ADD ADVICE TO FAVHigher education administrator
What higher education administrators do
- co-ordinate and oversee the running of services that support the smooth running of a higher education institution
- liaise with academic and other departments within the institution
- work with committees and academic boards
- manage a department budget and team of staff
- liaise with external agencies to ensure that the institution is in compliance with regulations
- produce information and reports for other managers in the institution.
Key skills
- excellent organisational skills
- political awareness and sensitivity
- ability to keep up to date with changes in government legislation regarding higher education
- very good communication skills, particularly the ability to simplify complex documents
- ability to handle paperwork and deal with bureaucracy
- staff-management skills, especially the ability to set and monitor objectives.
Training to be a higher education administrator
Much training is carried out in house or on a regional basis. NVQs in Management are available and the Association of University Administrators offers a professional certificate.
Salaries
Starting salaries vary according to the individual’s prior experience but are usually set on a national scale. The average starting salary is £17,000 (excluding London allowance).
