Business Administration

Job Summary:
Administrative services managers coordinate support services for businesses and organizations. They provide administrative or clerical assistance to program staff.

Examples of support staff are secretaries, building managers, payroll clerks, and mail clerks. Administrative services managers coordinate and direct support services workers. There are two levels of administrative services managers. The first-line managers are also called supervisory-level managers. They directly oversee support services workers. They are involved with the day-to-day operations of the organization. They tell the support staff what to do. They may teach classes to train workers in new procedures. Mid-level managers oversee the work of the first-line managers. Mid-level managers develop plans. They also set schedules and deadlines for getting work done. These managers are involved with the hiring and dismissing of employees.

Administrative services managers try to find ways of improving the work that is done by support services staff. They study how work gets done in the office. Then they suggest more efficient and cost effective ways of getting the work done. They write reports and prepare budgets. When necessary, they teach or provide training to coworkers on new or changed office procedures.

Some administrative services managers oversee buildings or other facilities. They supervise the workers who maintain the building, take care of the grounds, and clean the offices. Some managers are responsible for getting rid of surplus or unclaimed property.

Qualification:
The amount of education needed to be an administrative services manager varies widely with the job and employer. A high school diploma or associate's degree is enough for some lower-level jobs. For mid-level managers, a bachelor's degree in Business Administration or higher may be required.

Salary Range:
Nationally, the median wage for administrative services managers is $4,150 per month ($23.95 per hour). Half of all administrative services managers earn between $2,840 and $5,940 per month ($16.41 and $34.26 per hour).

Wages for administrative services managers vary depending on responsibilities and level of education. The company size and area of the country can also affect wages.

Prospects:
Administrative services managers in small firms advance by moving to other positions within their company. They may also move to larger organizations. Managers in larger companies can advance to another level of management. Some advance by getting professional certifications. Additional education helps some move up.