"Public Service Faculty - Local Government Operations"

Job Details

Position Summary

The Carl Vinson Institute of Government at The University of Georgia invites applications for a Public Service Faculty position in the Government Services and Research Division / Local Government Unit. The position will be available February 1, 2025 and carries rank in the public service faculty career ladder of the University.

Helping local governments operate in the most financially prudent and efficient manner is a priority of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This position will provide technical assistance and conduct studies to help government leaders make data informed decisions. To be successful in this position will require a mix of both qualitative and quantitative research methods to address the needs of the government being assisted. We are looking for an experienced professional who is eager to assist local government leaders through financial analysis, policy analysis, feasibility studies, benchmarking and best practice research. This position will also work with public works directors and other local government leaders who work every day to maintain the critical infrastructure in their city and county.

As a public service faculty member, this position will be part of one of the most trusted organizations in the state that provides objective research and analysis. This position is part of the Local Government Operations unit comprised of a team of faculty and staff. Public service faculty are responsible for understanding the needs of governments and developing and delivering programs and services to meet those needs.

As a public service faculty member, this position has an opportunity to serve governments across the state and also develop and share their expertise through training, webinars, writing reports, and making professional presentations. Occasional overnight travel is required of this position.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. Candidates will be considered for the position until it is filled. Application materials should include a cover letter, curriculum vita, a brief writing sample from a technical report, and three references with contact information. The finalists for the position will be required to provide three letters of recommendation. All applicants must apply through UGAJobs to be considered for the position.

Possibility for the position be located in Athens or Atlanta.

Posting Details

• Posting Number: F2207P
• Working Title: Public Service Faculty - Local Government Operations
• Department: PSO-Carl Vinson Inst of Govt
• Advertised Salary: Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant
• Anticipated Start Date: 02/01/2025
• Job Posting Date: 11/08/2024
• Job Closing Date: Open until filled
• Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Position Information

• Classification Title: Public Service Professional AC
• Faculty Rank: Open Rank
• Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)
• Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Public Service Assistant, Public Service Associate, or Senior Public Service Associate. Rank on hire will depend on the candidate’s qualifications and experience, according to Public Service and Outreach Appointment and Promotion Guidelines found here.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Master’s degree in, but not limited to, public administration, business, social work, sociology, law, economics, management information systems
• Five years of experience working in government operations or management
• Background with the maintenance and operations of public infrastructure
• Background doing financial analysis
• Background gathering data, writing reports and making presentations to elected officials
• Background facilitating groups.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of state and local government political structure, functions, and operations.
• Knowledge of public management practices, emerging trends, issues, and challenges.
• Knowledge of local government operations, financial environment, and legal frameworks.
• Knowledge of public works and infrastructure including sewer and water, utilities, and maintenance and repair.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets associated with contracts or grant projects.
• Ability to manage complex long-term projects and client relationships.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Ability to develop and apply creative solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to explain complex methodologies and solutions in a practical manner.
• Advanced skills in establishing priorities and organizing work.
• Advanced administrative, management, and supervisory skills.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for client interactions and presentations.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide research and technical assistance services to local governments and other government organizations. Provide technical assistance and conduct studies to help government leaders make data informed decisions through financial analysis, feasibility studies, benchmarking and best practice research. Percentage Of Time: 70
• Meet with potential clients to determine needs and negotiate contracts. Establish and maintain relationships with existing clients, as appropriate. Percentage Of Time: 10
• Support the strategic projects of the Institute and collaborate across the Institute of Government and Public Service and Outreach. Percentage Of Time: 10
• Establish and maintain solid working relationships with personnel in state government and professional associations that align with the work of the Institute. Percentage Of Time: 5
• Conduct applied research and engage in scholarship on topics and issues of relevance to the mission of the Institute of Government and programs and services of governments in Georgia. Share expertise through training, webinars, writing reports, and making professional presentations. Percentage Of Time: 5

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Writing Sample
4. List of References with Contact Information