Know Your Role(s) : Confluence Space Admin

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In addition to a series on "Know Your Content" I'm starting this one on "Know Your Role(s)". This will cover the various roles an individual can have in the Atlassian stack - starting with the Confluence Space Admin.

What is a Space Admin?

A Confluence Space Admin is responsible for managing a space in Confluence. This is a specific set of permissions that allows someone to do things like:

1. Adjust space permissions
2. Make other space admins
3. Create and edit templates
4. View space analytics
5. and a lot more

The space admin is also someone I expect to be more versed in both the technical features of Confluence but also in how it can/should be used. I look to space admins to be a resource for a team on how they can use Confluence, and how they can use it to make their lives easier.

How can I become a Space Admin?

It's easy! Just have another Space Admin give you the "space admin" permission or role.

Personally I "accidented" my way into this - no one else on my team wanted to manage a set of spaces, so I ended up doing it. I don't believe this path is too uncommon either as many people I speak to have the same experience.

Ideally, though, folks get a bit more training and exposure to Confluence before they become an admin as it both requires a deeper understanding of how Confluence works, as well as a broader understanding of how it can/should be used by your team.

What does a Space Admin do?

Depending on your organization a Space Admin can do a variety of things. Most commonly they handle space permissions - adding or removing individuals or groups to the space or tweaking what they can do.

This, however, is just scratching the surface of what space admins should be doing. Personally I look to them to be the thought-leaders in how the space is being used. Space admins should have some vision on where the space is going and how their team can use it. They should also be proactive in engaging with the team to determine how the space can be better utilized, or address frustrations the team may have with the platform.

How can I figure out who is a space admin?

This can be frustrating! Fortunately, everyone with access to a Confluence space can access the "space settings". From here, check out the "Space details" tab and look for the list of admins. Everyone listed there is a space admin and can help you out.

Where can I learn more?

Check out the links below for more information - and I'll encourage you to get hands on when you can. Many organizations have a "personal space" (named after you) that you should be a space admin in. This will let you explore the features and see how they interact with Confluence.

Please drop your comments with questions - as well as ideas on future content!

Also check out this youtube video that walks you through the role.