Higher education admin staff (not faculty/research) who have successfully left higher ed?

I've worked at a university (top tier business school) for the entire 8 years since I've graduated from college. I'm a top performer and went from admin assistant level one to assistant director in 6 years (that rate of advancement is unusual in higher ed). I've been applying to non-higher ed jobs for the last four months and haven't been getting many responses, and only two interviews. I'm worried that private industry employers do not see candidates coming from higher ed as competitive.

For any former higher ed staff who have moved to another industry, what was your strategy?

For any hiring managers, would you be hesitant to hire someone with only higher ed experience?

usa jobs
usa jobs resume
usa hotel jobs
usajobs
usa jobs federal government
usa job in ksa
usa jobs
usa jobs login
usa jobs gov
usajobs.gov
www.usajobs.gov
usajobs.com
usajobs
usajobs.gov official