"Director, Community Engagement"

Director, Community Engagement

Company: University of North Georgia

Job Location:

Category: Extension and Outreach

Type: Full-Time

Job ID: 293371

About Us

Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

Job Summary

The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for a Director, Community Engagement. The Director of Community Engagement will lead the development and execution of impactful community engagement strategies that align with the university's mission and strategic goals. As part of a collaborative leadership team, this role will focus on strengthening UNG's relationships with community organizations, regional businesses and industries, and educational institutions to drive regional workforce development, educational access, and advance UNG's strategy. The Director will engage in community outreach, develop partnerships, advance efforts to provide access to educational resources and opportunities for the communities within the university's service area, and provide continuity and connection from our communities to our academic programs.

Please be advised that any offer of employment is contingent upon your eligibility to work in the United States. The university is aware of recent federal changes that may significantly increase the cost of filing H-1B visa petitions.

As a public institution, the university's ability to cover such costs is subject to budgetary constraints and state funding policies. Therefore, while we remain committed to supporting international faculty hires, we cannot guarantee payment of any newly imposed or increased visa-related fees.

If you have any questions regarding the visa policy, please contact Monica Arrendale at (706) 867-4470.

Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement Community Engagement Strategies:
  • Support the AVP for Community in Engagement in leading the development of community engagement programs that align with UNG’s broader strategic priorities, and the vision set by the Senior Leadership. Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with community organizations, local non-profits, businesses, and K-12 educational institutions to create mutually beneficial partnerships. Implement strategies that foster greater community involvement and advance regional development through educational opportunities and workforce training.
• Build and Strengthen Community Partnerships:
  • Identify key stakeholders within the community and regional areas, including K-12 schools, local non-profits, and business leaders. Establish and maintain strong partnerships to support community and economic development initiatives, working to address local workforce needs and educational challenges. Facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration with partners to ensure the success and sustainability of community engagement programs.
• Foster Educational Access and Workforce Development:
  • Lead efforts to enhance access to higher education and workforce training opportunities for individuals in the region, with a focus on meeting local industry demands. Ensure connection of local needs to academic departments. Work with internal academic departments and faculty to develop targeted programs and initiatives that respond to community and workforce needs, such as certificates, workshops, and continuing education. Develop partnerships with regional businesses and employers to support internships, apprenticeships, and job placement programs for students and alumni.
• Collaborate Across University Units:
  • Work closely with other departments to ensure alignment between community engagement, recruitment, workforce development, and other university initiatives. Coordinate with departments such as academic affairs, student engagement and success, government relations, strategic enrollment management, and advancement to leverage university resources in support of community programs and partnerships. Promote cross-campus collaboration to ensure that all UNG units are involved in supporting community engagement and development efforts.
• Monitor and Evaluate Program Impact:
  • Establish metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of community engagement initiatives and programs. Collect data and feedback from stakeholders to continuously assess the impact of engagement efforts on regional workforce development, educational outcomes, and community well-being. Report on the success of initiatives to the Associate Vice President for Community Engagement, recommending improvements and adjustments as needed.
• Manage Budgets and Resources:
  • Develop and manage the budget for community engagement programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic allocation of resources. Identify external funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships, to support community programs and activities. Ensure that all community engagement activities comply with university policies and industry regulations.
• Serve as UNG's Ambassador in the Community:
  • Represent the university at community events, meetings, and forums to promote UNG's mission and values. Advocate for the university's role in regional development, educational access, and workforce development, ensuring that UNG is seen as a key community partner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of workforce development trends, continuing education, and regional economic challenges and opportunities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse communities.
• Ability to think strategically, work independently, and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proven ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including community organizations, government entities.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., public administration, education, business, or a related discipline).
• Minimum of seven years of experience in community engagement, economic development, or a related field, with at least three years in a leadership role.
• Experience in managing budgets, developing programs, and evaluating the success of community engagement initiatives.

Proposed Salary

Standard Hiring Range $90,880 - $99,968

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume, Cover Letter, and Transcripts
• Contact information for three professional references