The landscape of higher education hiring is evolving rapidly. Colleges, universities, and other institutions are facing new challenges in recruitment and retention, particularly for administrative and support staff who play a crucial role in daily operations. From talent shortages to shifts in work expectations, institutions must stay ahead of hiring trends to build a strong, adaptable workforce.
Here are seven key hiring trends shaping the recruitment of administrative and support staff in higher education today.
1. Increased Demand for Hybrid and Remote Work Options
📊 Fact: A 2023 CUPA-HR report found that 37% of higher education staff jobs can be performed remotely, at least partially.
Many universities are adopting hybrid or remote work models, particularly for administrative roles like HR, IT, finance, and admissions. Offering flexible work arrangements has become essential to attracting top talent, improving work-life balance, and increasing retention.
What Institutions Can Do:
✅ Identify which administrative roles can be remote or hybrid
✅ Invest in secure remote work technology
✅ Create clear policies for hybrid work expectations
2. Emphasis on Employer Branding and Candidate Experience
📊 Fact: Studies show that 86% of job seekers research an employer’s reputation before applying (Glassdoor, 2023).
With increased competition for talent, higher education institutions are focusing more on employer branding and candidate experience to attract high-quality applicants. A strong employer brand highlights the institution’s mission, culture, and benefits, making it easier to engage top candidates.
What Institutions Can Do:
✅ Enhance career pages with testimonials and behind-the-scenes content
✅ Improve job descriptions to highlight workplace culture and growth opportunities
✅ Simplify and streamline the application and interview process
3. Higher Turnover and a Competitive Job Market
📊 Fact: A 2023 study by CUPA-HR found that higher ed staff turnover increased by 19% over the last three years.
Many institutions are struggling to retain administrative staff due to higher salaries in the private sector and shifting career priorities. Hiring managers must streamline their hiring processes and improve employee retention strategies to compete.
What Institutions Can Do:
✅ Conduct salary benchmarking to stay competitive
✅ Offer career advancement and training programs
✅ Improve onboarding to enhance employee engagement from day one
4. The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring
📊 Fact: A 2023 LinkedIn study found that skills-based hiring has increased by 63% in the last two years.
Instead of focusing solely on degrees and job titles, many colleges and universities are prioritizing candidates with relevant skills—especially for IT, student services, and administrative roles.
What Institutions Can Do:
✅ Update job descriptions to focus on skills over credentials
✅ Use skills assessments during hiring
✅ Offer micro-credentialing and upskilling programs for staff
5. Increased Reliance on HR Technology and AI in Hiring
📊 Fact: Over 60% of higher ed institutions use AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) to streamline recruitment, according to EDUCAUSE.
HR teams are leveraging AI-driven recruitment tools to automate resume screening, schedule interviews, and identify top candidates faster.
What Institutions Can Do:
✅ Implement AI-based recruitment tools to reduce hiring bias
✅ Use data-driven insights to improve hiring efficiency
✅ Train HR teams on ethical AI usage
6. Greater Focus on Employee Well-Being and Work-Life Balance
📊 Fact: A 2023 Gallup survey found that 67% of higher ed employees say well-being programs impact their job satisfaction.
Higher education institutions are enhancing wellness initiatives, mental health support, and flexible work arrangements to attract and retain administrative staff.
What Institutions Can Do:
✅ Offer mental health benefits and stress management programs
✅ Provide wellness stipends for remote and hybrid employees
✅ Foster a supportive workplace culture with regular check-ins
7. Expanded Use of Contingent and Temporary Staffing
📊 Fact: The higher ed temporary workforce has grown by 12% in the last five years, per the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU).
Many institutions are turning to contract and temporary staffing to fill gaps in administrative roles, IT, student support, and HR. This allows flexibility while managing budget constraints.
What Institutions Can Do:
✅ Partner with staffing agencies specializing in higher education
✅ Use temporary-to-permanent hiring models to assess candidates before long-term commitments
✅ Develop strong onboarding programs for contingent staff to ensure smooth transitions
Final Thoughts
The higher education hiring landscape is shifting, and institutions must adapt to changing workforce expectations to remain competitive. By offering flexible work options, focusing on employer branding, leveraging technology, and rethinking hiring strategies, colleges and universities can attract and retain the best administrative and support staff.
Looking for recruitment support? The Panther Group specializes in higher education staffing solutions, helping institutions find staff to support their mission. Let’s build the future of education—together.
📩 Contact us today to learn more!
