In this Admin 101 column, Perlmutter evaluates possible issues and helpful approaches to dual-career hires. 

"What happens after you successfully hire two academics who also happen to be partners in life? You can’t just declare victory and move on. You have to devote at least some time and thought to retaining the partners and keeping them happy — two things that may turn out to be mutually exclusive.

Since February I have been focusing the Admin 101 column on the complex issue of partner/spousal hires. So far the series has explored how to prepare for these dual hires, how to supervise the process, and how to negotiate the contracts. Now we turn to the long game. What principles, practices, and structures will help the partners and their institution thrive together? And what can you do, as the hiring administrator, if things go sour?"