Why Universities Struggle to Compete for Administrative Talent

Universities are facing a troubling trend as they work to find and retain administrative talent. Many schools looking to fill IT professional, HR director, and mid-level manager positions are finding it difficult to compete with the private sector for the same positions.

Why is this happening, and what can universities do?

Let’s take a look.

Salary Differences

The most obvious hurdle is the paycheck. According to 2024–2026 labor data, while public universities have recently outpaced private universities in salary increases for senior administrators, median raises are barely keeping pace with inflation, let alone with private-sector competition.

While a university may offer a stable career, the private sector may offer more money. This can steer quality talent in that direction. Universities may not be able to do much in this department, so it will remain an issue that keeps top talent away.

Remote Work Options

Many private-sector jobs can offer employees remote or hybrid work options. These days, this is very appealing. People want the flexibility that private sector jobs can offer.

Universities are often bound to in-person jobs only. Leadership often feels that for a campus to be alive, staff must be physically present. This can deter some quality employees from these positions. Many favor remote options and will gravitate toward companies that offer them. If the private sector offers higher salaries and remote work options, universities may not be able to compete.

Increasing Complexity

The job of a university administrator is becoming more difficult. New financial rules and delays in federal aid have made it more difficult to work in some university departments. There are also some demands to be more AI-savvy to manage enrollment and student engagement. Some of these tasks are unappealing, leaving candidates to look to the private sector, especially if the salary is higher.

How Can Universities Compete?

To win back administrative talent, institutions have to change. These are some suggestions:

Embrace Flexibility: Consider allowing remote work for roles that don't require face-to-face student interaction. This can be for data entry and similar tasks.
Modernizing Benefits: If the base salaries can’t compete with the private sector, they can, and should. Universities can consider offering tuition help, superior health benefits, and excellent retirement options.
Streamlining the Search: Academic hiring is notoriously slow. A corporate recruiter can hire an accountant in two weeks; a university search committee might take six months. By the time the offer letter arrives, the talent is gone. By speeding up the process, universities can avoid losing talent.

Are you Looking to Fill University Jobs? Contact Summit Careers

At Summit Careers, we hear from candidates daily looking to fill university jobs. When you partner with us, we will sort through resumes and present you with only the best candidates. Contact us today to learn more about our university staffing program and how we can help you fill your vacancies. We have helped countless universities find their top employees; let us do the same for you.

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