Not so sure you are locked out

It's a tough market, and universities are facing tough times. I am not surprised if you call asking about jobs you'll get the brush off. But this should be a classic networking situation - let your old contacts know you're back and in the market and ask them to keep you posted on what they hear about. If they thought you were good, then even if they can't hire you, they'll be glad to recommend you or pass you on as a possibility if they do hear about anything. Again, in the current economy, it might just be impossible to quickly get a permanent job but in general, universities are less into this agism - professors turn 70 and hang on, so 42 is just a kid. Not only are universities less into agism, but energetic and skilled administrators - rather than bureaucrats - are valuable and hard to find, so I think you ought to be able to do it. Hope so. Good luck.