Description

External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday . Nights and weekends as needed.
Advertised Salary 70,000+ Posting Date 11/17/2025 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 01/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Athens Area EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title Academic Engagement Pro III FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications Position Summary
The Associate Director of Community Engagement and Student Initiatives plays a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming, accessible, and connected campus environment through programs and initiatives that strengthen student engagement and community building. This position develops and manages signature student programs and campus engagement efforts designed to enhance students' sense of belonging and connection to the university community. A core focus of this role includes broadening participation in university activities and student success initiatives to support the growth, development, and achievement of all students.

The Associate Director collaborates closely with campus partners to ensure that programming prepares students for industry and workforce needs. The role also provides leadership for student outreach, oversees major cultural programs, and drives high-impact experiences such as the Community Innovation Speaker Series and global engagement opportunities through Study Away and Study Abroad programs.

Additionally, this position supervises a full- time employee, the Coordinator of the ALL Georgia Program, which provides targeted support and engagement opportunities for UGA's rural student population.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Social Work, Inclusive Excellence, or related field. Experience in lieu of education can be considered.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, student affairs, or inclusive excellence programming.
• Demonstrated success in developing and leading student-centered inclusion initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Experience advising or mentoring students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and community members
• Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Think critically and exercise sound judgment.
• Learn and use university systems (e.g., OneUSG, Banner, eLC, etc.) as needed.

Physical Demands

• Work is typically performed in an office setting with occasional evening and weekend hours required for events and student programs.
• Sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Communicate effectively using speech, hearing, and vision.
• Occasionally lift and move items up to 25 pounds (e.g., event materials, supplies).
• Ability to move about campus and attend meetings or events in various locations.
• Work occasional evenings or weekends, depending on program needs.
• Some travel may be necessary for conferences or off-campus programs (including study away/abroad site visits).

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities
Broadening Student-Centered Programming & Support :

• Partner with university offices to connect inclusive programming with career readiness initiatives by strengthening workforce preparation outcomes for various student populations.
• Provide strategic leadership for the development and implementation of Comprehensive Yield Events and Programming, including overseeing staff and guiding teams responsible for the planning and execution of initiatives that support student recruitment, engagement, and retention.
• Lead and provide strategic direction for organizational initiatives and guide staff in executing programs that align with institutional goals and support student engagement.
• Provide leadership and vision to professional staff responsible for supporting student organizations, with a focus on fostering environments that promote belonging, academic success, and leadership development across a broad range of student communities.

Percentage of time 35 Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead the Community Engagement Speaker Series, including speaker identification, event coordination, and program promotion to engage the campus community.
• Co-Lead annual university events such as: MLK Freedom Breakfast and the Mary Frances Early Lecture Series.
• Collaborate with academic and student affairs units to create and expand Study Away and Study Abroad experiences that foster cross-cultural understanding, promote civility, and prepare students to thrive in a global society.
• Design and implement campus-wide inclusive excellence initiatives that align with the goals of the institution and the ACE office.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

• Co-chair and actively contribute to university committees and working groups.
• Represent ACE in internal and external settings, including professional conferences, campus events, and community outreach efforts.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

• Evaluate the effectiveness of ACE programs and initiatives through data collection, surveys, and impact assessments.
• Contribute to reporting on institutional and strategic planning.
• Provide input on resource needs, budget planning, and long-term program sustainability.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities

• Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing learning related to belonging, community building, and student success in higher education.
• Assist with other strategic priorities and emergent needs of the Office of Academic and Community Engagement.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Alton Standifer Recruitment Contact Email alton@uga,edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Portfolio
2. Other Documents #1