affairs can be advantageous, particularly for mid-level roles.

4. Skills & Tools

Core Skills:

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for collaborating with students, faculty, and other stakeholders.

• Interpersonal Skills: Postsecondary administrators must foster relationships with students, faculty, and parents.

• Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving is crucial, particularly when addressing student concerns or resolving conflicts.

• Organizational Skills: Managing multiple departments, records, and student services requires excellent organizational skills.

• Leadership: Ability to manage teams, develop departmental strategies, and provide guidance.

Tools & Equipment:

• Student Information Systems: Tools such as Banner, PeopleSoft, and Ellucian for managing student records and course registrations.

• Communication Platforms: Email, student portals, and virtual meeting tools for communication with students and staff.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana or Trello for managing departmental tasks and events.

5. Work Environment

Postsecondary education administrators typically work in office settings, either on college campuses or in administrative buildings. Some roles require travel, especially in admissions and student affairs, where administrators meet with prospective students or attend conferences.

• Work Schedule: Most postsecondary education administrators work full time, but their hours may fluctuate depending on the academic calendar.

• Work Locations: Primarily on campus or in dedicated administrative offices. Some positions, especially in admissions, require travel to high schools or other colleges.

6. Pay

• Median Annual Wage (2024): $103,960 per year

• Salaries by Specialty:

• Admissions Officers: $65,000 – $90,000

• Student Affairs Managers: $70,000 – $100,000

• Academic Deans: $100,000 – $140,000

7. Job Outlook

• Job Growth: 3% (As fast as average) from 2023–2033.

• Annual Openings: Approximately 6,200 openings each year, mostly due to retirements and transfers.

8. Related Occupations

• School and Career Counselors: Guide students in their academic and career paths.

• Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals: Oversee educational and administrative functions in primary and secondary schools.

• Human Resources Managers: Manage staff functions in organizations, often in higher education settings.

• Public Relations Managers: Oversee communications and reputation management for educational institutions.

9. Resources for Learning & Advancement

Books:

• "The Handbook of Student Affairs Administration" by George S. McClellan

• "College and University Administration" by Frederick A. McGinn

• "Leadership in Higher Education" by Margaret J. Barr

Online Courses:

• Coursera: Higher Education Administration and Management courses.

• LinkedIn Learning: Educational Leadership courses.

Certifications:

• Certified Administrator of Student Affairs (CASA)

• National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Membership

Communities:

• Reddit: r/HigherEd for tips and advice on postsecondary education careers.

• YouTube: Channels offering insights into higher education leadership and administration.