Postsecondary Education Administrator Career

postsecondary-education-admPostsecondary education administrators oversee multiple operations at a college or university. They are typically in charge of student services, academics and/or faculty research.

They are considered an authority figure when it comes to different areas of the college’s operation, and their duties will vary depending on the area they administrate.

They may work in student affairs, admissions, the registrar’s office, or within individual academic departments.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Career Snapshot

Postsecondary education administrators work at colleges, universities, trade schools, technical schools, and community colleges. They can be employed at any institution that has postsecondary programs (education after high school), and most of them work full-time, 40 hours a week. Some may earn overtime as well, depending on the position and the employer.

Further details on a career as a postsecondary education administrator are listed below (statistics from the May 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics and Onet Online):

$90,760

is the average annual salary for postsecondary education administrators.

9%

increase in employment between 2014 and 2024.

54%

have a Master’s degree while 23% have a Bachelor’s degree.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Education

The typical education level for a postsecondary education administrator is a master’s degree, although some also have bachelor’s or doctorates. Their degree is typically earned in the educational administration field.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Job Duties

Overall daily tasks will vary depending on the area of the college or university they manage. If they work in admissions, they might meet with prospective students and encourage them to apply, they may also review applications of prospective students and analyze data related to their university’s student body. A postsecondary education administrator who works in the registrar’s office, for example, will have duties more related to keeping student records, managing and maintaining the academic records and ensuring students are meeting graduation requirements. Those who work in student affairs may advise students on housing issues and academics, and also spend time communicating with parents and guardians. A postsecondary education administrator may also work closely with the college or university president to foster the growth of their academics and policies.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Salaries

The median pay in 2015 for a postsecondary education administrator is $90,760 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The high end of the spectrum, the upper 10 percent, is $179,250 and at the lower end of the spectrum, entry-level job seekers can expect to make around $51,690.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Job Outlook

Due to an increase in enrollment, the job growth of postsecondary education administrators is expected to grow about 9 percent between 2014 and 2024, faster than many other occupations.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Skills & Traits

Postsecondary Education Administrator Skill Set:Required Abilities:Tools Used by Postsecondary Education Administrator:Typical Work Activities:
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Written Comprehension
• Written Expression
• Desktop computers
• High capacity removable media drives
• Liquid crystal display projector
• Laptop computers
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Getting Information

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