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Higher Education Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Home | NBBJ

Higher Education Market Leader

Boston, MA

$150K - $165K/yr

... administrators at both public and private colleges and universities. Market Leaders shape NBBJ ... Grow the Higher Education practice: develop and maintain new and existing client relationships

NBBJ

Higher Education Market Leader

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

... administrators at both public and private colleges and universities. Market Leaders shape NBBJ ... Grow the Higher Education practice: develop and maintain new and existing client relationships

NBBJ

Higher Education Market Leader

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

... administrators at both public and private colleges and universities. Market Leaders shape NBBJ ... Grow the Higher Education practice: develop and maintain new and existing client relationships

NBBJ

Higher Education Market Leader

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

... administrators at both public and private colleges and universities. Market Leaders shape NBBJ ... Grow the Higher Education practice: develop and maintain new and existing client relationships

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Higher Education Administrator information

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$24.5K

$80.9K

$145.5K

How much do higher education administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for higher education administrator in the United States is $80,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a higher education administrator?

Higher education administrators are professionals responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions. They work in areas such as admissions, student affairs, academic affairs, financial aid, and institutional research. Their duties may include managing staff, developing policies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting both students and faculty. Higher education administrators play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience and institutional success.

What does a higher education administrator do?

A higher education, or HE, administrator helps students complete school-related tasks, such as applying for admissions and financial aid, registering for courses, or coordinating student recruitment. As an HE administrator, your duties vary depending on your position but may involve human resources, financial management, secretarial and administrative functions, student affairs, or admissions. HE administrators most often work in an office setting to help students have a smooth transition into postsecondary education. Some HE administrators take on responsibilities beyond the office like marketing and public relations or recruitment, where they travel to high schools or community colleges to promote their school. Many professionals in these roles are split up into specific job categories, while others work in a general capacity to perform tasks in a multitude of areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a higher education administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Higher Education Administrator, you need strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities, typically supported by a master's degree in education, administration, or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, data analysis software, and compliance regulations is essential. Exceptional interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and adaptability set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for fostering institutional growth, supporting students and staff, and ensuring effective campus operations.

What are some of the main challenges higher education administrators face when managing student affairs or academic programs?

Higher Education Administrators often navigate complex challenges such as balancing institutional policies with individual student needs, managing limited resources, and keeping up with evolving educational standards. They may also address issues like student retention, diversity and inclusion, and effective communication among faculty, staff, and students. Successfully handling these challenges requires adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate across various departments to support both academic and student success.

What is the difference between Higher Education Administrator vs Academic Advisor?

AspectHigher Education AdministratorAcademic Advisor
CredentialsBachelor’s degree often required; advanced degrees preferredBachelor’s degree typically required; certifications may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentColleges and universities, administrative officesAcademic departments, student services offices
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, education sectorColleges, universities, student support services
Primary FocusManaging administrative functions, policy implementationGuiding students academically, course planning

Higher Education Administrators focus on managing institutional operations and policies, while Academic Advisors primarily support students' academic success. Both roles require related credentials and work within higher education settings, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

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Higher Education Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Higher Education Administrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,932 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Higher Education Market Leader

Home | NBBJ

Boston, MA

$150K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

NBBJ is an award-winning design firm recognized as aTIME100 Most Influential Company, aFast Company Most Innovative Architecture Firmand atwo-time 2025 AIA National Honor Awardrecipient. These recognitions reflect our purpose-driven approach that, fueled by ideas and a culture of collaboration, creates healthy buildings, strong communities and a resilient environment. That's where you come in. With leading clients, diverse colleagues and offices in creative capitalsaround the globe, a career at NBBJ will inspire you to be extraordinary. You can learn moreabout our firm, seewhat it's like to work hereand explorerecent projectsandideasatNBBJ.com. Join us to make an impact today!

The role at a glance:
This is an exciting opportunity to join NBBJ as a Higher Education Market Leader in our Boston Studio. The NBBJ Higher Education Market Leader is an industry-facing expert whois motivated to nurture relationshipsand pursue new opportunities that elevate collegiate learning, research and campus life experiences for students, faculty and administrators at both public and private colleges and universities.
Market Leaders shape NBBJ's global practice at the regional and national levels, advancing our commitment to innovation and design excellence.Adept at building long-term strategic relationships, playing a leadership role on projects, and marketing complex projects,this role will work closely with the firm's Education Practice Leadership team and Marketing Department to build the practice, identify new opportunities, and develop client service strategies to grow the practice throughout New England and the Northeast.The ideal candidate for this role can work both collaboratively and independently, is proactive in delivering success, is able to positively influence others-and can thrive in the face of changing conditions.

In your new role, you will:

  • Grow the Higher Education practice: develop and maintain new and existing client relationships
  • Work closely with the Education Practice Leadership Team, Client Development Manager and Market Manager to continually identify and generate business opportunities that broaden the Higher Education practice in a way that is aligned with the practice's and NBBJ's firm wide strategic vision
  • Assist in the development of marketing content that strengthens the Higher Education practice image, value propositions and POV
  • Provide strategy and vision for proposals and interviews with prospective clients to increase win rate
  • Generate a strong pipeline - leads and prospects - to increase the Higher Education practice's reach and influence
  • Ensure Higher Education practice success for the Boston Studio, including meeting annual sales goals and revenue targets, while also meeting marketing budgets
  • Advance the Higher Education practice's reputation through conference presentations, journal articles and social media communications
  • Be part of a fully integrated design studio and a team member on major Higher Education projects
  • Be a leader in marketing, a trusted advisor to clients, a team member on projects, and a role model and a mentor for all staff.

What you will need to succeed:

  • Must be an expert in Higher Education design with a deep understanding of NBBJ's work
  • Proven success in planning and developing both new construction and transformative renovation projects as well as the ability to motivate and inspire teams, both internally and externally.
  • Proven ability to build business and deliver exceptional Higher Education projects across a range of scales and typologies (including research, instruction, student life and student services).
  • Skilled at presenting and communicating with high-level leadership at colleges and universities
  • Strong relationships and connections with Higher Education clients across the East Coast
  • Experience with campus planning and master planning, encouraged
  • Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative and open environment
  • Ability to independently analyze and synthesize information and take action
  • Ability to generate leads early in the sales cycle and work collaboratively with the studio/practice team to develop strategies and relationships that convert them into prospects
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment and capable of bringing together a diverse team of leaders, unifying diverse marketing mindsets, approaches, and capabilities into a cohesive team
  • 20+ years of experience in the design profession with a focus in Higher Education
  • Licensure required
  • LEED Accreditation, encouraged

This role requires the individual to be based in the United States.

The annual base pay range for this role is anticipated to be between $150,000 and $165,000. Actual compensation for successful candidates will be carefully determined based on a number of factors, including their skills, qualifications and experience.

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