Management Careers: Administrative Services Managers

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What They Do

Postsecondary education administrators have a monumental job of keeping colleges and universities running smoothly through overseeing student services, academics, and research. They generally work in one specific area of a college, thus job responsibilities may vary.

Postsecondary education administrators working in admissions determine which students receive acceptance. They typically travel to specific areas of the country and speak with high school counselors and students about their college, urging qualified students to apply.

Postsecondary education administrator careers include determining how many available spots there are for admission, meeting with prospective students and answering their questions about the school.

A postsecondary education administrator career may include reviewing all applications in a process deciding who receives admission letters. A postsecondary education administrator career may also include preparing the promotional materials for new and prospective students and frequently working with the financial aid department.

A higher education administrator working in the registrar's office maintains student and course records. These administrators have a great deal of student interaction, as they schedule and register students for classes, help students ensure they are meeting, or on track to meet graduation requirements.

A higher education administrator career may include preparing the students' transcripts and diplomas. Postsecondary education administrators in the registrar office also plan the commencement ceremonies.

Postsecondary education administrators working in the student affairs department create and oversee multiple different nonacademic school functions, such as student athletics, activities, and multicultural affairs. Students often visit the student's affairs offices for advice on issues such as housing issues, personal issues, or academic issues. A Postsecondary education administrator in the student's affairs office also creates and maintains student records.

Some postsecondary education administrators are called provosts and work with college presidents, helping them develop academic policies. Provosts may also have a part in making faculty appointments, tenure decisions, and managing budgets.