Introduction
An Academic Administrator is concerned with directing the affairs of an academic institution. Just like the word “Administrator” entails, we can predict what they do. His or her duty revolves around managing and supervising what happens within a school. This can be elementary, high school, or college.
He or she supervises students, learning systems, and strategies, observes and keeps records of academic performances, among others.
Also, their duties require a high level of organization and documentation skills. It also involves being a great leader, observant, and a good time manager, among others.
Sit back and enjoy reading, to find out more.
Who is an Academic Administrator?
An Academic Administrator is defined as a professional who is involved in directing the affairs of a school. This is mostly higher institutions such as Universities and Colleges. He or she works with the Administrative department and helps ensure that there are no hitches in any area. Also, they can work in Elementary and High schools as well. They are greatly involved in observing and evaluating different aspects of the institution and devising ways to make them better.
Moreover, they do a lot of record-keeping, both physically and by using various databases. They also engage in procurement of needed devices or services, processing invoices, receipts, transcripts, among others.
In addition, they usually work full time and are entitled to weekend and public holiday breaks. They also receive a fair share of salaries and are graduates of Administrative fields, such as Business Administration.
Furthermore, some get to practice with a Bachelor’s degree, while others are Master’s degree holders.
Responsibilities of an Academic Administrator
The duties of Academic Administrators are very important. They play great roles in influencing the smooth running of the institution. Some of these include:
- Preparing, storing, and issuing transcripts to students.
- Observing and evaluating various aspects of the Institution.
- Suggesting changes to policies or new policies that will help in advancing the school.
- Procuring devices and services needed by the Institution.
- Entertaining questions and clarifications from students and visitors and providing a guide.
- Documenting and appropriate storage of sensitive documents.
- Preparing reports for presentation in board meetings.
- Assisting Alumni in processing documents needed to study in foreign countries.
- Ensuring that courses registered at the beginning of every session are appropriate for every student.
- Maintaining a high level of confidentiality concerning every student’s information.
Qualifications for practice as an Academic Administrator.
To practice as an Academic Administrator in the United States, the following are necessary.
- Firstly, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, IT, or a related field
- Secondly, a Master’s degree in this field.
- Thirdly, work experience in an administrative role.
Other skills necessary for employment include:
- Interpersonal relations.
- Documentation skills.
- Computer skills.
- Team spirit.
- Human resource management.
- High level of organization.
- High level of confidentiality.
- Time management skills.
- Public speaking skills.
- Observation skills.
- Ability to pay careful attention to detail.
Work Environment
In the United States, Academic Administrators generally work in Academic Institutions for learning. These Universities, Colleges, High schools, and Elementary schools.
Also, they usually work in office settings, up to 40 hours a week. In addition, as professionals, their job requires them to dress smartly and always put on a smile.
Furthermore, some institutions may offer additional training programs for these staff, especially in Computer and IT related areas.
Salary
Academic Administrators earn around $70,000 in the United States. The exact figure is dependent on several factors. These can include:
- Firstly, the Academic qualification of the staff.
- Secondly, the exact level occupied; dean, provost, director, lab manager, or other non-academic position.
- Thirdly, the level of competence displayed, etc.
Career Path
Academic Administrators do not occupy just one position. But, there are several positions under this, such as:
- Deans
- Provosts
- Directors
- Officers
- Lab managers
- Other non-academic positions.
Higher positions are accessible by advancing in education. These usually come with greater salaries.
Conclusion
An Academic Administrator is a hard-working and dedicated professional in an academic Institution. They help to facilitate the smooth running of the affairs of the school. In addition, they also work to see that the Institution moves forward.
Additionally, most times, they are Bachelor’s degree holders, but higher positions call for higher educational requirements. Also, it is a career that places staff in very sensitive positions relating to students. Hence, a high level of carefulness and confidentiality is important.
Furthermore, for someone with great leadership traits and a passion for administrative work this career fits perfectly.
