Director of Academic and Community Engagement

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.

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

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

Proposed Starting Date :

02 / 01 / 2026

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

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 :

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

Percentage of time : 35

Duties / Responsibilities :

Program Oversight and Community Engagement

Percentage of time : 35

Duties / Responsibilities :

Student Engagement and Institutional Support

Percentage of time : 35

Duties / Responsibilities :

Institutional Collaboration and External Representation

Percentage of time : 35

Duties / Responsibilities :

Assessment, Reporting, and Resource Development

Percentage of time : 35

Carry out Special Projects as assigned by the Vice Provost

Percentage of time : 35

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