The number of administrative positions in postsecondary institutions is expected to grow faster than the national average for careers through 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A salary averaging over 40 dollars per hour and a typical Monday through Friday schedule make these positions appealing to many, but prospective candidates should learn exactly what the job entails. A campus manager is in charge of various school areas and activities.
Coordination of Departments
Campus managers generally act as intermediaries among various departments and administrators for the school. They meet with upper administration and make sure goals and concerns get passed along to staff. For instance, at Texas Woman's University, each educational center staffs a campus manager who maintains contact between the vice presidents and the departments, such as finance, institutional development and academic affairs. Interdepartmental activities, such as orientation and recruitment, become the responsibility of the campus manager, who coordinates meetings and actions.
Mediation and Policy Interpretation
Campus managers implement policies and ensure staff follow necessary procedures and protocols. When a question arises not specifically addressed by a set policy, the campus managers often must interpret the rule and recommend an appropriate course of action.
Explanation of policies to faculty, staff, students and parents also often falls to the campus manager. Any issues -- from honor code violations to Americans with Disabilities Act concerns to physical safety issues -- get funneled through the campus manager.
Student Safety
Campus managers also take charge of security concerns on campus. Besides determining and enforcing building and staffing hours, they may spearhead safety inspections, set up staff safety training and generally encourage safe practices.
Campus managers need to keep an eye out for potential hazards and take appropriate steps to mitigate such concerns. Potential issues may include areas with poor lighting, staff practices that leave the school open to negligence charges and policies regarding bringing weapons onto campus.
Staffing, Community Connections and Paperwork
Campus managers usually supervise the staff on that campus. They may develop job descriptions and evaluate employees based on those requirements. Coordination of volunteers and their responsibilities is a requirement for some campus managers.
When students need referrals to off-campus entities such as vocational rehabilitation or social services, the campus manager takes charge.
The position requires documentation of all such referrals as well as safety training and certification of staff, service hours and tenure activities, as well as any other reports or data compilation for the campus.
2020 Salary Information for Postsecondary Education Administrators
Postsecondary education administrators earned a median annual salary of $97,500 in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the low end, postsecondary education administrators earned a 25th percentile salary of $72,030, meaning 75 percent earned more than this amount. The 75th percentile salary is $139,220, meaning 25 percent earn more. In 2020, 140,880 people were employed in the U.S. as postsecondary education administrators.
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Kristie Sweet has been writing professionally since 1982, most recently publishing for various websites on topics like health and wellness, and education. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado.