Vice President for External Affairs

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Our campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.

Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.

Job Summary

The Vice President serves as a member of the President's Cabinet and provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the following functional units for the Office of Government Relations and the Office of Business and Partnership Development. The VP maintains close internal working relationships with the following offices and leaders on matters central to the position's mission: Provost and Senior VP for Academic Affairs, regarding academic alignment with workforce and community needs, student success, and experiential learning. The Associate VP for Research regarding corporate engagement, industry partnerships, technology commercialization, and business attraction activities that advance UWG's research and economic development agenda. The VP for Communications and Marketing regarding external communications strategy, stakeholder messaging, and university brand alignment. The VP for Advancement, UWG Foundation, UWG Alumni Association, and UWG Athletics regarding coordinated engagement with donors, alumni, and community stakeholders in support of the UWG Next strategic plan. The VP of Legal Affairs & General Counsel and the Academic College Deans to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, expand community engaged scholarship, strengthen external partnerships, and advance the university's outreach and public impact.

Responsibilities

• External Engagement and Strategic Partnerships: (50%) The Vice President serves as the primary champion and architect of UWG's engagement mission, connecting the university's intellectual and operational resources with communities, industries, and citizens across Georgia and beyond. Drawing on UWG's mission, this leader will: Lead and advance a comprehensive, integrated university engagement strategy that reflects UWG's commitment to reciprocal, mutually beneficial partnerships with communities, industries, organizations, and individuals across Georgia and nationally. Serve as the President's principal liaison with external stakeholders including community leaders, legislators, industry executives, civic organizations, and strategic partners to facilitate initiatives and partnerships with significant local, state, national, and international impact. Lead the Office of Government Relations, providing direction and mentorship to professional government relations staff and maintaining university protocols that ensure all official governmental contacts are appropriately coordinated. Lead the Office of Business and Partnership Development in developing strategic relationships with employers, industry, and external partners. Build relationships with major employers to identify workforce needs and connect them to UWG programs, credentials, research, internships, and talent. Partner closely with the Associate Vice President for Research and the corporate engagement team to identify, develop, and advance strategic industry relationships that serve both the university's research enterprise and its broader economic development mission. Ensure that government relations and external engagement activities are aligned with and amplify the university's corporate engagement priorities. Collaborate with the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs to connect employer, workforce, community, and economic development needs with academic programs, credentials, experiential learning, and faculty expertise. Partner with the Vice President for Advancement, UWG Foundation, the UWG Alumni Association, and UWG Athletics to amplify engagement opportunities, coordinate stakeholder outreach, and advance the UWG Next strategic plan. Develop and maintain systems for tracking, measuring, and communicating the university's community and stakeholder engagement outcomes and impact.
• Government Relations: (20%) UWG's sustained excellence depends on strong, trust-based relationships with elected officials, policy makers, regulatory bodies, and governmental partners at the local, state and federal levels. The Vice President will: Serve as UWG's chief governmental affairs officer, directing the university's comprehensive legislative and regulatory advocacy strategy and representing UWG's interests and priorities before the Georgia General Assembly, Governor's Office, University System of Georgia, United States Congress, federal agencies, and their respective staffs, ensuring the university speaks with one coordinated, strategic voice in all governmental interactions. Develop, monitor, and advocate for UWG's annual state and federal budget priorities. Confer with the Vice President for Advancement, UWG Foundation, and UWG Alumni Association on university, legislative and philanthropic priorities. Identify, monitor, and proactively respond to state and federal legislation, regulatory changes, and policy initiatives that affect UWG's operations, mission, and strategic goals including those with implications for higher education policy, research funding, and workforce development. Maintain UWG's relationships within Georgia's congressional delegation and with key federal agencies and other research-funding partners, in close coordination with the Vice President for Research. Work collaboratively with the Associate Vice President for Research and Provost to align federal relations activities with the university's research, innovation, and corporate engagement priorities, presenting a unified UWG voice on policy and funding matters at the federal level. Coordinate with the University System of Georgia (USG) and peer institution government relations offices to advance shared higher education policy priorities in Georgia and nationally. Lead and develop legislative advocacy programs and related grassroots legislative engagement efforts, mobilizing faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners as effective advocates for UWG's public policy agenda. Ensure full compliance with conflict-of-interest policies and university protocols governing all governmental relations activities. Serve as a resource for faculty, staff, and administrators regarding federal, state, and local policies and procedures.
• Economic Development: (30%) As a cornerstone of the Georgia economy, UWG has a distinctive obligation to drive economic vitality throughout the state. The Vice President will: Lead the university's strategic economic and workforce development agenda, working in close partnership with the Associate Vice President for Research to position UWG as a driver of business attraction, innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community prosperity throughout Georgia and the region. Serve as the primary external-facing university liaison for economic development partnerships with the state and regional economic development organizations, state and regional workforce development partners, industry associations, and chambers of commerce ensuring that UWG's corporate engagement capabilities and research assets are effectively communicated and deployed in support of Georgia economic growth. Lead the Office of Business and Partnership Development and ensure alignment of university economic development activities with the state of Georgia's economic priorities. Partner with the Associate Vice President for Research and the corporate engagement team on business attraction, technology commercialization, and industry partnership development, serving as a government relations and external engagement bridge between UWG's research enterprise and Georgia's economic development infrastructure. Champion UWG's innovation infrastructure including the Stone Family Entrepreneur Center and related assets as tools for economic development and partnership in coordination with the Associate Vice President for Research. Develop and communicate compelling narratives about UWG's economic impact for use with legislators, state officials, media, and community partners, grounded in data and economic impact analyses. Lead the development of regular economic impact studies and data-driven analyses that demonstrate UWG's value to Georgia communities and businesses, the General Assembly, and the public.

Required Qualifications

Required Education

Bachelors Degree

Required Experience

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in public administration, political science, higher education administration, communications, business, or a closely related field. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in engagement, government relations, economic development, workforce development, business development, strategic partnerships, or a closely related function in a higher education, government, or comparably complex organizational setting. Demonstrated success in developing and managing relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and legislative bodies at the state and/or federal level. Proven ability to lead and inspire diverse teams of professionals in a complex, decentralized university environment. Outstanding communication skills, including public speaking, legislative testimony, and written advocacy, with the ability to represent UWG effectively to multiple audiences. Demonstrated ability to build and sustain productive working relationships with peer senior leaders across a complex organization with shared but distinct portfolios. Deep understanding of higher education and the role of public universities in advancing the public good and must be able to maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education

Masters Degree

Preferred Experience

An earned advanced degree (master's or doctoral level) from an accredited institution in public administration, political science, higher education administration, communications, business, or a closely related field. Prior experience at an institution of higher education in a senior leadership capacity in engagement, government relations, or economic development. Direct experience with the Georgia General Assembly, University System of Georgia, and/or Georgia state agencies. Familiarity with federal policy, sponsored funding programs, and federal agencies that support research, workforce development, innovation, and community engagement relevant to public universities (e.g., USDA, Department of Education, Department of Defense, NSF, NIH and other federal partners). Experience working at the intersection of university research enterprise functions and governmental or external affairs, with an understanding of industry partnership and technology commercialization frameworks. Knowledge of UWG's current strategic plan (UWG Next) and the university's engagement enterprise. Established networks in Georgia's business and civic communities. Experience working with university foundations, alumni associations, and other external partners to advance university priorities.

Proposed Salary

Salary is $150,000 - $175,000 annually. Paid on a monthly basis.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 on-line 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 on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

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 West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Other Information

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.