Educational managers should have a basic level of proficiency with regard to research. This includes keeping up to date on information related to the specific field or industry in which they work. Educational managers should be aware of any changes to the field, as well as best practice with regard to education within that field. The ability to research similar programs and successful techniques for the benefit of his own program is a useful skill for an education manager to have.
An educational manager is often principally responsible for developing the entire educational program at the facility in which she works. This includes building upon an initial idea until it is full enough to be considered a functional program. Writing up the preliminary curriculum for the program, as well as incorporating standards and learning objectives when appropriate, are necessary. Organization is a necessary skill for the building of a program; however, perhaps equally as important is creativity and vision. It is important for educational managers to be able see the potential of an idea, as well as the logistics involved.
Educational managers must have or develop strong communication skills. Because their job is essentially to build a program that others must work with and within, it is necessary for educational managers to discuss possibilities and ideas with team and staff members, as well as communicate the vision of the finished product. Educational managers are often in charge of hiring personnel to teach within the program. For this reason, clear and concise communication is beneficial during interviews.
Although educational managers do not need to be certified teachers, it is helpful for them to have some familiarity with teaching. Teaching the program to new teachers and training new staff members to work with the program both require a mild degree of teaching ability.