Education administrator
Education administrators organise and manage the administration, support systems and activities that facilitate the effective running of an educational institution. The majority are based in higher or further education (HE or FE), with opportunities also available in schools and private colleges.
Administrators work in areas such as admissions, quality assurance, data management and examinations or in a specialist department such as finance, careers or human resources. All of these can be either centrally based or within faculties, departments or other smaller units.
There are a huge number of possible job titles within education administration and job descriptions are equally diverse.
The range of administrative roles in the education sector is enormous and responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the type of institution and the section or department in which you work.
The responsibilities listed below give an idea of some typical tasks in various roles, but in education administration it is unlikely that any two jobs will be exactly the same. Tasks may include:
Salary figures are intended as a guide only.
General administrators are often asked for a 'good' honours degree, according to the Association of University Administrators (AUA) . Depending on the role, the following subjects may increase your chances:
Specialist administration roles, such as human resources, may require a degree and the relevant professional qualification.
A degree is increasingly desirable in both higher and further education (HE and FE) and is often essential for entry to HE administration and for promotion to more senior roles. Degree subject and classification are usually not as significant, particularly when some previous experience in administration has been gained.
Entry is possible with an HND, especially in FE, tertiary education and schools, and at lower grades in university administration. Relevant subject areas such as business administration and administration-related qualifications would be an advantage. Skills-based qualifications such as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) may also be required.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, although a professional qualification or higher degree, particularly one that is directly related (such as an MBA in Higher Education Management), may help in progressing to the higher grades.
For some roles, pre-entry formal office experience may be essential. For senior grades, a minimum of three years' experience in an administrative capacity is usually required. At all levels, previous experience in public sector administration may increase your chances.
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
This is a competitive sector. Evidence of relevant experience is important, such as involvement in university life, committee work, student recruitment activities or participation in skills development schemes and mentoring. These activities also demonstrate an interest in, and familiarity with, this sector.
Temporary work and work shadowing are excellent ways to develop skills and experience. Many institutions offer their students opportunities for casual employment at busy times of the year, which will also give you an insight into the daily activities of administrators. You could also talk to staff at your university or college.
Make sure that you have up-to-date knowledge of the HE sector. Take a look at Times Higher Education (THE) for insight into current issues and trends.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
A general induction to the institution and training in specific systems in use, such as student records and finance software packages, is generally provided.
Continuing professional development (CPD) is encouraged via in-house, regional and national courses and conferences. Education institutions usually have a performance and development review system, which can be used to identify training needs. Staff are generally encouraged to have their own personal development plan.
The Association of University Administrators (AUA) offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice (higher education administration and management) validated by the Open University (OU) . This qualification can be upgraded to an MBA in Higher Education Management, validated by the Institute of Education, University of London. The AUA also offers a range of seminars, conferences, lectures and workshops that allow education administrators to update skills and knowledge, as well as to network with colleagues.
Those working in specialist areas, such as finance, marketing or IT, increasingly have additional training or formal qualifications. Professional qualifications can be useful for gaining promotion.
Training for administrators working in schools includes the certificate, diploma and advanced diploma in school business management offered in conjunction with the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children's Services . The college also runs the school business director programme, which allows participants to achieve a nationally recognised qualification and also allows progression to Masters level on completion of the course.
It may be possible to negotiate time off to study for further qualifications, especially if this can be done at your own institution.
With such a wide range of roles in a single institution, particularly in higher education and further education (HE and FE), there are opportunities to move into other administration posts, either on secondment or by open application. There are opportunities to undertake projects for personal interest or towards gaining the variety of experience that is necessary for promotion. There is a huge range of occupations within the education administration field, so promotion and career development is rarely linear. Administrators tend to develop their own personal interests and seek opportunities accordingly and these may lead to specialisms, such as human resources or finance, which require further qualifications. Competition for senior posts can be intense.
To progress it is common to change institution, and this can be less disruptive when there are several in a region. Those interested in reaching the most senior positions may have to be prepared to relocate. As there is no formal post-entry qualification or promotion structure in any of the educational sectors, there is a lack of consistency with regard to the relationship between grade, job title and salary. However, there is now more recognition of the value of formal professional qualifications and these can be significant in improving promotion prospects.
Buoyant student or pupil numbers are crucial to every institution's financial health and those seeking career progression in education administration can feel vulnerable when funding is under threat.
The main employers of education administrators tend to be universities and higher education (HE) and further education (FE) colleges. Opportunities also exist within tertiary colleges, private colleges and specialist training colleges and, increasingly, within primary and secondary schools.
The following is meant to serve as a rough guide to the differences between higher and further education:
Contact the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) , The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) , the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) , the Skills Funding Agency and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) for further details and background information on HE and FE.
Educational institutions are publicly funded and administrators need to understand and adapt to changes in the context of education, including recent changes to the way in which HE in England is funded and regulated. Student recruitment targets, monies from research bodies, sponsorship and support from industry, all impact on the finances of an academic institution. The Teaching Agency has regular updates on opportunities and training for non-teaching staff in schools.
Recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies.
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