Keeping a large business or organization running at an optimal level requires many moving pieces to work together seamlessly, efficiently and reliably. For example, the effective operation of any enterprise involves guiding and addressing daily tasks such as budgetary monitoring, internal communication, human resources and compliance.
All of these tasks and more fall under the umbrella of corporate administration, and many larger companies employ a chief administrative officer to oversee them.
The world of corporate administration can be both exciting and rewarding, especially for those who are gifted in organization, task management and communication. Ascending to this executive-level position requires not only the proper balance of skills but also a strong educational background.
Those who are interested in advancing to high-level administration careers, specifically in the health care industry, may particularly benefit from earning an Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) degree.
What Is a Chief Administrative Officer?
For those who are unfamiliar with this position, it may be helpful to understand what a chief administrative officer is and what they do.
The role of the chief administrative officer is to manage all of a company’s daily administrative functions. This role may oversee the human resources department, corporate compliance, budgeting and other divisions and operations.
Additionally, the chief administrative officer works closely with the chief executive officer (CEO), assisting with internal communication while offering reports on the company’s performance and efficiency. The role is well-suited for those who have a deep familiarity with business operations as well as a background in organizational management.
Chief Administrative Officer Job Description
While the roles and responsibilities of this position can vary from one organization to the next, a typical chief administrative officer job description will usually include the following responsibilities.
- Working in close collaboration with the CEO and other executive leaders to develop and implement strategies to achieve operational goals
- Managing and supervising the day-to-day operations of departments that may include HR, sales, finance and compliance
- Managing and monitoring budgets and participating in business negotiations
- Auditing and analyzing the operations of different departments and proposing areas for improvement
- Ensuring compliance with all regulations and tax requirements
- Onboarding and training new departmental managers
How to Become a Chief Administrative Officer
To find success in this position, it’s important to develop the proper combination of education, experience and skill. This involves meeting a high educational threshold and also gaining some familiarity with different levels of corporate administration. Some steps involved in the chief administrative officer career trajectory include the following.
Earn an Undergraduate Degree
To develop foundational skills and gain exposure to basic business principles, earning a bachelor’s degree is essential. This can be in any field related to business, organizational management or administration.
Gain Administrative Experience
Before assuming a director- or executive-level position, it’s important to get a sense of how corporate administration works at various levels. This might mean entry- or mid-level work in human resources, finance, sales, communications or other business divisions. A diversity of experience can be especially helpful for aspiring executives.
Pursue an Advanced Degree
Earning an advanced degree can be a good way to develop your business skills further and become more adept at applying leadership and management principles. Those who gravitate toward health care roles may wish to consider earning an Executive Master of Health Administration degree. This can open the door to many of the fastest-growing careers in health administration.
Cultivate Core Skills
Ultimately, through this combination of education and hands-on experience, aspiring executives can hone all the competencies for success. Some of the skills most salient to the chief administrative officer position include proven acumen in:
- Financial management
- Organizational management
- Human resources management
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Communication
Chief Administrative Officer Salary
Those who have an interest in this position will understandably be interested in the chief administrative officer salary range.
The annual median salary for this position was approximately $128,000 in June 2023, according to data from the career and compensation website Payscale. The top 10 percent of earners in this field reported a salary of about $217,000 or more.
Several factors can influence the chief administrative officer salary range including level of education, years of experience and geographic location.
Pursue a High-Level Administrative Role
For business organizations and health care providers to run smoothly and efficiently, skilled administrators are invaluable. Those who have a knack for this kind of work may ultimately find success in the role of chief administrative officer.
Professionals who are considering careers in health care administration may wish to pursue an Executive Master of Health Administration degree from USC Price. With this degree, students can master core concepts related to executive business administration while also developing their skills in communication, leadership and management.
Explore the curriculum today to discover more about the benefits of earning this health-focused degree at a world-class educational institution.
Recommended Readings
7 Reasons to Pursue an EMHA Degree
Being Admitted to the Hospital: How to Get Admitted and More
Health Care Economics and the Medical Supply Chain
Sources:
BetterTeam, “Chief Administrative Officer Job Description”
CIO, “What Is a Chief Administrative Officer? A Strategic Executive Role for Administrators”
Indeed, “What Is a Chief Administrative Officer?”
Payscale, “Average Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Salary”
Zippia, “Chief Administrative Officer Overview”