Assistant Director for Community Engagement

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.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Some nights and weekends may be necessary.

Advertised Salary: $56,000.00

Posting Date: 09/24/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 01/01/2027

Special Instructions to Applicants

Priority consideration will be given to those who complete the application process by October 15, 2026; however, screening will continue until the position is filled.
We are unable to offer a work visa sponsorship for this position. You must be authorized to work in the U.S. to apply.

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: Student Services Pro II

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, or related field and at least two years of full-time experience in a similar functional area is preferred. Experience in supervising, budgeting, event management, advising student organizations, and leading collaborative efforts is preferred.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director for Community Engagement is an integral part of the Engagement, Leadership, and Service Department and reports to the Director of Engagement, Leadership, and Service. This position provides leadership for the department’s community engagement portfolio, developing and implementing programs and initiatives that promote student learning, active citizenship, and meaningful engagement with surrounding communities. The Assistant Director is primarily responsible for the planning and administration of signature community engagement initiatives, including IMPACT Service Breaks and Dawg Day of Service, as well as associated risk management, assessment, fiscal management, and program improvement efforts.
Additionally, this position serves as the primary advisor to Serve UGA and develops educational and leadership experiences that prepare students for responsible community engagement. In collaboration with campus stakeholders and local and statewide community partners, the Assistant Director builds and sustains partnerships that advance departmental priorities and strengthen opportunities for student engagement, learning, and service.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of student development, community engagement, leadership development, and student organization advising practices.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex processes with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced team environment.
• Ability to interpret and apply University policies, procedures, and risk management practices.
• Ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships with campus and community stakeholders to advance departmental and university priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism while maintaining confidentiality.
• Knowledge of fiscal management and assessment practices.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Standard for an office environment. Sit for long periods of time.
• Work evenings and weekends, as needed.

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): 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

Community Engagement

• Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of signature programs and events including Dawg Day of Service and IMPACT Service Break trips.
• Develop and implement risk management protocols for community-based experiences, service trips, volunteer activities, and large-scale events.
• Coordinate travel logistics, participant training, learning partner training, emergency procedures, and compliance requirements for service programs.
• Evaluate program needs and identify opportunities to strengthen the quality, accessibility, sustainability, and educational impact of community engagement experiences.
• Serve as a Learning Partner and provide on-call support during IMPACT Service Break trips to ensure participant safety and responsible engagement with community partners.
• Lead the coordination of on-campus advance voting efforts in coordination with the Student Government Association, Tate Student Center, Office of Government Relations, and Athens-Clarke County Elections Department.

Percentage of time: 50

Leadership Development and Student Organization Advising

• Advise Serve UGA, a registered student organization responsible for building sustainable community relationships through learning, reflection, and service.
• Design and facilitate leadership programs, trainings, workshops, and reflection experiences focused on community engagement, active citizenship, and student leadership.
• Mentor and train student leaders in organizational management, including risk mitigation, marketing and promotion, team building, effective communication, and operational planning.

Percentage of time: 25

Administrative Duties and Management

• Provide strategic leadership for the department’s community engagement portfolio, ensuring programs align with departmental, divisional, and institutional learning outcomes and strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement assessment and reporting processes to measure student learning, community impact, participation trends, and program effectiveness, to guide program improvement and strategic decision-making.
• Develop, manage, and reconcile budgets totaling approximately $50,000 in Student Activity Fee and private funding, ensuring responsible stewardship of University resources.
• Collaborate with departmental and divisional communications staff to develop and implement recruitment, marketing, and promotional strategies for community engagement initiatives.
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with local and statewide partners, non-profits, community leaders, and campus stakeholders including Public Service and Outreach and the Office of Government Relations.

Percentage of time: 25

Contact Details

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

Recruitment Contact Name: Lori Crawford

Recruitment Contact Email: lori.crawford@uga.edu