"Program Assistant - Gainesville"

Job Details

Posting Number: S13945P

Working Title: Program Assistant - Gainesville

Department: PSO-Small Business Dev Center

About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 formed School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: M-F, 8am – 5pm; some nights and weekends

Advertised Salary: $50,000

Posting Date: 07/31/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 09/01/2025

Location of Vacancy: Other North Georgia 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 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.

Classification Title: Office/Clerical Lead

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Position Summary: The Program Assistant serves primarily as the first point of contact for our UGA Small Business Development Center field locations. This position is responsible for managing inquiries and coordinating administrative management of the office. As the focal point of the center, the Program Assistant will play a pivotal role in managing daily operations to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. The ideal candidate will possess strong administrative and customer service skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities effectively.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Possess the organizational and computer skills to use key university systems (OneUSG Connect, UGAMart, UGA Financial Management System and P-Card) and the standard office software (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Knowledge & ability to use and maintain office equipment including: computers, printers, copy machines, telephones & messaging systems
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is a passion for excellence and a positive demeanor, as the Program Assistant represents the department as its initial point of contact.
• The Program Assistant should have an understanding and commitment to teamwork and collaborative culture.

Physical Demands: Work at a computer work station for 8 hours per day on some days. Lift and carry 30 pounds. Driving to perform job related duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

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?: Yes

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: Yes

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:

First Point of Contact: Serves as the first point of contact for office communication and manages incoming inquiries (phone, email, web and walk-ins). Maintains a working knowledge of SBDC and community resources in order to route clients to the appropriate resource. Presents a professional image and routes messages to consultants as appropriate. When appropriate, gives short presentations about services and represents SBDC at events. Percentage of time: 35

Office Administration: Maintains financial files by requesting P-Card preapprovals, purchasing items, and sending p-card reconciliation paperwork to the state business office. Manages facilities and coordinates with UGA SBDC Business office including but not limited to: ordering appropriate office supplies, paying bills/invoices as needed, and handling incoming/outgoing mail. Percentage of time: 20

Continuing Education Administration: Inputs courses into the registration system, managing the registration process and providing customer service for CE participants. Manages documentation of classes in accordance with UGA and SBA standards. Provides clerical and administrative support for local office’s continuing education programs including but not limited to: collecting registration fees, processing refunds as appropriate, ordering materials, and printing class materials. Manages CE Evaluation process and responsible for pulling survey results for the local center’s programming. Percentage of time: 20

Center Coordination: Collaborates with State Office Marketing department to coordinate promotional materials for CE classes and other center promotion. Manages a center calendar including CE events, and other relevant office events and deadlines for the local center. Manages scheduling and correspondence with clients when requested by consultants. Maintains a contact list and calendar of outreach meetings and events with local referral sources and resource partners. Support organizational improvement efforts through active involvement on internal committees, special projects, and various assessments as directed by the state office. 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: Ruby Riesinger Recruitment Contact Email: rriesinger@georgiasbdc.org