What Does an Administrator Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (2024)

Updated April 25, 2024

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What Does an Administrator Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (1)

Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.

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What Does an Administrator Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (2)

Administrator responsibilities

Administrators play a crucial role in managing daily operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and coordinating efforts for various initiatives. They may be responsible for financial matters such as budget development, purchasing, and maintaining accounting controls, as well as overseeing quality assurance programs. In educational settings, they focus on managing the human element of leadership alongside systems and structures, prioritizing trust, and emphasizing teamwork. Albert Boerema, Professor of Education at Calvin University, notes that administrators "prioritize trust as a two-way street" and "emphasize teamwork over individual leadership."

Here are examples of responsibilities from real administrator resumes:

  • Develop a Perl script to manage the LDAP schema.
  • Hire and manage all receptionists and assistant MCA's.
  • Used all tools of Java stack in supporting and managing it.
  • Manage and process product orders on windows base on-line computer network system.
  • Manage ADP time system for technicians and approve time-off requests, supporting management.
  • Manage professional staff of 9 (including 5 MDs) and support staff of 10
  • Design and develop client scripts, business rules and Java script.Environment: HTML, JavaScript, CSS.
  • Design ETL jobs to load the data from flat files to DB2.
  • Test DR plan at remote location.
  • Resolve state level grievances and appeals.
  • Work on building DR servers from scratch.
  • Address customers NSF checks and open invoices.
  • Organize details of trainings for new care coordinators.
  • Prepare bi weekly schedules for all personnel and departments.
  • Collect and provide post event report to military POC.

Administrator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 18% of Administrators are proficient in Customer Service, Data Entry, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Multitasking skills.

We break down the percentage of Administrators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 18%

    Developed solid customer relationships, resolving issues and answering questions promptly and thoroughly to ensure optimal customer service and support.

  • Data Entry, 7%

    Devised data entry criteria for relevant title documents preparatory to entry into TitleScan computerized title plant software system.

  • Troubleshoot, 6%

    Helped troubleshoot issues related to PIA infrastructure * Supported all PeopleSoft infrastructure related activities/initiatives in the organization.

  • Payroll, 6%

    Maintained HR and Payroll protocols including billing management and clinical operations; observed compliance with company rules and regulations.

  • Financial Reports, 4%

    Create budget plan versus actual variance analysis and assists in preparing accurate monthly financial reports for upper management.

  • Oversight, 4%

    Coordinated all financial matters including budget development, purchasing, oversight of operations and the maintenance of appropriate accounting controls.

Most administrators use their skills in "customer service," "data entry," and "troubleshoot" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential administrator responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for an administrator to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what administrators do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, an administrator resume shows how administrators use analytical skills: "analyze and manage employees' licensing, credit reports, background checks and state exams. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling administrator duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to an administrator resume, here's how administrators can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "manage the pre-employment process including reference and background checks for clear and non-cleared positions while maintaining proactive communication with management. "

Multitasking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of administrators is multitasking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday administrator duties, as "administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "leverage strong multitasking skills to manage customer service, data entry, invoicing, inventory control, and purchasing. "

Problem-solving skills. administrator responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This resume example shows what administrators do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "implemented time saving solutions for the cumbersome data entry into the mainframe through process redesign. "

See the full list of administrator skills

The three companies that hire the most administrators are:

  • Old Dominion Freight Line484 administrators jobs
  • Deloitte157 administrators jobs
  • Organon71 administrators jobs

Choose from 10+ customizable administrator resume templates

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Compare different administrators

Administrator vs. Assistant systems administrator

Assistant systems administrators are responsible for supporting a team with their day-to-day operations of a company's computer systems and networks. They perform varied tasks, including monitoring, maintaining, and testing internet performance, ensuring the availability of computer networks for all users, and troubleshooting system failures and computer hardware and software issues. Assistant systems administrators may conduct training and support other network users within the organization. Additional tasks also include monitoring and evaluating the efficiency of operations and preparing systems and software documentation.

The annual salary of assistant systems administrators is $32,105 lower than the average salary of administrators.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both administrator and assistant systems administrator positions are skilled in customer service, troubleshoot, and payroll.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between administrators and assistant systems administrator. For instance, administrator responsibilities require skills such as "data entry," "windows server," "sql server," and "sccm." Whereas a assistant systems administrator is skilled in "patients," "quality care," "resident care," and "scheduling appointments." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Assistant systems administrators really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $46,025. Comparatively, administrators tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $78,798.On average, assistant systems administrators reach similar levels of education than administrators. Assistant systems administrators are 0.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Learn more about administrators vs assistant systems administrators.

Administrator vs. Network/server administrator

A Network Administrator ensures an organizations' network is operational and up to date. They solve problems that arise within computer networks, maintaining computer networks, interacting with clients, and consulting with them to determine their system requirements.

Network/server administrator positions earn higher pay than administrator roles. They earn a $6,037 higher salary than administrators per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Administrators and network/server administrators both require similar skills like "customer service," "troubleshoot," and "linux" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that administrator responsibilities requires skills like "data entry," "payroll," "financial reports," and "oversight." But a network/server administrator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "powershell," "server administration," "microsoft windows," and "disaster recovery."

Network/server administrators may earn a higher salary than administrators, but network/server administrators earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $84,609. On the other hand, administrators receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $78,798.network/server administrators earn lower levels of education than administrators in general. They're 6.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Administrators in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Richard Huff Ph.D.What Does an Administrator Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (19)

Assistant professor, assistant chair, Virginia Commonwealth University

The emphasis on data-driven public policy, management, and decision making will continue to require a creative and ethical approach to data analytics. Public agencies will have a need for technical expertise tempered with the recognition of the increasing demands for high levels of trust among stakeholders for how data is safeguarded and managed.

As custodians of sensitive data, in many cases, there is a demand for a high level of trustworthiness to be earned by public officials. I would expect agencies will need to set a high bar for ethical standards and communicate them consistently. This will be particularly true for developing and using artificial intelligence (AI). While the future public servant will need a grounding in understanding, interpreting, and using data in meaningful ways, there will continue to be a critical need for ethical sensitivity and reasoning to ensure public policies and programs heed increasing demands for social equity and justice. Technology advancements are unavoidable for the foreseeable future and need to be harnessed and applied appropriately by professional, principled, and ethical public servants.

Administrator vs. Windows system administrator

A Windows System Administrator maintains the systems and servers of a Windows operating system. They evaluate and modify the system's performance.

On average, windows system administrators earn higher salaries than administrators, with a $6,963 difference per year.administrators and windows system administrators both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "troubleshoot," "linux," and "windows server," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from administrator resumes include skills like "customer service," "data entry," "payroll," and "financial reports," whereas a windows system administrator is more likely to list skills in "infrastructure," "powershell," "os," and "san. "

Windows system administrators earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $93,089. Comparatively, administrators have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $78,798.windows system administrators typically earn similar educational levels compared to administrators. Specifically, they're 2.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Learn more about administrators vs windows system administrators.

Administrator vs. Nursing home administrator

A nursing home administrator is responsible for managing and running a nursing home facility and supervising staff. Your typical duties will include managing the budget and making critical decisions, overseeing the recruitment, training, and dismissal of staff members, conducting employee performance reviews, and communicating with prospective and existing residents and their families. Additionally, you are expected to advocate for nursing home residents, develop rules, procedures, and policies for the facility, and oversee residents' billings for services. As a nursing home administrator, you are also responsible for conducting safety training for all staff.

Nursing home administrators tend to earn a higher pay than administrators by an average of $7,998 per year.While both administrators and nursing home administrators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like customer service, payroll, and oversight, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "data entry," "troubleshoot," "financial reports," and "linux" are skills that commonly show up on administrator resumes. On the other hand, nursing home administrators use skills like nursing home, long-term care, healthcare, and patients on their resumes.In general, nursing home administrators earn the most working in the health care industry, with an average salary of $82,799. The highest-paying industry for an administrator is the manufacturing industry.The average resume of nursing home administrators showed that they earn higher levels of education compared to administrators. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 6.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.1%.

Learn more about administrators vs nursing home administrators.

Types of administrator

Updated April 25, 2024

What Does an Administrator Do? Roles And Responsibilities - Zippia (20)

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

What an Administrator Does FAQs

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What Similar Roles Do

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Administrator Related Careers

  • Assistant Systems Administrator
  • Business Administrator
  • Center Administrator
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  • Department Administrator
  • Executive Administrator
  • Facilities Administrator
  • Lead Administrator
  • Linux Administrator
  • Network/Server Administrator
  • Nursing Home Administrator
  • Practice Administrator
  • Program Administrator
  • Project Administrator
  • Security Administrator

Administrator Related Jobs

  • Assistant Systems Administrator
  • Business Administrator
  • Center Administrator
  • Clinic Administrator
  • Department Administrator
  • Executive Administrator
  • Facilities Administrator
  • Lead Administrator
  • Linux Administrator
  • Network/Server Administrator
  • Nursing Home Administrator
  • Practice Administrator
  • Program Administrator
  • Project Administrator
  • Security Administrator

Administrator Jobs By Location

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