Postsecondary Education Administration

Working Schedule

Postsecondary Education Administrators typically work full-time, often year-round. Their schedules may include evening and weekend hours, particularly during peak periods such as student registration, financial aid processing, and graduation seasons.

Typical Duties

Duties vary by position, but common duties may include things like:

Institutional Planning and Compliance

1. Develop, implement, and revise institutional policies and procedures.
2. Ensure compliance with federal and state education regulations.
3. Collaborate with accreditation agencies to maintain institutional standards.
4. Engage in strategic planning to align institutional goals with evolving educational trends.
5. Evaluate institutional performance and recommend improvements to leadership.

Student Services and Support

1. Plan and oversee student services, academic affairs, or faculty research programs.
2. Address concerns and coordinate services, including counseling and career development.
3. Plan events such as orientation programs, commencement ceremonies, and open houses.
4. Coordinate on-campus housing operations, ensuring safe living environments.
5. Implement career services programs to connect students with job opportunities.
6. Mediate conflicts between students, faculty, and staff.

Admissions and Enrollment Management

1. Oversee the admissions process, including recruitment strategies and application evaluations.
2. Lead marketing and outreach initiatives to boost visibility and attract students.
3. Maintain student records. Track progress toward degree and graduation requirements.

Faculty and Academic Affairs

1. Support faculty hiring, training, and promotion/tenure processes.
2. Oversee faculty development programs to enhance teaching effectiveness and professional growth.

Financial and Resource Management

1. Manage budgets and allocate resources to departments effectively.
2. Develop and monitor financial aid programs to ensure proper distribution of resources.
3. Foster relationships with alumni and donors to support fundraising.

Technology and Data Management

1. Work with IT teams to implement data management and student information systems.

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversee campus safety initiatives and emergency response plans.
• Collaborate with government agencies to secure funding and grants.
• Manage online learning platforms and support distance education initiatives.
• Conduct institutional research and analyze performance metrics.
• Coordinate study-abroad programs and partnerships with international institutions.
• Lead strategic planning efforts for institutional growth and expansion.
• Meet with college deans and school heads to provide feedback on program success
• Serve on institutional committees, as needed (such as hiring committees).

Soft Skills

• Active listening
• Adaptability
• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Conflict resolution
• Critical thinking
• Cultural competence
• Customer service
• Decision-making
• Delegation
• Diplomacy
• Empathy
• Ethical judgment
• Flexibility
• Goal setting
• Initiative
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership
• Multitasking
• Negotiation
• Networking
• Organization
• Patience
• Problem-solving
• Public speaking
• Resilience
• Strategic thinking
• Teamwork
• Time management

Technical Skills

• Academic advising software
• Budgeting and financial management systems
• Cloud-based collaboration tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)
• CRM systems for higher education
• Data analysis and visualization
• Digital communication platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
• Document management systems
• E-learning platforms / Learning management systems
• Enrollment management software
• Event planning
• Faculty workload management systems
• FERPA compliance and data security protocols
• Financial aid management systems (Ellucian Banner, PeopleSoft)
• Grant management software
• HR management and student information systems
• Institutional research and reporting tools
• Online application and admissions systems
• Performance evaluation software
• Project management tools (Asana, Trello)
• Records management systems
• Scheduling and registration platforms
• Social media management tools
• Strategic planning software
• Survey and feedback tools (Qualtrics, Google Forms)
• Virtual event platforms
• Website content management systems (WordPress, Drupal)

• Community colleges
• Online and distance learning institutions
• Public and private four-year colleges and universities
• Specialized institutions (e.g., art and design schools, law schools)
• Technical, trade, and vocational schools

Postsecondary Education Administrators work in dynamic, demanding environments where adaptability and resilience are essential. They’re expected to manage competing priorities, address institutional challenges, and support the needs of students and faculty.

These roles require a high level of commitment, often involving long hours, particularly during enrollment periods, budget planning cycles, and accreditation reviews. In addition, they’re expected to serve on committees, participate in campus events and conferences, and sometimes engage in fundraising activities.

Administrators have to keep up with policy changes, technological advancements, and best practices to ensure their institutions remain competitive and compliant. The nature of their work requires making tough decisions that can have far-reaching effects on their communities, so they’ve got to have strong organizational and problem-solving skills. They sometimes have to respond to unexpected challenges, such as crisis management situations or public relations issues, too!

The world of higher education is in a constant state of flux due to factors such as the economy, the job market, and technological advances impacting career fields. Thus Postsecondary Education Administrators have to keep up with the times and prepare their institutions and students for the future.

Many institutions are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence and automation to streamline processes like enrollment management, student support services, and data analysis. These technologies can enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and offer more customized student experiences.

The expansion of online education and hybrid learning models continues to reshape higher education and challenge the traditional in-person attendance model. Administrators are largely responsible for ensuring online curricula meet the same high standards and traditional courses and that faculty are adept at using online learning platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle.

There’s a growing emphasis on student mental health services, with schools striving to expand counseling programs and wellness resources. In fact, many colleges and universities are prioritizing holistic student development by addressing student well-being challenges that impact academic performance and retention rates.

In addition, schools are seeking new ways to reduce barriers to education. “What we’ve seen a lot before in the past is that we blamed the students for not being ready for college. Now it’s really shifting toward what we as the institution can do to be ready for the students that we serve in the communities that we serve,” notes Paula Talley, Executive Director of Program Development at Achieving the Dream.

When they were younger, Postsecondary Education Administrators may have enjoyed organizing group activities and leading student projects, demonstrating early leadership skills. They were also likely to be involved in school clubs and community organizations, showing a passion for education and helping others.