Do you have excellent management skills? Are you an organized individual who enjoys leading teams and the operations of an organization? Then becoming a vice president of administration might be the perfect role for you.
A vice president of administration leads and mentors administrative staff as well as oversees departmental operations. Preparing and overseeing budgets and fiscal management is also a role of a vice president of administration. Maximizing the company’s operating performance is the main responsibility of this position. Assisting the president and board of directors with a wide variety of tasks, such as designing the company’s mission, values, strategic goals, and much more is also essential.
Sample job description
[Your Company Name] is hiring a VP of administration, which supports the president and CEO in communications, board meetings and events, and other delegated initiatives designed to achieve our strategic priorities. You will be serving as a trusted adviser and assist with the management of executive leadership projects, meetings, and events. An ideal candidate will have proven experience managing employees as well as carrying out a variety of operational and managerial tasks.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Overseeing, guiding, and evaluating the work of the other employees
- Monitor implementation of program policies and practices
- Prepare operational budgets and look for ways to increase revenue and decrease costs
- Support program growth and development
- Manage the company’s daily operations
- Attend meetings with the board of directors and share company information
- Recruit, interview, and hire managerial staff
- Draft and implement best policies and practices
- Facilitate implementation of new systems
Education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field
- Master’s degree preferred
- 5+ years of experience in a managerial role
Required skills and qualifications
- Able to manage and motivate staff
- Demonstrated financial and managerial skills
- Confident and goal-oriented
- Strong leadership qualities
- Exceptional knowledge of finance, accounting, and budgeting
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to problem-solve complex situations
Preferred qualifications
- Previous project management experience
- Master’s degree in business administration or a similar field
- 10+ years leading high-performance teams
Typical work environment
Vice presidents of administration work in a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, education, and business. They work in office environments and may travel occasionally to inspect facilities and attend meetings. Working evenings or weekends may be necessary on occasion.
The vice president of administration works closely with other administrative staff that also work in the office. Meetings may be scheduled on or off-site, and could be held after work hours. This VP might attend professional conferences throughout the year as well.
Typical hours
Vice presidents of administration typically work a 40+ hour workweek. They will likely need to work overtime n order to ensure everything is running smoothly and all aspects of the job are completed.
Available certifications
Certifications will increase your overall value and can act as a powerful tool when trying to find a new position. Here is one relevant certification for those looking to become a vice president of administration:
- Certified Manager Certification (CM) – This certification aims to develop and improve general management skills. The program material includes foundations of management, planning and organizing, leading and controlling, and more. You must pass an exam to receive certification.
Career path
To become a vice president of administration, you need to receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, human resources, or a related field. Gaining experience in administration is necessary and an internship or mentorship could be a great way to get some first-hand experience while working on your degree. Although a master’s degree is not required, it is highly suggested and recommended, as it will provide valuable skills to become a vice president of administration.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 11-1011
| 2020 Employment | 2,704,400 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 2,913,900 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 8% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 209,500 increase |
Position trends
The work of the vice president of administration role is evolving. Post-pandemic work looks different for employees and employers, and vice presidents of administration will need to be empathetic and flexible while working with employees through any disruptions or changes. Businesses with digital and virtual services will continue to be in demand, so VPs of administration will need to lead the way to ensure this is available.