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What does an Academic Administrator do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An academic administrator is a person who works in an educational institution and is responsible for the management and coordination of academic programs.

Academic Administrator job duties include:

  • Overseeing the daily operations of the academic department
  • Supervising academic staff and faculty
  • Planning and implementing academic programs and initiatives
  • Evaluating student performance and progress
  • Developing and enforcing academic policies and procedures
  • Coordinating with other departments to ensure smooth operation of the school or college
  • Serving on committees and working groups as needed
  • Advocating for the needs of the department and its students
  • Budgeting and financial planning for the department

Academic Administrator Job Requirements

An academic administrator typically needs at least a master's degree in education or a related field, although some jobs may require a doctorate. Many academic administrators also have teaching experience. Some positions may require certification, such as school administration or college counseling. Many academic administrator positions also require several years of experience working in a related field.

Academic Administrator Skills

  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Detail oriented
  • Flexibility
  • Teamwork

Related: Top Academic Administrator Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Academic Administrator

The role of an academic administrator is to support the educational mission of an institution by providing leadership and coordination for academic programs and initiatives. To become an academic administrator, one must first earn a terminal degree in their field of interest. Once they have obtained their degree, they must then gain several years of experience working in academia in a variety of roles. After gaining the necessary experience, they can then apply for jobs as academic administrators.

The most important trait for success as an academic administrator is strong leadership skills. Academic administrators must be able to effectively manage and motivate faculty and staff to achieve the goals of the institution. They must also be able to navigate the bureaucracy of the institution and advocate for resources on behalf of their programs. In addition, academic administrators must be excellent communicators and have strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with key stakeholders.

If you are interested in becoming an academic administrator, start by earning a terminal degree in your field of interest. Then, gain several years of experience working in academia in a variety of roles. Finally, apply for jobs as academic administrators. Be sure to demonstrate your strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and interpersonal skills throughout the hiring process.

Related: Academic Administrator Resume Example

Related: Academic Administrator Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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