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[smiles33]

Seeking input/advice re: career paths for mid-level administrators.  I've spent almost 5 years at my current R-1 as an administrator for an academic center within a graduate program (moving up from Asst. Dir. to Deputy Dir), where I oversee co-curricular programs and career counseling (as well as the day-to-day operations of our center). 

Had a chance to go for the Dir. position here when my prior boss/mentor left, but was not interested due to personal reasons (had a newborn and didn't want the travel reqs, increased responsibilities, etc.).  Served as interim for 6 months, universally praised for that role, and received a major promotion shortly after the new Dir. came on board.  We get along well, but she intends to be here until she retires so her position is not an option.

Shortly before the new Dir. arrived, I was also recruited by a neighboring R-1 for a Dir. of Student Services position but ultimately turned down the offer because of the instability/limited resources/bad commute.  Thus, I think it's likely I would only look for opportunities at my current R-1.

It's now been a year since my new Dir. arrived and I'm wondering what my long-term options are.  I'm getting bored, as my job has primarily stayed the same, though I now have complete ownership over the programs. I've got a good thing going here, as I know my Dir. relies heavily on me and has given me everything I've asked for (flex-hours, new laptop, more responsibilities, limited travel on my terms, etc.).  I also know the Associate Dean and Dean know my work but this grad program is small.  Thus, I can't help but wonder what else is out there on the rest of campus.  I know I can't stay here another 10 years, as I'm already getting bored, but if I stay here another 5 while I wait for my kid(s) to start school, what should I be doing to prepare myself for the next position?  How does someone within a small specialized grad program find out more about the larger campus? 

Any other advice?

[smiles33]

I don't see a way to edit my post, so I'll just add here that my grad degree is JD, so leaving the law school for another position means I likely would have to rely solely on my proven skills/expertise rather than a PhD.

[michigander]

If there isn't already a formal or informal networking group of people in similar positions on your campus, start one.  That's a great way to make contacts so that you'll know people who can help you to find out about what else is going on.

On the faculty level, people often tend to stay within their discrete professional areas/silos.  But on the academic student services level, even in graduate programs, there is a lot of commonality of issues and needs.

[sibyl]

I'll second michigander's advice and also say that a great way to find out more about the university is to start a project in that direction.  For example, if you work in a research center for political scientists, decide to assemble a Guide to the University for the grad students and researchers who work there.  You can learn a lot by assembling a document that tells you where to find help with computers that can handle massive data sets, how to get a library card for a visiting researcher, and where a grad student can go to find out about housing or financial aid.  Even if all you do is to compile guides published by other offices, you will learn more.

Another way to find out about the university is to involve yourself in institution-wide issues or governance structures.  Run for staff senate, or ask your director to try to get you appointed to the decanal search committee or strategic planning committee.

Either of these choices will do what you want: (a) inform you about the wider world at your university and (b) give you an opportunity to work with people who may want to hire you in the future.

Good luck.

[smiles33]

GREAT advice!  Thank you both.  I'm off to do some research...