Postsecondary Education Administrators
Overview
Postsecondary Education Administrators help run colleges and universities by managing student services, admissions, and academic operations. They analyze data about applicants using specialized software, coordinate course schedules, oversee student registration systems, and maintain academic records including transcripts and diplomas. These professionals work in collaborative teams across different departments like admissions, student affairs, and registrar offices, often using modern student information systems and data analytics tools. Most administrators have degrees in education, business administration, or related fields and develop strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Did you know?
Most postsecondary education administrator positions in the US require a master's degree or higher, often in education administration, higher education, or a related field.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$104,574.51 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Management of Personnel Resources
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in student recruitment, selection, and admission, making admissions recommendations when required to do so.
- Review registration statistics, and consult with faculty officials to develop registration policies.
- Establish operational policies and procedures and make any necessary modifications, based on analysis of operations, demographics, and other research information.
- Promote the university by participating in community, state, and national events or meetings, and by developing partnerships with industry and secondary education institutions.
- Plan, administer, and control budgets, maintain financial records, and produce financial reports.
- Develop curricula, and recommend curricula revisions and additions.
- Design or use assessments to monitor student learning outcomes.
- Direct scholarship, fellowship, and loan programs, performing activities such as selecting recipients and distributing aid.
- Advise students on issues such as course selection, progress toward graduation, and career decisions.
- Consult with government regulatory and licensing agencies to ensure the institution's conformance with applicable standards.
- Confer with other academic staff to explain and formulate admission requirements and course credit policies.
- Coordinate the production and dissemination of university publications, such as course catalogs and class schedules.
- Direct, coordinate, and evaluate the activities of personnel, including support staff engaged in administering academic institutions, departments, or alumni organizations.
- Recruit, hire, train, and terminate departmental personnel.
- Formulate strategic plans for the institution.
- Provide assistance to faculty and staff in duties such as teaching classes, conducting orientation programs, issuing transcripts, and scheduling events.
- Direct and participate in institutional fundraising activities, and encourage alumni participation in such activities.
- Appoint individuals to faculty positions, and evaluate their performance.
- Participate in faculty and college committee activities.
- Teach courses within their department.
- Determine course schedules, and coordinate teaching assignments and room assignments to ensure optimum use of buildings and equipment.
- Review student misconduct reports requiring disciplinary action, and counsel students regarding such reports.
- Direct activities of administrative departments, such as admissions, registration, and career services.
- Write grants to procure external funding, and supervise grant-funded projects.
- Prepare reports on academic or institutional data.
- Plan and promote sporting events and social, cultural, and recreational activities.
- Represent institutions at community and campus events, in meetings with other institution personnel, and during accreditation processes.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirements
Most postsecondary education administrator positions in the US require a master's degree or higher, often in education administration, higher education, or a related field.
Budget and Financial Management Pressures
American higher education administrators face increasing challenges managing institutional budgets amid declining state funding, rising operational costs, and growing concerns about student affordability.
Complex Regulatory Compliance
The role involves navigating extensive federal regulations including Title IX, ADA compliance, financial aid requirements, and maintaining institutional accreditation standards.