Occupation: Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Education administrators in a postsecondary setting are essential for the smooth operation of colleges and universities. They oversee a range of administrative tasks, ensuring that institutes of higher education operate efficiently and effectively. Their responsibilities may involve managing academics, finances, student support services, admissions, or research programs.
Examples of Postsecondary Education Administrators
Postsecondary education administrators can hold various job titles within this field. Some examples include:
- Provosts: These administrators are responsible for the overall operations of universities, including academics, faculty development, research programs, and student affairs.
- Deans: They often manage specific departments or colleges within a university, such as the College of Engineering, College of Business, or School of Nursing.
- Admissions Directors: These professionals oversee the admissions process, including conducting recruitment activities, evaluating applications, and managing enrollment.
- Registrars: They maintain student records, ensure compliance with academic policies, and assist with class registration and scheduling.
Educational and Training Requirements
Most education administrators in postsecondary institutions are required to have a master’s degree, typically in fields related to education administration or higher education. Some positions may necessitate a doctoral degree, particularly roles at larger universities or in more specialized areas.
In addition to the educational requirements, it’s crucial for postsecondary education administrators to have relevant work experience. This experience can be gained through jobs in academia, educational research, or administrative roles within educational institutions.
Progression Between Levels
Advancement in the field of postsecondary education administration often involves progressing through different levels of responsibility. The career progression may typically look like:
- Entry-level positions: These may include roles like admissions counselor, program coordinator, or administrative assistant.
- Mid-level positions: Professionals may move into roles such as assistant dean, department chair, or director of a smaller program.
- Senior-level positions: These positions often include titles like dean, provost, or vice president. Administrators at this level have significant responsibilities and may oversee multiple departments or an entire institution.
Getting Into the Field
If you’re new to the field of postsecondary education administration, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of entering this profession:
- Earn a relevant degree: Obtain at least a master’s degree in education administration or a related field to meet the educational requirements of many positions in this occupation.
- Gain experience: Seek out internships or entry-level positions within higher education institutions to gain valuable experience and develop a network of contacts in the industry.
- Network: Attend professional conferences and events to connect with current education administrators and stay updated on industry trends and opportunities.
- Continuous learning: Pursue professional development opportunities, such as workshops or certifications, to expand your knowledge and enhance your skill set.
Education Administrators, Postsecondary Salary Data
| Occupation | Job Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Level 07 | $53,206.40 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Level 08 | $58,260.80 – $62,649.60 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Level 09 | $80,766.40 – $71,864.00 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Level 10 | $93,412.80 – $85,550.40 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Level 11 | $97,947.20 – $95,264.00 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Nonunion | $113,089.60 – $114,379.20 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Full-time | $115,398.40 – $115,481.60 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Full-time, Level 07 | $53,206.40 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Full-time, Level 08 | $58,260.80 – $62,649.60 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Full-time, Level 09 | $80,766.40 – $70,616.00 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Full-time, Level 10 | $93,412.80 – $85,550.40 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Full-time, Level 11 | $97,947.20 – $94,640.00 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary | Time-based pay | $115,190.40 – $115,211.20 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary (New York) | Nonunion | $174,657.60 – $175,760.00 |
| Education administrators, postsecondary (New Mexico) | Nonunion | $91,270.40 – $83,116.80 |
Summary
Education administrators in a postsecondary setting oversee the administrative tasks critical to the efficient operation of colleges and universities. They manage academics, finances, student support services, admissions, and research programs. The career progression often involves starting in entry-level positions, moving to mid-level roles, and eventually reaching senior-level positions with significant responsibilities. To enter this profession, a relevant master’s degree and relevant work experience are typically required. Attending professional conferences, networking, and pursuing continuous learning opportunities can help individuals advance in this field. The salary for education administrators in postsecondary institutions varies depending on factors such as job level, location, and employment type.
