Postsecondary Education Administrator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern age, the spotlight on postsecondary education administrators has never been brighter.

Education evolves continuously, and with each change, the demand for skilled individuals who can manage, develop, and enhance our educational institutions grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a postsecondary education administrator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to conceptualize the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of postsecondary education administration,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable postsecondary education administrator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Duties and Responsibilities

Postsecondary Education Administrators oversee the administrative operations of colleges, universities, and other higher education institutions.

They are responsible for setting academic goals, managing faculty and staff, developing academic policies, and maintaining academic records.

The duties and responsibilities of a Postsecondary Education Administrator include:

• Establish and oversee the institution’s academic policies and curriculum standards
• Manage faculty and staff, including hiring, training, evaluation, and professional development
• Coordinate with department heads and faculty members to ensure academic programs are up to standard
• Review and approve budgets for academic departments and programs
• Maintain records of students’ academic progress, graduation rates, and employment outcomes
• Provide leadership in the development of new academic programs and enhancements to existing ones
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local education regulations and laws
• Represent the institution at academic conferences, board meetings, and other official events
• Resolve students’ academic issues and complaints
• Develop strategic planning for the institution’s long-term academic goals

 

Postsecondary Education Administrator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Postsecondary Education Administrator to oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at our institution.

The responsibilities include coordination of academic programs, recruitment of staff, preparation and maintenance of budgets, and ensuring compliance with accreditation requirements.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the higher education system and is committed to promoting academic success and general well-being of students.

A background in administration, leadership, and strategic planning is essential for this role.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate academic and student programs
• Manage recruitment, training, and development of staff
• Develop and maintain academic and administrative policies
• Manage budget and allocate resources appropriately
• Ensure all programs and activities comply with federal, state, and regional accreditation
• Represent the institution at academic conferences and professional associations
• Resolve student complaints, issues and concerns
• Support student services and academic counseling
• Facilitate communication between faculty, staff, and students
• Promote an inclusive and diverse campus environment

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Postsecondary Education Administrator or similar role
• Experience in staff management and budgeting
• Knowledge of higher education policies and regulations
• Excellent leadership and decision-making abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Master’s degree in Education Administration, Business Administration or related field
• Ph.D. in Education Administration or a related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k) plan
• Health, vision and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Postsecondary Education Administrator
• Work Environment: Office setting within an educational institution. Some travel may be required for meetings or conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the President or Vice President of the institution.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Postsecondary Education Administrator Do?

Postsecondary Education Administrators typically work in colleges and universities.

They are responsible for managing and overseeing various aspects of higher education institutions.

Their duties can vary greatly depending on their role within the institution.

Some may work in student services, overseeing student affairs, social activities, and organizations.

They may also supervise admissions, student records, career services, and financial aid.

Others may work in the provost’s office or academic affairs, where they are responsible for the institution’s academic programs.

They help develop academic policies, coordinate the work of deans and other academic departments, and assist in hiring faculty.

Some Postsecondary Education Administrators also work in fundraising, where they seek out donors and manage endowments.

In all roles, they are responsible for the strategic planning and coordination of the university’s programs, services, and initiatives.

They also resolve issues among students and faculty, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and strive to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Regardless of their specific role, the overall goal of a Postsecondary Education Administrator is to help create an environment that fosters academic success and personal growth for students.

 

Postsecondary Education Administrator Qualifications and Skills

A competent Postsecondary Education Administrator should possess a range of skills and qualifications that align with the job requirements, such as:

• Organizational skills to manage administrative tasks effectively, like student admissions, faculty research, and setting academic goals.
• Leadership qualities to provide direction and implement policies in the institution, as well as to inspire faculty and students.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse group of people including students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Problem-solving abilities to address issues that could affect the institution’s reputation, financial status, or students’ welfare.
• Communication skills to effectively convey information to students, parents, faculty members, and other professionals involved in the educational system.
• Knowledge of budgeting, planning and resource allocation to manage the institution’s financial resources effectively.
• Ability to understand and keep updated with the latest trends in education, educational regulations, and laws to ensure the institution is compliant and competitive.

 

Postsecondary Education Administrator Experience Requirements

Postsecondary Education Administrators often hold at least a master’s degree and have several years of experience in an administrative or leadership role within an educational setting.

For entry-level roles, candidates usually have a few years of experience in areas such as admissions, student services, or resident life.

These professionals often start in more specialized roles, like admissions counselor or academic advisor, to gain a comprehensive understanding of university procedures and student needs.

Candidates with 5 to 10 years of experience often transition into higher-level roles, such as director of admissions or dean of students.

In these roles, they are required to have a deeper understanding of academic policies, student life, and enrollment management.

Those with more than 10 years of experience and a doctoral degree may be considered for top-level positions, such as vice president or president of a university.

These professionals have significant leadership experience and a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of higher education administration.

They are often required to have a proven track record in strategic planning, budget management, and academic leadership.

In addition to the educational and professional experience, successful Postsecondary Education Administrators often have excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

They are also often required to keep up-to-date with higher education trends and changes in educational policy.

 

Postsecondary Education Administrator Education and Training Requirements

Postsecondary Education Administrators typically need a master’s degree in higher education, educational leadership or a related field.

Their training usually includes gaining experience in various university departments, such as admissions, student affairs, or the registrar’s office.

Some higher-level positions, such as dean or provost, may require the candidate to hold a doctorate degree.

These roles generally require several years of experience in administrative roles within a postsecondary institution.

Certain positions may also require the candidate to have experience in the specific area they will oversee.

For example, a director of admissions might need to have prior experience working in admissions.

Administrators in roles that require making budgetary decisions may need to have some background in finance or fundraising.

Although not required, some administrators pursue advanced courses or professional development workshops to improve their skills and knowledge in areas such as strategic planning, leadership, and legal issues in higher education.

Moreover, certification is not mandatory but can demonstrate a commitment to the profession and can lead to advancement opportunities.

Certification programs are available from professional organizations such as the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers or the Association for Institutional Research.

 

Postsecondary Education Administrator Salary Expectations

A Postsecondary Education Administrator earns an average salary of $95,410 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the prestige of the institution, and the geographic location of the institution.

 

Postsecondary Education Administrator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Postsecondary Education Administrator need?

Postsecondary Education Administrators need to have strong leadership and management skills to oversee their institution’s day-to-day operations.

They should be adept at strategic planning, budgeting, and program development.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are also essential.

They need to interact with a diverse range of individuals including students, faculty, parents, and staff.

 

Do Postsecondary Education Administrators need a degree?

Yes, typically a master’s degree or higher in education administration or a related field is required for postsecondary education administrator roles.

Some roles, particularly those at the level of dean or president, may require a doctoral degree.

In addition, these professionals often need several years of experience in a related role, such as a faculty member or academic dean.

 

What should you look for in a Postsecondary Education Administrator resume?

When evaluating a resume for a Postsecondary Education Administrator, look for a strong educational background, typically a master’s or doctorate in education or a related field.

Ensure they have relevant work experience in higher education and have demonstrated leadership skills.

Evidence of strategic planning, budgeting, and program development experience is a plus.

Also, check for any additional qualifications such as certifications in educational management.

 

What qualities make a good Postsecondary Education Administrator?

A good Postsecondary Education Administrator should be an effective leader who can motivate and guide staff, faculty, and students.

They should be visionaries, able to develop and implement strategic plans to enhance their institution’s success.

They should have strong problem-solving skills to tackle any issues that arise and possess excellent communication skills to maintain open and effective lines of communication with all stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire Postsecondary Education Administrators?

Hiring Postsecondary Education Administrators can be challenging due to the high level of qualifications and experience required for the role.

Successful candidates often have advanced degrees and several years of experience in higher education.

The recruitment process can be lengthy as it often involves multiple interviews and may include presenting to faculty and students.

Institutions must also offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain these professionals.

 

Conclusion

And so, the mystery unfolds.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s view of what being a postsecondary education administrator truly means.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about managing educational services.

It’s about shaping the future of education, one decision at a time.

With our comprehensive postsecondary education administrator job description template and real-life examples, you’re now ready to take action.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Keep in mind:

Every decision you make contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future of education. Together.