What Is an Administrative Services Manager?

An administrative services manager oversees the administrative services of an organization. This may include overseeing administrative staff and coordinating mail distribution, recordkeeping, and monitoring facilities.

Learn more about the work of an administrative services manager.

What Is an Administrative Services Manager?

To be productive, an organization must run smoothly. An administrative services manager is the person who makes sure this happens by coordinating its supportive services.

Their duties may include:

• Coordinating mail distribution
• Maintaining facilities
• Recordkeeping
• Departmental budget planning
• Allocating supplies.

In a smaller organization, the administrative services manager may do it all, while in a larger one, there may be multiple managers responsible for different tasks.

• Alternate names: Office manager, facilities manager, contract manager

How an Administrative Services Manager Works

Administrative services managers typically work full time. They may have to work overtime as well. Some facilities managers are on call during non-work hours to deal with problems that come up.

The day-to-day duties of an administrative services manager vary depending on the organization. They may include:

• Participating in long-range planning and the development of departmental and divisional goals, strategic plans, and objectives
• Overseeing staff development, training programs, policy development, and special projects
• Assisting senior leaders and participating and/or leading small administrative projects
• Creating, maintaining, and overseeing the coordination and documentation of training programs for employees
• Analyzing contract-related documents to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines 
• Representing the organization at meetings for conferences
• Drafting and editing communications for the executive team

Administrative services managers are employed in educational services, health care, professional, scientific, and technical services, finance and insurance, and state and local governments.

As of 2018, there were 300,200 people employed in this occupation in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment in this occupation will grow faster than average through 2028.

Administrative services managers earned a median annual salary of $96,940 in 2019 and a median hourly wage of $46.61. 

The field offers opportunities for advancement, especially if you work for a large organization. These organizations have more opportunities to advance since there are typically several layers and types of administrative services managers. Experience and education increase your chances of advancing in this field.

Requirements for an Administrative Services Manager

While requirements vary by organization, candidates are typically expected to have a bachelor's degree. Some employers will hire those with a high school diploma or GED who have extensive related work experience. To stand out as a candidate, your work history should reflect your administrative experience and management skills.

Soft skills, or non-quantifiable skills, are also an essential part of being an administrative services manager. Strong speaking, listening, and writing skills are critical, as they frequently need to communicate with others.

They also need critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Administrative services managers are often tasked with identifying problems and coming up with possible solutions. Time management is also essential, as they're often juggling multiple tasks and setting deadlines for others.

Certification

Administrative services managers aren't required to be certified or licensed. Voluntary certification is available to those who specialize in facilities or contract management. The International Facility Management Association offers the Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) credential, which indicates to an employer that they have completed course requirements and passed assessments demonstrating their knowledge.

Contract managers can pursue one of several certifications offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), including a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM). Credentials from these organizations may help increase a job candidate's desirability.