Administrative Services Manager: Career Information

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.

He or she may coordinate mail distribution, plan and maintain facilities, keep records, plan budgets and allocate supplies. In a smaller organization the administrative services manager, who is often called the office manager, may do it all, while in a larger one there may be multiple managers who are responsible for different tasks.

An administrative services manager who specializes in the oversight of an organization's building or grounds is called a facilities manager. One whose job it is to buy equipment and supplies, as well as plan for its storage and distribution is known as a contract manager.

In 2010 there were slightly more than 254,000 administrative services managers employed in the United States. They were primarily employed in the educational services and health care industries and in state and local government.

Those working in this occupation typically work ful time, with some even working overtime. In order to deal with problems that come up at night, on the weekends and on holidays, facilities managers may be on call during non-work hours. Administrative services managers generally work in offices, but may have to go outdoors to supervise activities that occur there.

Typically, employers only require those they hire to have a high school diploma or GED, but some prefer candidates who have earned a bachelor's degree. Related work experience, which is very important, must demonstrate one's management and leadership skills.

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Administrative services managers aren't required to be certified or licensed but voluntary certification is available to those who specialize in facilities management or contract management. The International Facility Management Association offers the Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) credential which indicates to an employer that an individual has demonstrated he or she has met standards for facilities management as defined by this organization. Contract managers can pursue one of several certifications offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). Credentials from these organization may help increase job candidates' desirability.

As important as one's experience and certification, are the individual qualities he or she brings to the job. One must have good analytical, communication and leadership skills. He or she must be detail-oriented.

One will have more opportunities to advance if he or she works for a large organization where there will typically be several layers and types of administrative services managers. Experience and education can also increase someone's chances of advancing in this field.

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The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this occupation will grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2020.

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Administrative services managers earned a median annual salary of $79,540 in 2011 and median hourly wages of $38.24 (US).

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much an Administrative Services Manager currently earns in your city.

On a typical day an administrative services manager's tasks might include:

• purchasing and distributing supplies
• directing the work of administrative and clerical staff
• ensuring that equipment and machinary are maintained and repaired as necessary.
• maintaining the security and safety of the facilities
• planning budgets
• making sure the organization adheres to government regulations

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Administrative Services Manager, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm (visited November 14, 2012).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Administrative Services Manager, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/details/11-3011.00 (visited November 14, 2012).