Administrative Specialist

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: https://spia.uga.edu/departments-centers/padp/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm in office.

Advertised Salary: $35,200 - $42,240

Posting Date: 08/28/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 09/28/2026

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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Classification Title: Department Assistant I

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent

Position Summary: The Department Assistant for the Department of Public Administration and Policy in the School of Public and International Affairs is the primary point of contact for the Department and works independently to oversee general operations. In addition, the Department Assistant coordinates faculty recruitment, special events, and internal and external communications (social media). The Department Assistant prepares and initiates departmental business processes that flow to SPIA's shared services business team. The Department Assistant reports directly to the Head of the Department of Public Administration and Policy.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Ability to analyze financial data.
• Ability to prepare financial statements and work independently to apply accounting practice and theory as it relates to higher education fiscal policies and processes.
• Ability to support budgeting, purchasing, and general administrative processes within the department.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively.
• Written and communication skills and great attention to detail.
• Sound judgement, discretion, and proven efficiency in handling complex and confidential issues independently.
• Effective multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with limited information and produce results for the execution of events.
• Advanced Microsoft Office application skills.
• Social media application skills.
• Canva and general design skills.

Physical Demands: Sitting, standing for long periods of time. Light lifting up to 30 pounds. Walking between buildings.

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

Communications

• Update website and social media content periodically with news about alumni, faculty, and students. Take photos at events for use in advertising and social media.
• Create website material (student and faculty profiles, department activities and honors, etc.).
• Design program guides, brochures, and posters for programs.
• Collaborate with marketing team at the School level to execute promotions within strategic brand plan.

Percentage of time: 20

Project and Event Management

• Plan, implement, and execute event logistics for department events.
• Scheduling conference room and classroom spaces.
• Organize and book travel for guests, speakers, and candidates.
• Negotiate catering for events.
• Coordinate tasks to other PADP staff engaged in projects and events

Percentage of time: 20

Financial Support

• SPIA Business Team liaison for faculty purchasing and reimbursement expenditures and processes.
• Serve as Delegate in Financial Management System for faculty, staff, and guest reimbursements (travel and non-travel).
• Assists Department Head with maintenance of annual budget.
• Track departmental transactions and spending in accordance with annual budget.
• Department purchasing/ordering/invoicing

Percentage of time: 30

Administrative Support

• Serve as primary department contact in person, on phone, and via email and social media platforms.
• Provide administrative support for department head.
• Maintain departmental calendar of events.
• General office and departmental management (building, keys, mail, etc.).
• Supply and promotional item inventory maintenance
• Property control
• Building lock, alarms, after-hour access

Percentage of time: 30

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Hannah Cowart

Recruitment Contact Email: hrcowart@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone: 706-542-2931