Assistant Director, S-SARE Program

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; 8am-5pm

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 04/29/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 06/01/2026

Location of Vacancy: Griffin 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: Academic Program Coord II

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

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

Position Summary: Assistant Director of the Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program: In addition to acting as the assistant to the director of the program in all matters, the position has the autonomous authority to manage three independent grant programs within the S-SARE portfolio.

This is a grant-funded position with continued employment based on the needs of the project as well as available funding and satisfactory job performance and progress.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Demonstrates knowledge of agricultural research/educational/marketing practices, specifically topics related to sustainable agriculture.
• Understands the Land-Grant system, including research and Cooperative Extension.
• Has knowledge of grant management and grant writing.
• Understands program policy and regulations related to grant programs and project management.
• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills to educate others about the SARE program.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and analytics.

Physical Demands: Normal office environment.

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

Manage SSARE Producer Grant, On-Farm Research Grant, and Graduate Student Grant Programs.

• Work with SARE Administrative Council to develop program goals, regulations, and strategies to accomplish goals;
• Develop Calls for Proposals that communicate goals and regulations to potential grant applicants;
• Implement all phases of the granting process, from release of the Calls for Proposals to grant award.
• Oversee proposals process and reviews, including Technical Review panels;
• Assist potential grant applicants with grant submission.
• Conduct on-site meetings with grantees to assist in research/reporting process, address any issues, and to ensure grantees meet grant reporting deadlines.
• Work with associate accountant on reimbursement processes.

Percentage of time: 20

Manage Projects Database for All Grant Programs

• Read and approve annual and final reports of grant projects;
• Communicate project results to communications specialist as needed to promote the SSARE program;
• Provide feedback and progress on funded projects across all grant programs;
• Present findings on impacts as annual and progress reports to Administrative Council, USDA, and staff to facilitate informed decisions on sustainable ag to ensure the success of the SARE program.

Percentage of time: 20

Maintain the Online Grants Management System

• Assist with maintenance of website architecture and functionality to ensure it meets the needs of applicants, reviewers, and grantees.
• Write/edit/update Calls for Proposals for all Southern SARE grant programs, existing and new.
• Aggregate and Provide Program Data.
• Share with internal/external audiences across all grant programs;
• Compile grant program statistics (number and amount of awards, state, subject matter, institutional type, etc.);
• Evaluate results of projects and grant programs.

Percentage of time: 20

Represent and Promote SSARE at Local, Regional, and National Events

• Collaborate with limited resource specialist, Professional Development Program Manager, and 1862 land-grant liaison in working with relevant organizations to promote sustainable agriculture;
• Collaborate with state Ag Coordinators and Program Assistants.

Percentage of time: 20

Collaborate with SSARE Communications and Outreach Program Staff to publicize and promote research-based results

Percentage of time: 10

Increase the Capacity for Sustainable Ag Research in the Southern Region

Support the Program Director in program oversight as needed

Percentage of time: 10

Contact Details

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

Recruitment Contact Name: Jeffrey F D Dean

Recruitment Contact Email: jeffdean@uga.edu

Organization

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.

Company info

Website: https://www.uga.edu/

Telephone: 706-542-3000

Location: 215 S. Jackson St., Athens, Georgia 30602, United States