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Job Families and Subfamilies

Job families and subfamilies are used to categorize the work by function, improving transparency and compensation administration and aligning to market best practices. In this step, you will use the following information to match your position's primary function with the appropriate.

  • Job Family: What function does the position primarily support?
  • Subfamily: Which specialized discipline or area does the job focus on?

Examples:

  • A role focused on pre-award administration of sponsored programs would fall under:
    • Job Family: Research Administration
    • Subfamily: Proposal Development
  • A role focused on event planning would fall under:
    • Job Family: Facilities Operations
    • Subfamily: Event Operations

Job Families Specific to Higher Education

  • The job families below have positions that are most commonly found in higher education. 
    • Academic & Student Services
    • Academic Affairs
    • Arts
    • Athletics
    • Community Engagement
    • Educational Support
    • Advancement & Development
    • Library & Museum
    • Research
    • Health Services
    • Research Administration
    • Public Safety

Job Families Not Specific to Higher Education

  • The job families below have positions that can perform similar work either within the higher education or within general industry.
    • Agriculture
    • Communications & Marketing
    • Facilities Operations
    • Finance
    • Human Resources
    • Information Technology
    • Legal & Compliance
    • Organizational Administration

Job Families and Subfamilies

Academic and Student Services

Positions related to supporting academic services, student life, student programs and resources.

Academic Advising

Executes on programs and strategies which support fulfillment of student educational goals. Includes advising students on university policies, procedures, program and degree requirements and a range of other academic matters.

Accessibility Services

Ensures an accessible campus experience for disabled students, employees and visitors through the facilitation of accommodations and proactive, barrier-free design; maintains University compliance with the ADA and other laws; and promotes a progressive awareness of disability and access.

Admissions & Recruitment

Recruits, evaluates, and selects students seeking entrance to the institution. Initiates, implements and monitors strategies and procedures that ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of these processes.

Academic & Student Services Generalist

Performs duties that align with multiple sub-families across academic & student services. Employees must perform substantial duties in multiple sub-families to warrant placement here.

Career Services

Provides career advising and counseling, as well as professional development, experiential learning and other programs providing real-world experiences to enhance learning, demonstrate capabilities, and to prepare undergraduate, graduate and professional students and alumni for post-graduation outcomes.

Financial Aid

Strategizes, plans and processes student financial aid operations. Includes financial counseling, award verification and determination, funds management, risk management and compliance with federal, state, local and athletic organizations regulations and requirements, as well as university policies.

Global Engagement

Advances the global reach of the institution and its students and faculty. Supports the university to ensure successful international initiatives, student experiences through global education programs, university intercultural and area studies, and/or advising of non-immigrant needs of international students, scholars, and employees.

Registrar

Responsible for processes related to academic records, progress, and certifications; enrollment data, fee assessment, and national and institutional testing.

Residential Life

Develops and implements residential life programs, services, activities, and processes for students living on campus. Plans and administers housing services.

Student Programs

Provides initiatives including community involvement, student governance, leadership advising, and fraternity and sorority management. Equips students with opportunities, services, and knowledge to become engaged in the community.

Student Support

Assists and empowers student by providing resources and support services. Supports students with various academic, career planning, and personal needs including college attendance, learning strategy support, graduation planning, tutoring, and more. Upholds community standards including academic integrity and behavioral expectations.

Academic Affairs

Positions related to the management of academic programs.

Academic Affairs

Oversees the institution's or college's academic programming and policy approval process. Reviews and analyzes existing programs to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies and regulations. Conducts evaluations of programs, projects, and policies to assess effectiveness and recommend refinements.

Assessment & Quality

Conducts evaluations of academic programs' assessment of student learning. Suggests academic program refinements and tracks the progress and quality of assessments.

Agriculture

Positions related to the operation and improvement of agricultural services.

Agriculture Support

Maintains the quality of agriculture through direct operations and activities related to livestock, crops, planting, harvesting, operating machinery and physical labor.

Farm Operations

Directs and coordinates the operation of farm activities in close relations with the local agricultural community while maintaining compliance with local, state and federal regulations when applicable.

Horticultural Care

Assesses pests, species and diseases to make an informed decision on the cultivation, landscaping and plant species selection.

Arts

Positions related to creating, performing, and supporting artistic expressions and productions.

Technical Arts

Uses knowledge of specialized equipment and processes to provide technical, design, fabrication, and set-up services for performing arts and events. Performs or coordinates activities related to performance and art production, including lighting, sound, costume crafting, and set design. Maintains specialized equipment.

Visual & Performing Arts

Uses creative skills to produce and present visual and performance art. Performs or coordinates activities related to artistic creation and performance, including painting, sculpture, acting, dance, and music. Develops and refines artistic concepts and presentations.

Athletics

Positions related to regulating athletic events and student athlete needs.

Athletic Administration

Oversees and directs an athletics program, sport or athletics department function. Duties may include managing internal and external business relationships and administering budgets. Manages allocated resources and represents the department within and outside of the institution.

Athletic Compliance

Maintains compliance for the University's athletic programs in accordance with conference rules and regulations. Plans, implements, and monitors policies and procedures related to recruiting, eligibility, awards and benefits, playing and practice seasons, and student-athlete employment.

Athletic Operations

Provides logistical and operational support to one or more sports programs. Maintains athletic equipment and facilities, oversees team travel and hosting, and manages game-day operations.

Coaching & Recruiting

Develops and oversees a competitive athletics program. Recruits student athletes, conducts practice sessions for sports-related activities, and supports program management.

Sports Medicine & Nutrition

Provides injury prevention training and evaluation, as well as management and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Provides dietary support and planning as needed. May support different types of athletes or focus on a specific sport or program.

Strength & Conditioning

Develops and administers a successful strength and conditioning program for student athletes. Includes the development of speed, strength and conditioning schedules, fundamental instructions, weight training, and all team workouts.

Communications & Marketing

Positions related to communicating and promoting university endeavors.

Communications & Marketing Generalist

Performs duties that align with multiple sub-families across communications & marketing. Employees must perform substantial duties in multiple sub-families to warrant placement here.

Communications

Writes, edits, and publishes written materials and strategic communications including publications, articles, proposals, communications plans, speeches, promotional materials and news releases. Manages issues, crisis communications, continuous news coverage and other public relations (PR) activities. Supports broad internal communications efforts, especially when change management is required. Often responsible for multiple communication functions to promote a unit or the institution.

Creative Services

Designs and directs the delivery of creative multimedia. Collaborates with other specialists to produce content strategy, layout and concept design, user experience, and design architecture. Areas of design include but are not limited to graphic design, print design, web design, photography and/or video production.

Marketing

Markets campus activities, services, or products to external constituents.  Plans, directs, develops, and/or implements marketing strategy and programs. Provides marketing expertise regarding advertising media, brand management, and market research, or activity/service/program to be advertised.

Sports Marketing & Broadcasting

Focuses on effective promotion within the sports industry. Supports the design, implementation, and optimization of marketing plans and programs of a sport or the full athletic program. Manages sports media relations and live broadcasts during games and events.

Web Management

Develops, plans and executes content on the institution's website(s), including social media. Consults with internal and external partners on user experience management and optimization to establish and evolve website information architecture.

Community Engagement

Positions related to engaging with the broader community through programming and outreach services.

Early Childhood Education

Manages or provides developmentally appropriate early care and education, support to families on child education, and model training experiences for teachers. May oversee operational activities of the child care center including: budget, facility management, staff hiring and training and development, program assessment, and services to ensure quality and efficiency.

Outreach Programs

Plans, develops, coordinates, and implements community-oriented programs, services, and relationships. Includes fostering ongoing learning through content, materials, and technology solutions; building community relationships; and addressing community needs through targeted services.

Sustainability

Develops and facilitates sustainability programs such as reducing energy utilization and waste, recycling services, and green design initiatives, through engagement of facilities/operations, student engagement, and/or academic and research functions.

Educational Support

Positions related to aiding instructional needs of faculty, staff, and students.

Continuing Education

Plans, develops, and administers continuing education programs, such as workshops, certificate programs, seminars or special events for professionals and/or lifelong learners. Collaborates with academic departments, outside organizations and agencies in providing credit and noncredit offerings.

Clinical Education

Manages programs and resources related to experiential and hands-on learning for patient-centric skills, preparing students for patient care and clinical or professional practice. May coordinate training, educational events, mentoring, instructional materials and technologies.

Instructional Design & Support

Provides course design consultation to instructional staff and graduate students. Designs courses and workshops for face-to-face, online, and hybrid delivery. May also provide course support and assistance.

Lab Education

Supports educational delivery in a research or scientific laboratory setting. Includes instruction on safe, ethical, and effective use of scientific instruments, resources, and facilities.

Facilities Operations

Positions related to monitoring facilities, engineering, operational needs, and the planning/development of university spaces.

Construction & Planning

Manages and completes work related to the development of the physical campus. Includes real estate, campus planning, design and construction of infrastructure, open spaces, renovations and new facilities to meet the University's mission and goals. Completes related administrative tasks, such as hiring contractors and ensuring building code compliance.

Custodial Services

Maintains the appearance and cleanliness of interior areas on campus. Duties include planning, monitoring or participating in general classroom or building cleaning, bathroom cleaning and sanitation and simple floor care. Employees may participate in trash and recycling removal, room set up, and campus laundry services.

Dining & Catering Services

Manages and performs all areas of food and culinary preparation. Serves and present food and beverages. Sets up dining and serving areas, equipment, and tableware. Maintains health code standards.

Events Operations

Manages event logistics to ensure successful experiences. Plans, organizes, and oversees conferences and events. Performs scheduling, event planning, conference management, and registration management duties. Oversees room set-up.

Facilities Maintenance

Maintains campus facilities through execution of basic maintenance and repair. Includes minor construction work; light carpentry work, masonry, or welding; installation of drywall, painting, locksmithing, appliance maintenance, and/or pest control.

Facilities Management

Directs and manages the upkeep of University buildings and grounds, facilities, and equipment. Maintains the cleanliness, sanitation, health and appearance of the working, living, and recreational environments. Ensures proper waste management by developing and administering processes and procedures.

Grounds Management

Maintains a high standard of appearance, cleanliness and safety of campus grounds. Duties may include grounds and irrigation system maintenance, landscape design and installation, snow removal, and emergency response such as cleaning up storm damage. Includes the upkeep and management of campus parking lots.

Skilled Crafts & Trades

Encompasses the execution of work, typically in a hands-on domain, requiring a specialized skillset, knowledge base, or ability.​ Performs day-to-day work in area of technical craft / trade to ensure that production equipment, machinery, or instruments function reliably and safely, and that facilities, buildings, systems (including HVAC), and plants are in good working order.

Transportation & Logistics

Encompasses the transportation of passengers, plus the movement, storage, and management of goods and materials. Duties may include driving or chauffeuring passengers, delivering university supplies, managing inventory, and maintaining or dispatching fleet vehicles. Duties also include the management of those functions. Mechanics should be matched to Skilled Crafts & Trades.

Finance

Positions related to determining fiscal decisions and policies.

Accounting

Encompasses preparation, monitoring and reconciliation of financial information to reflect the condition of the organization's accounts. Duties include compiling and reconciling financial transactions; preparing appropriate financial statements and reports; reconciling records for audits; and developing, implementing and monitoring accounting systems, policies, and procedures. Manages the preparation of tax planning, filings, and reportings.

Budget & Financial Analysis

Gathers and analyzes financials and budgets through the review of actual performance, previous expenditures, and budgetary controls for strategic planning in support of financial programs. Conducts ad hoc financial and/or budget analysis for decision-making purposes. Place CFO/top financial officer here.

Finance Operations

Provides support in the operation of a variety of financial activities including processing of financial transactions, financial analysis, collections, and accounts payable and receivable.

Payroll

Prepares accurate and timely payroll for the institution. Ensures accurate calculation of wages, tax withholdings, and deductions. Maintains payroll records, prepares reports to meet internal and external obligations.

Procurement

Oversees acquisition of goods and services. Responsible for market analysis, contract negotiations, development of competitive solicitations, including request for bids and proposals, and management of the supply chain. Develops procurement systems, policies and procedures. Monitors and reports expenditures with third-party suppliers.

Student Financial Services

Operates institution's student accounts receivable. Manages accurate and timely billing and collection of student receivables, applies financial aid awards to student accounts, and provides for disbursement and tracking of student loan funds. Includes personnel who fall under Bursar job titles.

Treasury

Oversees and manages the annual and long-term performance of the institution's assets under management. Includes operating funds, cash funds, capital, and debt.

Health Services

Positions related to administering health education and medical services.

Behavioral Health

Provides care and services that support mental and emotional well-being for University community members. May address life skills, the treatment of mental illnesses, and substance abuse.

Clinical Services

Supports physicians and other medical providers in the assessment, planning, and provision of patient care.  May involve using specialized medical equipment, testing patient samples, studying blood samples, observing patients, analyzing test results, and reporting data and findings.

Healthcare Administration

Directs the institution's health care facility and services. Oversees all medical, administrative, mental health promotion and preventive services for students, staff, faculty in a student health facility.

Healthcare Providers

Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases through services offered by medical and allied health professions. May provide health care services within a particular discipline.

Human Resources

Positions related to the attraction, development, and retention of a well-qualified workforce.

Benefits

Administers university benefits program, including administering, and communicating changes.

Compensation

Administers university compensation program, including assessing, designing, administering, and communicating changes.

Employee Relations

Designs, assesses, and administers employee relations policies related to performance management, employee development, employee engagement, attendance, leave, and complaint procedures.  Develops and implements measures to increase employee morale, motivation, and satisfaction, while reducing turnover. Supports the employee relations needs by providing consultative and training services to managers/supervisors and employees.

HR Generalists

Develops, manages, and refines processes, policies, and programs across the HR space. May complete work in talent acquisition, onboarding, total rewards administration, and employee development. At higher levels, may serve as an advisor and functional expert on human resources, policies, and procedures for an assigned unit. May serve as a HRBP.

HR Operations & Technology

Handles the administrative and technical functions of the HR job family. Administers the institution's human resource information system (HRIS), and other related technologies. Analyzes employee data to extract trends and insights. Answers questions about standard employee transactions. Maintains accurate and secure employee records.

Learning & Development

Develops and implements training and career development policies and programs. Reviews the University's structures, processes, and long-term plans, implements training and career development programs, designs and manages the University's performance measurement system, plans for leadership and management succession, and conducts employee research.

Talent Acquisition

Develops and implements sourcing, recruitment, and talent selection strategies and processes. Maintains accurate and secure recruitment records. Establishes processes for university wide outreach, and EEO compliance efforts.

Information Technology

Positions related to operating information technology hardware and systems an providing technology solutions.

Instructional Technology

Supports the deployment, integration and management of computing, information and media technologies related to education. Includes assistance with audiovisual classroom and collaboration technology.

IT Applications

Develops, documents, maintains, and supports new or existing applications software.

IT Infrastructure

Develops and implements data management structures and systems to support the University's technological needs. Includes building databases and/or hardware, overseeing application and systems administration, and managing maintenance, storage and backup.

IT Generalists

Performs duties that align with multiple sub-families across information technology. Employees must perform substantial duties in multiple sub-families to warrant placement here.

IT Management & Business Services

Defines, develops, and manages projects related to IT system needs. Involves working with stakeholders across the institution to understand, create, maintain, and integrate technical solutions into business processes and systems. Includes project management of technical engagements, such as tracking, budgeting, reporting, and ensuring successful outcomes.

IT Network Design & Administration

Plans, installs and supports network systems, including LAN/WAN systems.  This may involve installing, configuring, administering, supporting and maintaining the university's computer network systems to ensure optimal performance.

IT Security

Ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems, networks, and data through the planning, analysis, development, implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of information systems security programs, policies, procedures and tools.

IT Support

Addresses information technology issues for university constituents. Includes installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and customer assistance for customer technology. May provide support for University-owned or personal devices, as well as application support.

IT Telecommunications

Manages a wide range of information-transmitting technologies and communications infrastructures, such as wired phones, mobile devices, and fiber optics. May manage audiovisual and collaboration technology, in collaboration with Instructional Technology professionals.

Institutional Development & Advancement

Positions related to maximizing charitable support for the University by cultivating relationships, forging partnerships, and increasing awareness of the University's contributions..

Advancement Services

Manages operational and administrative functions within development & advancement. Processes gifts, manages records and databases, and conducts prospect research to grow potential donor base.

Alumni Relations

Builds and maintains relationships with alumni to promote the University or specific programs. Manages alumni database, responds to alumni requests, and develops, conducts, and promotes alumni programs and services.

Fundraising & Development

Develops and implements fundraising strategies to secure private philanthropic support. Develops marketing materials and fundraising plans. Organizes fundraising programs and events. Identifies and cultivates relationships with new and prospective donors.

Legal & Compliance

Positions related to ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations.

Audit

Examines, verifies, evaluates and reports on financial, operational, and managerial processes, policies, and systems to ensure integrity and compliance. Reports findings and makes recommendations for improvements.

Compliance

Ensures the University's compliance with laws, policies, and acceptable institutional practices, regulatory and quality standards and fosters a culture of integrity. Works with colleges and units to develop and implement internal controls, processes and programs that access and enhance compliance. Investigates reports of ethics or compliance violations.

Equity & Integrity

Develops, administers, and enforces policies and programs to ensure equity and integrity for all University students and employees. Ensures compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity programs and Civil Rights laws. Investigates and resolves student conduct cases for possible violations. Assists with programs and activities that educate students on their rights, share available campus resources, and create formal channels of conflict resolution.

IP & Innovation Management

Safeguards the intellectual property rights of the University's innovative technologies and intangible assets. Manages patent filings, oversees licensing agreements, and negotiates industry partnerships, ensuring the university's innovations are protected and appropriately leveraged.

Legal

Provides broad legal services. May include representing the organization on broad legal matters; performing legal research, data collection, and document preparation; or engaging in lobbying and government relations activities. May retain, assess, manage or provide oversight for outside counsel for specialized services, litigation, IP, etc.

Risk Management

Identifies risk exposures that impact the institution, implements appropriate risk control measures, and ensures appropriate risk financing. Develops and coordinates activities and programs that are designed to identify and manage risks and promote accountability.

Library & Museum

Positions related to curating informative and educational materials.

Archives & Collections

Provides services related to the management, preservation and special collection of materials in various formats.

Library Services

Develops, manages, and facilitates access to library resources and technology. Provides subject and disciplinary expertise to support research, teaching, and learning across the University.

Museum Services

Offers various services through the planning of museum programs, acquisition of objects, exhibitions and conservation.

Organizational Administration

Positions related to the support of business operational, administrative, and strategic functions to drive the institution’s mission and goals.

Administrative Operations

Plans, manages, and implements operational and administrative functions. Services a college or unit in the areas of human resources, compliance, finance, and procedure development. At lower levels, may provide general administrative assistance, such as coordinating schedules, composing correspondence, and preparing reports. At higher levels, may assist with strategic plans, continuous improvement projects, and stakeholder engagement.

Customer Service

Provides front-line customer service and guest services. Greets and communicates with customers. Conducts tours, facilitates point-of-sale purchases, and provides guest services.

Data Analysis

Designs, implements, and or/supports data analysis projects. Performs quantitative analyses, develops data visualizations, and provides data-driven insights and reports. Includes positions that work in a research and technical positions that assist with institutional decision-making, such as business intelligence and AI positions.

Institutional Research & Assessment

Develops and implements research initiatives to support strategic planning and decision-making processes.  Plans and administers data collection; conceptualizes, designs, and conducts analytical studies. Conducts evaluations of programs, projects, and policies to assess effectiveness and recommend refinements. Prepares and disseminates appropriate information to stakeholders and constituents in support of the institution's goals.

Mail & Print Services

Performs activities to prepare, pick up, and deliver mail and packages for distribution. May run a copy center, order office supplies and ensure office equipment is serviced and in working order.

Project Management

Plans, executes, and monitors projects related to processes, procedures, and systems on time and within budget, with a specified beginning and end.  Evaluates and consults to improve quality of results and process improvement.

Public Safety

Positions related to maintaining campus security and safety.

Emergency Preparedness

Coordinates disaster response or crisis management programs. Provides disaster preparedness training and prepares emergency plans and procedures for natural or other disasters.

Environmental Health & Safety

Develops, implements and monitors campus environmental health and safety programs and policies. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations in such areas as worker protection, fire safety and hazardous material compliance.

Police & Security

Provides law enforcement, loss prevention, and/or security services to the community to protect life and/or property, promote order, and preserve general welfare. Enforces state laws and university rules and regulations.

Research

Positions related to participating in student and faculty research activities.

Laboratory Animal Care

Cares for large or small animals and provides support with feeding, cleaning, and treatments to ensure compliance with animal care regulations and in support of research and instruction.

Laboratory Support

Supports laboratory research. Develops, optimizes, and fixes tools, procedures, and techniques for experiments. Establishes, implements, and monitors compliance with laboratory policies and procedures. May conduct basic lab research.

Researchers & Scientists

Designs, organizes, manages, and carries out research activities. Activities may include operationalizing research protocols, gathering data, and analyzing research hypotheses using controlled investigations, experiments and/or trials.

Research Administration

Positions related to supporting research administrative and operational activities.

Award Management

Manages or performs activities related to multiple areas of post-award administration. Performs analytical activities associated with cost studies, forecasting, planning, and managing research portfolios. Plans, directs, and implements a variety of research administrative functions, processes, and systems. Includes jobs with primary duties that are so diverse they span multiple subfamilies.

Proposal Development

Manages or provides pre-award administration of sponsored programs. Identifies grant opportunities, facilitates proposal development, contributes to non-technical components of proposals, processes proposals, develops budgets, negotiates grants and contracts, ensures compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and terms and conditions. Issues sub-awards and sub-contracts.

Research Accounting

Manages or provides post-award financial support for sponsored programs. Establishes awards in the institution’s system, monitors expenditures, ensures compliance with federal, university, and sponsor guidelines, oversees sub-award activities, administers cost-share and effort reporting requirements, prepares invoices, manages receivables, coordinates audits, and submits financial reports.

Research Compliance

Supports, promotes, and ensures legally compliant and ethical research practices. Evaluates adherence to research protocols, assists in writing and revising protocols, and provides advice and counsel to ensure compliance with federal, state, and University mandated laws, regulations and policies.

Research Program Management

Manages and administers research programs and centers. Partners with faculty and staff to develop and implement research programs, from proposal development through closeout.

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