University of Georgia

Posting Number S14410P

Working Title Director of Academic and Community Engagement

Department SRVPAA-ACE

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website oace.uga.edu

Posting Type 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 $115,000

Posting Date 11/18/2025

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date 02/01/2026

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.

Classification Title Univ Academic Engagement Dir

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience to include 5 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary

The Director of Academic and Community Engagement (ACE) provides strategic leadership to advance the university’s mission of fostering a welcoming, engaged, and academically enriching environment. Reporting directly to the Vice Provost for Academic and Community Engagement, the Director oversees the day-to-day operations of ACE, manages professional and administrative staff, and serves as a key advisor in areas related to access, student success, and institutional community-building.

This role sets the strategic vision for the ACE office and leads high-impact engagement initiatives that enhance the academic experience and foster strong affinity and connections to the university. The Director will collaborate with campus partners to develop and implement programs that support student development, workforce readiness, global citizenship, academic achievement, and deep connections to the institution. They also represent the Vice Provost in internal and external meetings and lead campus-wide initiatives that align with the university’s goals related to academic access, student engagement, and community impact.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Public Affairs, Social Sciences, or a related field; a doctoral degree is strongly preferred.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible administrative or faculty experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated success in leading student-centered engagement or academic access initiatives.
• Strong background in strategic planning, supervision, and cross-institutional collaboration.
• Experience managing office operations, including budgeting, personnel, and program oversight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to work with diverse internal and external constituencies.
• Familiarity with grant development and state or federal funding processes.

Physical Demands

• Work is typically performed in an office setting.
• Occasional evening and weekend responsibilities for programs and events.
• Some travel may be required for conferences, community outreach, and global engagement site visits.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

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) Yes

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

Strategic Leadership and Office Operations

• Provide executive leadership for ACE, including supervision of staff, management of office operations, and budget oversight.
• Guide strategic planning efforts aligned with institutional priorities focused on student access, academic success, and community engagement.
• Support the Vice Provost in decision-making and act as a representative in meetings, committees, and institutional initiatives.
• Serve as a central point of coordination and communication for internal and external stakeholders engaging with the office.

Percentage of time 35

Duties/Responsibilities

Program Oversight and Community Engagement

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of signature programs, including campus and community partnerships, leadership speaker series, and major university events
• Provide executive direction for domestic and global engagement initiatives, including Study Away/Abroad programs and faculty-student experiential learning and research opportunities.
• Cultivate relationships with campus leaders and external organizations to advance mutual learning and student development.

Percentage of time 25

Duties/Responsibilities

Student Engagement and Institutional Support

• Collaborate with campus units to broaden student participation in university programs that promote academic success and prepare students for workforce and civic engagement.
• Lead initiatives that support recruitment, engagement, and retention efforts for student populations.
• Guide staff supporting student-led organizations and co-curricular engagement, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Percentage of time 20

Duties/Responsibilities

Institutional Collaboration and External Representation

• Represent ACE on university committees and external boards, including community forums and professional conferences.
• Collaborate with academic leaders to evaluate and inform policy and institutional practices that align with ACE’s mission.
• Provide consultation and leadership in areas related to academic engagement, access, and student achievement.

Percentage of time 10

Duties/Responsibilities

Assessment, Reporting, and Resource Development

• Lead assessment efforts, including data analysis, surveys, and outcome reporting.
• Manage and develop funding proposals that support ACE priorities.

Percentage of time 5

Duties/Responsibilities

Carry out Special Projects as assigned by the Vice Provost

• Support campus-wide initiatives that support the academic affairs goals and the overall mission of the university.

Percentage of time 5

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

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