WHAT IS A SHAREPOINT CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR JOB?
A SharePoint Content Administrator is a professional responsible for managing and maintaining the content within a SharePoint environment. SharePoint is a web-based collaborative platform developed by Microsoft that allows organizations to store, organize, share, and access information from any device with an internet connection. The role of a SharePoint Content Administrator is to ensure that the content within a SharePoint site is structured, organized, and accessible to users in an efficient and effective manner.
WHAT DO THEY USUALLY DO IN THIS POSITION?
In a SharePoint Content Administrator role, there are several key responsibilities that are typically involved. These include:
- Managing user access and permissions: SharePoint Content Administrators are responsible for setting up and managing user access and permissions within a SharePoint site. This includes granting access to specific individuals or groups, as well as managing permissions for different levels of content.
- Organizing and structuring content: A SharePoint Content Administrator ensures that the content within a SharePoint site is properly organized and structured. This includes creating and managing site navigation, creating document libraries and lists, and implementing metadata and tagging systems to facilitate search and retrieval of content.
- Uploading and managing content: SharePoint Content Administrators are responsible for uploading and managing content within a SharePoint site. This includes uploading documents, images, videos, and other types of content, as well as ensuring that content is properly categorized, tagged, and indexed for easy retrieval.
- Troubleshooting and resolving issues: SharePoint Content Administrators are often the first point of contact for users who encounter issues or have questions related to the SharePoint environment. They are responsible for troubleshooting and resolving any issues that arise, such as access or permission problems, broken links, or technical glitches.
- Training and supporting users: SharePoint Content Administrators may also be responsible for training and supporting users on how to effectively use the SharePoint platform. This includes providing guidance on best practices for content management, conducting training sessions, and creating documentation and user guides.
TOP 5 SKILLS FOR THIS POSITION
To excel in a SharePoint Content Administrator role, there are several key skills that are highly valued:
- Proficiency in SharePoint: A strong understanding of the SharePoint platform is essential for this role. This includes knowledge of site creation and management, content organization, user access and permissions, and troubleshooting.
- Content management expertise: SharePoint Content Administrators should have a solid understanding of content management principles and best practices. This includes knowledge of information architecture, metadata and tagging, content categorization, and search optimization.
- Technical proficiency: While not necessarily a requirement, having a basic understanding of web technologies, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript can be beneficial in this role. This allows SharePoint Content Administrators to customize and enhance the user experience within a SharePoint site.
- Problem-solving abilities: SharePoint Content Administrators should have strong problem-solving skills to effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues that arise within the SharePoint environment. This includes the ability to analyze problems, identify root causes, and implement appropriate solutions.
- Communication and training skills: Effective communication and training skills are important for SharePoint Content Administrators to effectively support and train users. This includes the ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, as well as the ability to adapt training methods to different learning styles.
HOW TO BECOME A SHAREPOINT CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR
To become a SharePoint Content Administrator, there are several steps you can take:
1. Gain a solid understanding of SharePoint: Start by familiarizing yourself with the SharePoint platform. Explore online resources, tutorials, and documentation provided by Microsoft to learn the basics of SharePoint and its various features.
2. Acquire relevant skills and knowledge: Consider pursuing training or certification programs that focus specifically on SharePoint administration. These programs can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of SharePoint and its administration principles.
3. Gain hands-on experience: Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in managing SharePoint sites and content. This can include volunteering for projects within your organization or seeking out internships or entry-level positions that involve SharePoint administration.
4. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices: SharePoint is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in SharePoint administration. This can be done through attending conferences, participating in online forums and communities, and regularly reading industry publications.
5. Network with professionals in the field: Networking with other SharePoint professionals can provide valuable insights and opportunities for career advancement. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with professionals on platforms such as LinkedIn to expand your professional network.
AVERAGE SALARY
The average salary for a SharePoint Content Administrator can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the size of the organization. According to salary data from PayScale, the average annual salary for a SharePoint Administrator in the United States is around $75,000. However, salaries can range from around $55,000 to over $100,000 depending on the individual's qualifications and the specific requirements of the role.
ROLES AND TYPES
SharePoint Content Administrators can work in a variety of industries and organizations, as SharePoint is widely used across different sectors. Some common job titles and roles related to SharePoint Content Administration include:
- SharePoint Site Administrator: This role focuses on the management and administration of specific SharePoint sites within an organization. Responsibilities may include user access management, content organization, and troubleshooting.
- SharePoint Farm Administrator: This role involves the management and administration of a SharePoint farm, which is a collection of SharePoint servers that work together to provide a unified SharePoint environment. Responsibilities may include server maintenance, performance monitoring, and security management.
- SharePoint Consultant: SharePoint Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on how to effectively implement and utilize SharePoint. They may be involved in assessing business requirements, designing SharePoint solutions, and providing training and support to users.
- SharePoint Developer: SharePoint Developers specialize in customizing and extending the functionality of SharePoint through the development of custom web parts, workflows, and applications. They may also be involved in integrating SharePoint with other systems and platforms.
- SharePoint Business Analyst: SharePoint Business Analysts work closely with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze business processes, and translate them into SharePoint solutions. They may also be involved in user acceptance testing and change management.
LOCATIONS WITH THE MOST POPULAR JOBS IN THE USA
SharePoint Content Administrator jobs can be found in various locations across the United States. Some of the cities with a high demand for SharePoint professionals include:
1. Seattle, Washington: Seattle is home to Microsoft, the company behind SharePoint, and has a thriving tech industry. Many organizations in the Seattle area utilize SharePoint and require skilled administrators.
2. Washington, D.C.: As the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. is home to numerous government agencies and organizations that rely on SharePoint for their collaboration and document management needs.
3. New York City, New York: New York City is a major hub for businesses across various industries, and many organizations in the city use SharePoint for content management and collaboration.
4. Chicago, Illinois: Chicago is another city with a strong job market for SharePoint professionals. Many businesses in the area use SharePoint for document management and intranet portals.
5. San Francisco, California: San Francisco is known for its thriving tech industry, and many companies in the area utilize SharePoint for their content management needs.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TOOLS USED IN SHAREPOINT CONTENT ADMINISTRATION?
SharePoint Content Administrators utilize various tools and technologies to perform their duties effectively. Some of the typical tools used in SharePoint Content Administration include:
- SharePoint Online/On-Premises: SharePoint itself is the primary tool used by SharePoint Content Administrators. They utilize its features and functionalities to manage and maintain content within a SharePoint site.
- SharePoint Designer: SharePoint Designer is a free tool provided by Microsoft that allows SharePoint Content Administrators to customize and enhance SharePoint sites. It enables them to create workflows, design custom layouts, and modify site functionality.
- PowerShell: PowerShell is a scripting language that is often used by SharePoint Content Administrators to automate administrative tasks and perform bulk operations within a SharePoint environment.
- Content Management Systems (CMS): Some organizations may integrate SharePoint with other CMS platforms to enhance content management capabilities. SharePoint Content Administrators may need to work with these CMS tools to ensure seamless integration and efficient content management.
- Third-party add-ons and extensions: There are various third-party add-ons and extensions available for SharePoint that can enhance its functionality. SharePoint Content Administrators may need to evaluate, install, and configure these add-ons to meet specific business requirements.
IN CONCLUSION
A SharePoint Content Administrator plays a crucial role in ensuring that the content within a SharePoint site is effectively managed, organized, and accessible to users. With the right skills, knowledge, and experience, individuals can pursue a rewarding career in SharePoint Content Administration. By staying updated on the latest trends and best practices, networking with professionals in the field, and continuously developing their skills, SharePoint Content Administrators can thrive in this dynamic and in-demand role.