WHAT IS AN ADMINISTRATOR: Definition, Duties & Salary

Well-managed teams and efficient business processes are frequently beneficial to effective firms. Administrators provide valuable services to businesses by assisting them in organizing their operations, improving their critical functions, and facilitating the attainment of their goals. If you want to work as an administrator, you need first learn about their specific job tasks and skills. In this article, we answer the question, “What is an administrator?” and explain what those in the role typically do with a sample job description, we also outline the different types of administrators and provide information on their expected salary, required skills, and common working environments.

What is an Administrator (Admins)?

An administrator is someone who assists a company in meeting its goals. Administrators work for corporations and in roles where their particular duties vary depending on the type of business or organization that employs them. Administrators in most settings develop short- and long-term strategies to assure successful operations, identify targets, and manage efforts. They supervise procedures and enable corporate tasks to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

They may hold administrative positions, although they typically help members of their department or team in carrying out their work obligations. Administrators frequently manage operations and make decisions that advance the overall aims of their departments. They may delegate duties, change rules or processes, or allocate responsibilities to help a project, corporation, or entity achieve its goals.

Administrator Types

Administrators play a crucial role in most organizations since they help to keep enterprises organized and focused on their goals. Here are some examples of administrators:

Court-appointed admin: Courts may appoint administrators to oversee the affairs of businesses that are unable to pay their obligations or the estates of deceased people.
Forum Admin: Forum administrators are in charge of forum rules, moderator appointments, database operations, and forum sections and sub-sections. They may also serve as moderators.
Network admin: Network administrators are responsible for the upkeep of computer infrastructure and networking. They frequently administer on-site servers, monitor system integrity, run tests, and verify software-network interaction proficiency. Some network administrators deploy and configure system upgrades or filters.
Server admin: Server administrators manage servers and monitor their health and performance on behalf of enterprises. To ensure peak functionality, they frequently design, install, monitor, and improve servers and their components.
System admin: system administrators maintain, configure, and assure the proper operation of computer systems. They may manage multi-user servers to ensure enough uptime, performance, and security to suit user requests and budgetary constraints.
Office admin: General clerical office responsibilities such as photocopying, faxing, emailing, scheduling, bookkeeping, mailing, and running switchboards are frequently performed by office administrators.
University admin University administrators can operate as a point of contact for staff and students for the central administration of various university departments.

What Does an Administrator Do?

An Administrator’s duty varies based on the organization and industry, but in general, they are responsible for a wide range of administrative responsibilities to maintain the organization’s smooth running. An Administrator’s typical duties and responsibilities are as follows:

Calendar management and scheduling: Administrators are frequently in charge of managing calendars and scheduling appointments, meetings, and events. Coordination with other team members, clients, and stakeholders may be required.
Maintaining office supplies and equipment: Administrators are in charge of keeping office supplies and equipment in good working order, such as ordering supplies and ensuring that all equipment is in good working order.
Processing correspondence: Administrators may be in charge of processing incoming and outgoing mail, email correspondence, answering phone calls, and responding to queries.
Filing and record keeping: Administrators design and maintain electronic and paper filing systems to keep vital papers organized and accessible.
Report preparation: Administrators may be in charge of preparing reports, presentations, and other papers, as well as data entry and data maintenance.
Travel arrangements: Administrators may be in charge of handling travel plans and expenses for staff personnel, such as booking flights, hotels, and transportation.
Recruitment and onboarding: Administrators may help with the recruiting and onboarding of new employees, such as scheduling interviews and processing new hire paperwork.
General Support: Administrators may give general support to staff as needed, such as answering inquiries, troubleshooting issues, and assisting with various tasks.

An Administrator is vital to the smooth operation of a company. They manage numerous administrative chores, keep records and systems up to date, and give general support to personnel as needed.

Job Description Administrator

Here’s a sample job description for an Administrator:

Position: Administrator

Job Summary:

We are looking for an enthusiastic Administrator to join our team. The Administrator will be in charge of a variety of administrative activities to ensure the smooth operation of our firm. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to operate both independently and collaboratively.

Principal Responsibilities:

Manage calendars, schedule appointments, and coordinate meetings to provide administrative support to the organization.
Manage and keep office supplies and equipment in good working order.
Handle incoming and outgoing mail and email correspondence.
Make and keep electronic and paper filing systems.
Prepare and distribute reports, presentations, and other documents.
Manage travel arrangements and expenses for staff members.
Assist with new employee recruiting and onboarding.
As needed, provide general assistance to staff.

Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field preferred.
2+ years of experience in an administrative role.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other Office software.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

This is a full-time employment with a good salary and perks. We encourage you to apply for this exciting job if you are a highly motivated individual with a good administrative background.

Administrator Salary

The salary for an Administrator might vary depending on several criteria, including the industry, location, and level of experience, according to data from the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Administrative Services Managers, which includes Administrators, in May 2020 was $98,890. However, based on the conditions described above, earnings might range from roughly $55,000 to more than $160,000 each year.

Administrators may earn benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks in addition to their base salary, depending on the firm. An Administrator’s salary and benefits package will be determined by the employer and the unique job requirements.

How to Become an Administrator

Here are some actions you can take if you want to become an administrator:

#1. Get some clerical experience.

While the experience or education requirements vary depending on the position, clerical experience might be useful to your resume. Consider chances that will help you develop your communication, organizational, and managerial skills. A receptionist or administrative position can help you prepare for a career as an administrator.

#2. Complete a degree program

The specific qualifications for each job posting may differ, but getting a bachelor’s degree can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary communication, time management, and social skills. Degrees in disciplines such as communications, English, business, or project management might assist you in developing the skills required as an administrator. To better understand the educational requirements, consider browsing job postings for the specific type of administrator you want to be.

#3. Update your resume

Update your resume to reflect your experience and education before applying for opportunities. Make a point of emphasizing the administrator-specific skills that employers need. Consider incorporating keywords from the job posting into your resume. This can help you catch the attention of employers and demonstrate that you’re a qualified applicant with the talents they’re looking for.

#4. Apply to administrator positions

Once your resume is complete, you may begin applying for jobs that interest you. You can update your resume to ensure that it is appropriate for each opportunity. If the positions you’re interested in need additional skills, experience, or education, you can concentrate on developing those to strengthen your resume.

What are Administrator Skills?

Working as an administrator may necessitate the following skills:

#1. Communication

Most administrative positions require excellent communication skills. Administrators frequently interact with other members of their team, company leaders, and direct managers. Communication skills can assist individuals in understanding assignments, facilitating office discussions and operations, relaying crucial choices and information, and coordinating plans.

#2. Organization

Keeping vital paperwork, financial records, addresses, and project information organized will aid administrators. Because many administrators are in charge of filing and arranging departmental or corporate paperwork, firms frequently rely on them to keep meticulous records. Administrators may be required to create their organizational systems to meet auditing, managerial, legal, or court requirements.

#3. Computer skills

While administrators frequently maintain and manage hard copies of firm records, they also undertake a range of computer-related tasks on occasion. Network or system administrators frequently require significant technology and computer skills to assist individuals in their organization with computer-related issues. When writing reports, responding to emails, and using online tools for bookkeeping or financial operations, office or clerical administrators need computer skills as well.

#4. Time management

Time management skills can assist administrators prioritize work and deadlines because administrators handle several duties for organizations. These skills can also help with task scheduling. Coordinating meetings and activities can need Admins to understand their bosses’ and other employees’ scheduling demands.

#5. Problem-solving

Problem-solving skills can assist administrators come up with feasible ideas to increase efficiency, improve performance, and eliminate redundancies to help firms fulfill their goals and stay focused on initiatives. An administrator may be hired by a court or organization to execute an overhaul, designing plans to get businesses or estates back on track. Problem-solving skills, regardless of job function, can assist Admins in developing successful strategies for controlling workloads and streamlining operations.

When communicating with teams, management, clients, and partners, administrators might benefit from social skills. They may be required to respond to correspondence, emails, and direct phone calls. Some Admins do receptionist tasks for their companies regularly, and social skills can assist them promote their companies. Admins with strong social skills, upbeat dispositions, and helpful personalities are generally the initial point of contact for team members, clients, and visitors.

#7. Attention to detail

Detail-orientedness can assist administrators in identifying inefficiencies and improving processes. Their job may require them to conduct a variety of small-scale tasks that necessitate concentration and focus. Ensuring adequate organization, detailed filing, and reports can assist workplaces in remaining operationally efficient.

What’s an Administrator’s Work Environment?

The work settings of administrators might vary depending on the firms or organizations that employ them. They may work part-time or full-time for a small business. Admins often work between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., although employers may need some to work evening or weekend shifts as well. Many Admins report to managers or leadership teams, while they may also fill similar positions for other employees. Admins’ duties at the office can be fast-paced and varied.

What Is the Role of an Administrator?

Managing calendars and scheduling
Maintaining office supplies and equipment
Handling correspondence
Filing and record keeping
Report preparation
Travel arrangements
Recruitment and onboarding

Who Acts as Administrator?

Administrators work in a variety of industries and organizations, including small enterprises, major corporations, and government agencies. The specific person that functions as an Admin varies depending on the company, however, an Admin is often a professional who is responsible for managing numerous administrative activities to maintain the organization’s seamless running.

An Administrator may be a committed employee employed solely to undertake administrative functions in some situations. In other circumstances, an Admin may be a team member who simultaneously serves as an office manager or an executive assistant within the organization.

Who Is Qualified to Be an Administrator?

Qualifications for becoming an Administrator vary based on the business and the unique job needs. In general, an Admin should have the right balance of education, skills, and experience for the job. Some common Admin qualifications include:

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for an entry-level Admin role. However, many organizations prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
Skills: Admin should have strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. They should be able to manage multiple tasks and priorities, work well under pressure, and be proficient in using office software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
Experience: Previous experience in an administrative role is typically preferred, especially for higher-level positions. Experience in a specific industry or with specific software or systems may also be required, depending on the job requirements.
Certifications: Depending on the industry, Admin may be required to have certain certifications or licenses. For example, some admins in healthcare may need to have a Certified Medical Manager (CMM) certification.

Who Is Above an Administrator?

A business’s organizational structure might differ depending on the industry, size, and unique organizational goals. An Admin is typically a mid-level position within a company, with various positions above and below this one. Here are some jobs that could be above an Admin:

Manager
Director
Executive

Is an Administrator a Receptionist?

An Administrator is not the same as a Receptionist although there may be some overlap in their work tasks and responsibilities.

Conclusion

Finally, Admins are professionals who perform several administrative activities to ensure an organization’s seamless running.

The education, skills, and experience required to become an Administrator vary based on the business and the unique job needs but often comprise a combination of education, skills, and experience. Administrators are often mid-level jobs within a business, with Managers, Directors, and Executives above them.

While some job functions may overlap with those of other administrative professions, such as receptionists, Admins often have a greater variety of responsibilities and may have more decision-making power within the business. Admins play an important part in ensuring an organization’s seamless running and are a significant asset to any team.