This study examined perspectives among mid-level administrators in higher education of essential competencies and skills deemed essential for leading effective change efforts. The success of change management has implications throughout an institution and driving forward initiatives in student services, as well as employee engagement and satisfaction. Institutional change requires a well-crafted framework to succeed. There was a gap in literature that addressed the implications of change management for mid-level administrators in higher education. Leadership plays a key role in managing change, however, the skills needed as mid-level administrators was directly explored to determine key competencies in driving change. This study focused on a review of leadership, change management, organizational learning and how change impacts colleges and universities. The theoretical framework for this study is John P. Kotter's 8-Step model for leading change. Kotter's model described key strategies that are critical to achieving success. This study used a quantitative, descriptive approach to address the research questions. The instrument utilized was the Change-Leadership Competency Questionnaire developed by author A. Gilley. The study revealed a consistency among mid-level administrators on key competencies for leading change efforts. Kotter's 8-Steps for Change was also tested as an essential framework for creating transformations in higher education and revealed consistency among mid-level administrators in its effectiveness. Mid-level administrators reflect an energy that keeps an institution moving forward and ascertain that a strategic vision is attained and becomes operational reality. The study presented the realities of operational management where change becomes the norm while striving for excellence in student services. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge on change management and provides recommendations of essential skills and competencies for leadership professional development for mid-level administrators in higher education. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]