"Academic Professional, Franklin CREATE! Director"

Job Details

Position Summary

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia seeks an entrepreneurial leader with a strong record of startup and innovation experience to serve as Director of the newly launched Franklin CREATE! initiative. This applied experiential learning program fosters innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and market engagement for students across all disciplines in the College.

The ideal candidate will bring energy, vision, and a passion for student entrepreneurial activity. They will work effectively with faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors, and external partners, reporting to the Senior Associate Dean and serving as a key member of the Office of Academic Innovation. Close collaboration with the UGA Innovation District, UGA Entrepreneurship Program, advisory boards, and the broader startup, funding, and venture capital communities will be central to this role.

This is an open-rank Academic Professional position with both administrative and instructional responsibilities. The final offer will align with University of Georgia guidelines for Academic Professional ranks: UGA Academic Professional Guidelines. This is a 12 month, non-tenure track position, to begin between January 1 and April 1, 2026.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Administration (75%)

• Define the initiative’s roadmap and strategy in partnership with the Senior Associate Dean and project leaders.
• Fundraise in collaboration with the Franklin Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
• Supervise direct reports, including the program manager and additional staff.
• Serve as the primary liaison with academic units, faculty, and students.
• Manage the program’s budget and steward sustainable growth to serve students across disciplines.
• Promote the program in partnership with the Franklin Office of Marketing and Communications.

Program Instruction (25%)

• Develop and deliver educational experiences with Franklin faculty, including:
  • Core courses such as Startup Lab (customer discovery, market validation, business modeling) and Make (concept-to-prototype development).
  • Additional curricular opportunities through treks, study-away, and alumni engagement.
• Teach up to 6 credit hours annually in Franklin CREATE! courses.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please upload a cover letter outlining relevant experience, curriculum vitae, and names and contact information of three references. Letters of recommendation will be requested at a later date in the search process. Inquiries should be addressed to the Search Committee Chair, Paula Lemons, plemons@uga.edu.

Posting Details

Posting Number
F2512P

Working Title
Academic Professional, Franklin CREATE! Director

Department
Franklin-Deans Office Admin

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

Franklin CREATE! empowers students across the Arts and Sciences to develop entrepreneurial skills and transform ideas into action. It builds on the College’s disciplinary breadth, mobilizing students whose entrepreneurial interests are emerging, while also supporting faculty innovators who wish to mentor students more effectively. Through curricular and co-curricular programming, Franklin CREATE! adapts and scales entrepreneurial education models to succeed in a comprehensive, multidisciplinary learning environment.

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The College has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.

Posting Type
External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type
Employee

Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary
Commensurate with experience, starting at $150,000, not to exceed $160,000.

Anticipated Start Date
01/01/2026

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date
10/22/2025

Job Closing Date

Open until filled
Yes

Location of Vacancy
Athens Area

EEO 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 Details

Position Information

Classification Title
Academic Professional AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank
Open Rank

Contract Type
Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status
Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified applicants will hold a terminal degree in Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Education, or related field.

Additional Requirements

Qualified applicants will hold a terminal degree in Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Education, or related field OR equivalent professional experience with a record of entrepreneurial success. Candidates should have a minimum of 3–5 years of experience in entrepreneurial work, program management, or innovation-focused roles (higher ed, nonprofit, government, or industry). Candidates with a BA or non-terminal master’s degree must be approved for a terminal degree exception before hire.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Evidence of clear goal setting, audience engagement, and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Background in founding or investing in entrepreneurial ventures.
• Record of bringing a technology/product from inception to market.
• Successful record of raising venture financing for early-stage companies.
• Ability to lead accelerators, incubators, or similar organizations.

Physical Demands

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

Is driving a responsibility 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

Posting Specific Questions

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

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

Optional Documents