Alternate Titles: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Administrative Manager, Administrative Support Manager, Office Manager, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Coordinator, Administrative Officer, Administrative Manager, Administrative Specialist, Administrator, Business Administrator, Business Manager, Director of Operations
Specific duties for Administrative Services Managers vary by size of company or office and degree of responsibility and authority. In larger organizations, however, there may be several layers of administrative services managers that may specialize in different areas and report to directors of administration, or vice presidents of administration who oversee all administrative services.
Administrative Services Managers plan, coordinate, and direct a broad range of services that allow organizations to operate efficiently. They might, for example, coordinate space allocation, facilities maintenance and operations, and major property and equipment procurement. They also may oversee centralized operations that meet the needs of multiple departments, such as information and data processing, mail, materials scheduling and distribution, printing and reproduction, records management, telecommunications management, security, recycling, wellness, and transportation services. Administrative services managers also ensure that contracts, insurance requirements, and government regulations and safety standards are followed and up to date. They may examine energy consumption patterns, technology usage, and personal property needs to plan for their long-term maintenance, modernization, and replacement. Other administrative services managers handle the acquisition, distribution, and storage of equipment and supplies, while others oversee the disposal of surplus or unclaimed property.
A Bachelor’s Degree is required and in some organizations a Master’s degree or special certification is also required. Successful Administrative Services Manager possess solid communication and staff management skills, advanced computer skills as well as some accounting knowledge.
About half of administrative services managers work a standard 40-hour week; most of the remaining workforce work longer hours. However, uncompensated overtime frequently is required to resolve problems and meet deadlines. Facility managers often are “on call” to address a variety of problems that can arise in a facility during nonworking hours.