CAREER ADVICE

Human Services Agency Administrator

It is a rare high school student who grows up dreaming of being the administrator of a human services organization.  Granted, some students seek a future career helping people in need, but seldom do they see themselves running the “business side” of a non-profit agency.  However, such organizations need capable leadership if they are to succeed and fulfill their mission. 

Usually, non-profit administrators work their way through an organization just as in the corporate world.  After gaining entry-level experience in a human services program, the next step is promotion to a supervisory position.  After showing success as a supervisor, promotion to a program director might well come next. 

Each step upward involves learning management and leadership skills.  This is often a challenge since the reason for entering human services in the first place was to work directly with people in need.  One must accept the idea that a manager or administrator accomplishes that goal through the work of subordinate employees. 

Once a person reaches the mid-management level much time is spent on following tasks:  planning, program budgeting, hiring employees, securing funding, resolving personnel issues, quality improvement and evaluation of services.  It is important to remain in close contact with the program’s consumers in order to know how they feel about the services they are receiving. 

At the executive director (chief executive officer) level the variety of work expands even more.  A Close relationship must be maintained with the Board of Directors.  This governing body provides guidance to the organization, approves the mission and operating policies, sets an annual budget and hires and evaluates the executive director.  In addition to being the leader of the organization, the executive director works very closely with other professionals such as bankers, accountants, attorneys, insurance agents, architects, builder and many others who ensure the success of the non-profit organization. 

Within the organization, the executive director forms a team of administrators that runs the day-to-day operations.  This includes financial, human resource and program managers.  Having a vision, setting goals, delegating tasks and managing the leadership team are essential roles of the executive director.  In addition, the executive director is usually the official spokesperson for the organization, gets involved in fundraising activities, does lobbying with government officials and has ultimate responsibility for every aspect of the agency. 

As you can see, human service administrators must have many talents if they are to be successful.  They work hard and face many challenges, yet they can expect to be paid far less than corporate executives who have the same responsibilities.  They do what they do because they believe in the worth and value of their organization and its mission. 

A bachelor’s degree in liberal arts is a minimum expectation for human service administrator.  Courses in communication, accounting, organizational development, computer technology, psychology and writing are desirable.  A master’s degree is generally preferred.  Experience in human services (3-5 years) is essential for future managers.  Typically 8-10 years of progressively more responsible experience is necessary before one is ready to be an executive director.  Depending on the size of the organization, starting pay will range from $30,000-50,000.  After years of experience, an executive director can expect to earn $70,000-125,000 or more.  
                                   
Mr. John Morris is Executive Director of Discovery Living in Cedar Rapids, an organization that provides residential services to adults with mental retardation.  Mr. Morris’ advice to high school students who are considering a profession in human services, is “Expect to continue to upgrade your knowledge and skills throughout your career.  This is usually done by attending continuing education courses and attending regional or national conferences.”  Mr. Morris goes on to say, “Extensive paperwork is to be anticipated by any administrator.  Excellent writing skills are a must.  No two workdays are ever the same; variety can be expected.  A typical work week is more than 40 hours, but there is flexibility in setting your own schedule.” 

The outlook for future human service administrators is very good.  Talented managers will be needed at all levels over the next 5-10 years as many current administrators will be retiring during the coming decade.  Human services careers are both interesting and exciting.  They offer an opportunity to make genuine difference in the lives of others.  Though the challenges are many, the rewards are well worth the effort one puts into this career.  It is “work worth doing.”  

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