Leadership is essential in every educational institution, whether a university or a multinational corporation with a sizable training division or a for-profit enterprise whose primary purpose is to provide professional development courses. Managers in the field of education play a crucial supporting role in the business.
If you want a stable and secure career in education but don’t see yourself as a teacher or professor, a position in educational administration may be a good option. Hiring managers looking for skilled applicants will prioritize those who have shown both a dedication to their studies and a demonstrated ability to lead others in their previous positions.
Gaining job experience in an entry-level position in education administration is one way to improve your education management resume, but furthering your education to the master’s or doctoral level is also a good option. In addition, the flexibility of today’s online degree programs makes it possible to earn your degree while maintaining a full-time job.
Careers in Education Management
This article examines a list of education management jobs, including the average salary for each position, primary duties, and educational requirements. So, let’s get started:
1. School Superintendent
A school superintendent is the chief executive officer of a school district. Their duties include establishing budgets and monitoring staffing, infrastructure, and expenditures. With the school board, superintendents develop and implement new policies and programs based on district goals and allocate funds and personnel to accomplish the district’s vision.
Getting a school superintendent job could be great for your career if you have a doctorate in education. For a doctorate in education jobs are regularly posted across various job posting websites. So make use of your degree, and apply for this high-paying job.
According to the BLS, school superintendent employment is projected to grow at around 4% by 2028, in line with national employment growth. The average annual salary for these professionals is $116,931.
2. College President
A college or university’s president is its top leader. Their responsibilities include establishing and executing the institution’s strategic plan, spearheading fundraising efforts, attending student events, and delivering speeches to funders, lawmakers, government officials, and faculty to raise the school’s profile domestically and abroad. Additionally, they work closely with senior administration, faculty, and staff to find new ways to enhance student learning.
The college president is another job requiring the highest education requirement – a doctorate. College presidents can earn impressive salaries of seven figures depending on the type of institution they lead. Their average salary is $272,203 per year.
3. School principal
All school administrators and teachers work under the direction of the school principal, who evaluates and hires school staff. Admissions, scheduling, and discipline are all handled by them. Principals often have teaching backgrounds, and they maintain the academic standards of students in close collaboration with teachers.
You can easily get a principal school job with a master’s in education and a few years of experience in the teaching department. However, if you want to guarantee this position, get a doctorate in education. The national average salary for this position is $100,547 per year.
4. Chief academic officer
The chief academic officer evaluates academic programs to ensure they comply with state and federal regulations and policies. Their responsibilities may include developing curriculum initiatives and implementing assessments. At conferences, chief academic officers can also present educational trends and developments. In addition to sitting on a board of directors, they may also oversee a school region.
For aspiring chief academic officers, advanced education can help them develop these skills. It is required that they hold a master’s degree, but a higher degree, like an EdD, could give them a greater level of expertise and increase their marketability. The national average salary for this role is $102,157 per year.
5. Paraeducator
A student with special needs is assisted in the classroom by paraeducators. Their responsibilities include supervising students and preparing their learning materials. In order to meet the student’s needs, paraeducators work with teachers, agencies, and development programs.
A high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) is an essential credential for paraeducators. These educators earn a national average salary of $36,152 per year.
6. Admissions Counselor
Admissions counselors recruit future students for colleges and universities. In addition to providing parents and students with information, answering questions regarding college applications and campus tours, and developing recruitment programs, they also attend college fairs. Often, counselors work with the admissions department to address incoming applications, review application materials, and approve final admissions decisions.
A college counselor is usually trained in counseling, social work, psychology, or education at the master’s level. In addition, each counselor at a college counseling center may be involved with various responsibilities related to the institute’s mission. The average salary for these professionals in the US is $36,719 per year.
7. Financial aid coordinator
The financial aid coordinator oversees the distribution of the grant, loan, and payment plan. Depending on the institution’s protocols, financial aid coordinators determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. In addition to compiling data and reports, they can provide financial aid advice to students.
The minimum acceptable qualification for a financial aid coordinator is a bachelor’s degree, and experience working in an automated financial aid office would be advantageous. The national average salary for a financial aid coordinator is $39,371 per year.
8. Athletic director
Colleges and universities typically employ athletic directors. Athletes are responsible for budgeting, marketing, and executing athletic events. Recruiting athletes may also be part of the athletic director’s duties, which include ensuring that their teams follow the rules and regulations of their sport. Athletic directors are often coaches and can work at all levels of education, from elementary schools to universities.
Bachelor’s degrees in Sport Management provide the foundation for careers as athletic directors. You can also earn a master’s in education to improve your career prospects. The national average salary is $57,307 per year for these professionals.
Conclusion
An education degree focuses on developing leadership skills by integrating experiences, insights, and advice from professors and peers. Students come from various backgrounds, such as business, healthcare, criminal justice, military, and nonprofits in this field. The jobs they hold are also diverse, with them working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies as policymakers, systems analysts, and administrative leaders.
