Organizational Leadership Careers: Salary Info & Job Description

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What are the facts about a career in organizational leadership? Get real job descriptions, and education requirements to see if this path could be the right choice for you.
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Career Overview

An education in organizational leadership can prepare you to lead the staffs of businesses and organizations. Some choices in this field include human resources manager, chief executive officer and management analyst. Below is a brief look at these careers:

Human Resources Manager Chief Executive Officer Management Analyst
Overview Human resources managers oversee the personnel department in a business or organization. Chief executive officers are the top leaders in an organization and set the company's goals. Management analysts work with an organization to improve an area of the business.
Education Requirements Bachelor's degree Master's degree Bachelor's degree
Program Length About 4 years About 4 years for a bachelor's and 1-2 years for a master's About 4 years
Certification and/or Licensing Certification is voluntary, but available Certification is voluntary, but available Certification is voluntary, but available
Experience Requirement Some employers require previous management experience Extensive managerial experience is often necessary None, entry-level
Job Outlook for 2012-2022 Average growth of 13% predicted* Average growth of 11% predicted* Faster-than-average growth of 19% predicted*
Median Salary (2014) $102780* $173,320* $80,880*

Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers direct and oversee the hiring, firing and training of personnel for a business or organization. They might first work with department managers to determine an organization's human resource needs and organize plans to attract and recruit talented workers to the company. In large organizations, human resources managers may specialize in a particular area of the field, such as benefits, payroll or labor relations.

Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor's degree is needed to work as a human resources manager. Upper management positions may require a master's degree education. Degree programs in business administration, organizational leadership or human resources can prepare you for a career as a manager. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers usually require experience in the field of human resources to work as a manager.

Below are some examples of positions that were available for human resources managers in November 2012:

  • An Ohio employer in the healthcare industry was looking for a human resources manager to oversee all functions of the company's human resource department, including recruitment, compensation and benefits. Applicants must have had a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business administration and 5 to 7 years in human resources management.
  • An employer in Texas in the insurance industry was seeking a human resources manager to design and implement the company's human resource programs. Applicants must have had a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration and eight years of experience in a specialization area. In addition, applicants should have had at least five years of experience in a leadership position and five years of experience in human resources.
  • A California employer in the healthcare industry was searching for a human resources manager to supervise the company's human resources department. Applicants must have had a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business or human resources management and five years of experience in the field to qualify for the position.

Standing Out

The Society for Human Resource Management offers voluntary certifications for professionals in the field to help them demonstrate their expertise. While the credential is voluntary, it may help you stand out in the job market.

Chief Executive Officer

Chief executive officers are the presidents, vice presidents and directors of organizations. The president of a business sets the goals, manages all company operations and determines the direction the company will take. In large businesses, chief executives may focus on an area of the company such as finances or operations. The leadership of a business also hires managers and supervisors for each department in the company.

Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor's degree is necessary to qualify for an executive position, but many candidates have a master's degree education, according to the BLS. Experience in a management or leadership position and the company's area of business is necessary for a top executive career. Many companies hire top managers from within the organization.

Below are some examples of chief executive positions available in November 2012:

  • A Connecticut employer in the healthcare industry was looking for a chief executive to manage the company's recruitment, patient care, clinical management and government relations policies. Applicants must have had a minimum of a graduate degree and at least five years of experience in an executive position in the healthcare industry.
  • An employer in Louisiana in the accounting industry was seeking a chief executive to manage all departments in the organization. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, financing or a technical area. The employer required at least 10 years' experience in management with a minimum of five years in a leadership position.
  • In Kentucky, an employer in the healthcare industry was searching for a chief executive to oversee all areas of the company and promote the direction and vision for the business. Applicants must have had a master's degree in communication disorders and at least five years' experience in education administration. In addition, successful applicants must have had a minimum of five years' experience in a leadership role in a business providing services to disabled adults and children.

Standing Out

The Institute of Certified Professional Managers offers voluntary certification for those who meet the eligibility requirements in education and experience. The credential is not a requirement for a top executive position but may help you stand out in the field.

Management Analyst

Management analysts consult with organizations to find ways to improve their processes and procedures. Analysts may contract with a business as a self-employed consultant or work with a management analyst firm. Some analysts work for the company they are improving. Management analysts may specialize in an area of business such as finance or organizational structure.

Requirements

According to the BLS, management analysts must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree to qualify for a position. Some companies prefer to hire analysts with a master's degree. Management analysts may complete degree programs in business administration, management, economics, finance or accounting. Employers often prefer applicants with experience in business.

Below are some examples of management analyst positions available in November 2012:

  • An employer in Georgia in the telecommunications industry was seeking a management analyst to oversee the company's content creation and management system. Applicants must have had a bachelor's degree and skills in content creation, software programs and programming.
  • A New York employer in the consumer products industry was looking for a business analyst to manage the company's supply chain and procurement software. Applicants must have had knowledge and skills in the company's software programs.
  • An employer in Michigan in the advertising industry was searching for a management analyst to manage the company's information technology division. Applicants must have had a minimum of five years' experience as a business analyst.

Standing Out

The Institute of Management Consultants offers a voluntary certification that can help you stand out in the field. The Certified Management Consultant designation demonstrates the analyst's education, experience and knowledge in the field.

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership: Organizational Development - Qualitative Research
      • Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership: Organizational Development - Quantitative Research
      • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Health Care Administration (Qualitative Research)
      • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Health Care Administration (Quantitative Research)
    Master's
      • MBA: Strategic Human Resource Management
      • M.S. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Life Coaching
      • MBA
    Bachelor's
      • B.S. in Applied Human Resources Management
      • Bachelor: Applied Management
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Bryant & Stratton College

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • BBA Human Resources Management
      • General Management (GM) - BBA
    Associate's
      • AS - Human Resources Specialist
      • AS - Business
    Certificate
      • Human Resources Specialist - AAS
      • Business Assistant Diploma
      • Business - AAS
      • Business Assistant - Diploma
  • Online Programs Available
    3. Saint Leo University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • DBA: Business Administration
    Bachelor's
      • BA: Human Resource Management
      • BA: Business Administration - Management
      • BA: Business Administration - Logistics
      • BA: Business Administration - Marketing
    Associate's
      • AA: Business Administration
  • Online Programs Available
    4. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Doctor of Business Administration: Accounting
      • Doctor of Business Administration: Executive Coaching
      • Doctor of Business Administration: Finance
      • Doctor of Business Administration: Healthcare Management
      • Doctor of Business Administration: Human Resources
      • Doctor of Business Administration: Information Systems
    Certificate
      • CTG: Business Administration
  • Campus and Online Programs
    5. The Chicago School

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.A. Organizational Leadership
      • M.A. International Psychology
  • Campus and Online Programs
    6. Full Sail University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.S. - Entertainment Business
    Bachelor's
      • B.S. - Music Business
  • Towson, MD

    Towson University

  • Cambridge, MA

    Harvard University

  • Online Programs Available
    9. Penn Foster High School

    Program Options

    High School Diploma
      • HS Diploma

Featured Schools

Grand Canyon University

  • Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership: Organizational Development - Qualitative Research
  • MBA: Strategic Human Resource Management
  • B.S. in Applied Human Resources Management

What is your highest level of education?

Bryant & Stratton College

  • BBA Human Resources Management
  • AS - Human Resources Specialist
  • Human Resources Specialist - AAS

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Saint Leo University

  • DBA: Business Administration
  • BA: Human Resource Management
  • AA: Business Administration

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Liberty University

  • Doctor of Business Administration: Accounting
  • Doctor of Business Administration: Executive Coaching
  • CTG: Business Administration

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The Chicago School

  • M.A. Organizational Leadership
  • M.A. International Psychology

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Full Sail University

  • M.S. - Entertainment Business
  • B.S. - Music Business

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