A Look at the Administrative Services Manager Role
In any business setting, countless administrative functions must be coordinated daily. From recordkeeping to mail distribution, these functions ensure that an organization runs efficiently and individual team members are supported in their individual roles. It helps to have a leader dedicated to directing these administrative functions, and in many businesses, that job falls to the administrative services manager.
For those who are drawn to administration and interested in supporting operational excellence, this career path can be rewarding. An important first step is learning foundational skills and meeting core educational requirements, such as a degree in organizational leadership.
What Is an Administrative Services Manager?
Individuals in administrative services manager roles oversee an organization’s administrative and support functions. This managerial role focuses on keeping administrative tasks working in a smooth, frictionless, and coordinated way, which may involve identifying and solving problems or brainstorming ways to improve internal efficiencies.
Where Do Administrative Services Managers Work?
Typically, this role is found in larger organizations with complex administrative and business support needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), administrative services managers are most common in the following industries:
- Healthcare
- Professional and scientific services
- Education
- Insurance and finance
Administrative Services Managers Job Description
While specific job descriptions vary from one position to the next, typical duties and responsibilities include the following:
- Ensuring that supplies and resources are properly allocated and distributed to different teams or departments
- Coordinating mail distribution, ensuring that everyone receives correspondence in a timely manner
- Supervising payroll, including verifying the accuracy of timesheets
- Maintaining business records to ensure that they’re properly organized, stored, and secured
- Planning budgets, whether for the entire company or for individual departments
- Hiring, onboarding, and terminating administrative and business support positions
- Overseeing facilities and equipment ensure that they’re well maintained, protect workers, and comply with regulations
In some cases, the person in this role may also be tasked with the upkeep of physical facilities. More commonly, organizations that have an administrative services manager also have a facilities manager.
Administrative Services Manager Salary and Job Outlook
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for this position was $106,470 in 2023. Several factors can shape that salary, including years of experience, level of education, and geographic location.
The BLS forecasts a job growth rate of 6% between 2023 and 2033. This rate is faster than that for all professions, meaning that the field offers great opportunities to find meaningful work and ongoing career development.
How to Become an Administrative Services Manager
To find success in this position, obtaining the right education and training to cultivate the right organizational leadership skills is important.
Education
In most cases, an administrative services manager is required to have at least an undergraduate degree, typically in a field related to business administration, organizational leadership, or facilities management.
An advanced degree, such as a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MOL), may not be required, but it can be helpful for fostering essential skills, earning higher salaries, and being more competitive in the job market.
Training and Experience
On-the-job (OTJ) training will be required for most roles. This can include office-based work, such as administrative or managerial positions. Earning certifications can also be helpful. Some of the most sought-after certifications include credentials from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM).
Core Competencies
Through this combination of education and experience, aspiring managers should focus on a few must-have skills. Top examples include the following:
- Written and oral communication
- Analytical thinking
- Personnel management
- Attention to detail
- Logistics
These are just some of the core competencies to emphasize when pursuing a role in administrative services.
Explore a Career as an Administrative Services Manager
Every business organization relies on smooth and streamlined administration. A management-level professional can provide the leadership and coordination required to support the success of the entire business. To prepare for a long, successful career as an administrative services manager, consider what an advanced degree in organizational leadership can offer.
Claremont Lincoln University’s online MOL provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that can translate into success in virtually any business setting. Students can choose to concentrate in healthcare management, human resources, management, professional studies, or sustainability, allowing them to tailor their education to their specific goals.
Find out how we can prepare you for a meaningful career in administrative services.
Sources:
Indeed, 25 Jobs You Can Do With an MHA
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Community Health Workers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Systems Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical and Health Services Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Operations Research Analysts
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