Champions of Higher Education: An Inside Look at the Daily Tasks of a Higher Education Administrator

A higher education administrator is a professional who manages and oversees the operations of colleges and universities. They are responsible for implementing educational policies, managing budgets, supervising staff, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Higher education administrators typically have a background in education, experience in teaching or educational administration, and a strong understanding of higher education policies and practices. They may hold advanced degrees in educational leadership or a related field. American Council on Education (ACE) provides resources and support for higher education administrators, including professional development opportunities and research on leadership and management in higher education.

Common Roles in Higher Education

Dean: responsible for the academic programs and operations of a college or school within a university

Provost: responsible for the academic affairs of a university, including the supervision of the faculties and academic departments

Chancellor: responsible for the overall administration of a university or college system

President: responsible for the overall direction and administration of a college or university.

Skills Typically Required for Higher Education Administrators

Leadership: Higher education administrators are responsible for leading and managing teams of faculty, staff, and other professionals. They must be able to provide direction, motivate and inspire others, and make tough decisions when necessary. Inside Higher Ed is a digital news source for higher education professionals, with articles and resources on leadership, management, and other topics.

Communication: Higher education administrators must communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, donors, and community members. They should be able to listen actively, express themselves clearly, and adapt their communication style to different audiences.

Management: Effective management skills are essential for higher education administrators. They must manage budgets, oversee projects, and ensure that all operations run smoothly. They must also be able to delegate tasks and responsibilities and hold others accountable for meeting goals and deadlines.

Problem-solving: Higher education administrators should be skilled in problem-solving and critical thinking. They need to be able to identify issues, analyze data, and develop solutions that meet the needs of the institution and its stakeholders.

Strategic thinking: Higher education administrators must be able to think strategically and plan for the future. They must have a clear vision for the institution's goals and be able to develop plans and strategies that support its mission and objectives.

Interpersonal skills: Higher education administrators must be skilled in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders. They should be able to collaborate effectively, build trust, and establish positive working relationships with colleagues, faculty, and staff.

Political acumen: Higher education administrators must be politically savvy and understand the complexities of the academic environment. They must be able to navigate institutional politics, manage competing interests, and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Adaptability: Higher education administrators must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and manage uncertainty. They should be able to handle unexpected challenges and be open to new ideas and approaches.

Commitment to continuous improvement: Higher education administrators should be committed to improving the quality of higher education. They should be open to feedback, willing to learn and grow, and committed to ensuring that the institution is providing the best possible education to its students. National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) provides resources and support for financial and administrative professionals in higher education. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of higher education administrators vary depending on their level of responsibility and the type of institution they work in. A higher education administrator manages and oversees the operations of colleges and universities. They are responsible for implementing educational policies, managing budgets, supervising staff, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Their duties may include:

• Setting academic policies and overseeing academic programs
• Managing budgets, resources, and personnel
• Hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff, including faculty and support personnel
• Communicating with students, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders
• Ensuring compliance with government regulations and accreditation standards
• Developing partnerships with other institutions, businesses, and community organizations
• Staying informed of research and trends in higher education to inform decision-making
• Representing the institution in public forums and at events
• Fostering a positive and supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty.

Typical Working Day

The typical working day of a higher education administrator can vary depending on the size and type of institution they work in, as well as their specific role and responsibilities. However, some common activities include:

• Meetings: attending meetings with faculty, staff, students, or other stakeholders to discuss and resolve issues or make decisions.
• Policy development: working with staff to develop and implement policies and programs that support the mission and goals of the institution.
• Budget management: reviewing and managing budgets, including allocating resources and tracking expenditures.
• Personnel management: supervising and evaluating staff, including faculty and support personnel, and making personnel decisions such as hiring, promotions, and terminations.
• Communication: responding to emails and phone calls from students, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders, and addressing their concerns and questions.
• Planning: developing and implementing short- and long-term plans to support the institution's mission and goals.
• Data analysis: reviewing and analyzing data, such as enrollment, retention, and graduation rates, to inform decision-making and continuously improve the quality of higher education.

A higher education administrator's day may also include attending events and representing the institution in public forums, as well as participating in professional development and training opportunities. Despite the busy schedule, higher education administrators must be able to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively to ensure the smooth operation of their institution.