Associate Director of Community Engagement and Student Initiatives

University of Georgia•Athens, GA

48d

About The Position

The Associate Director of Community Engagement and Student Initiatives plays a pivotal role in fostering a welcoming, accessible, and connected campus environment through programs and initiatives that strengthen student engagement and community building. This position develops and manages signature student programs and campus engagement efforts designed to enhance students' sense of belonging and connection to the university community. A core focus of this role includes broadening participation in university activities and student success initiatives to support the growth, development, and achievement of all students. The Associate Director collaborates closely with campus partners to ensure that programming prepares students for industry and workforce needs. The role also provides leadership for student outreach, oversees major cultural programs, and drives high-impact experiences such as the Community Innovation Speaker Series and global engagement opportunities through Study Away and Study Abroad programs. Additionally, this position supervises a full- time employee, the Coordinator of the ALL Georgia Program, which provides targeted support and engagement opportunities for UGA's rural student population.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience
Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Social Work, Inclusive Excellence, or related field.
At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, student affairs, or inclusive excellence programming.
Demonstrated success in developing and leading student-centered inclusion initiatives.
Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and communication skills.
Experience advising or mentoring students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
Interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and community members
Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Think critically and exercise sound judgment.
Learn and use university systems (e.g., OneUSG, Banner, eLC, etc.) as needed.

Responsibilities

Partner with university offices to connect inclusive programming with career readiness initiatives by strengthening workforce preparation outcomes for various student populations.
Provide strategic leadership for the development and implementation of Comprehensive Yield Events and Programming, including overseeing staff and guiding teams responsible for the planning and execution of initiatives that support student recruitment, engagement, and retention.
Lead and provide strategic direction for organizational initiatives and guide staff in executing programs that align with institutional goals and support student engagement.
Provide leadership and vision to professional staff responsible for supporting student organizations, with a focus on fostering environments that promote belonging, academic success, and leadership development across a broad range of student communities.
Lead the Community Engagement Speaker Series, including speaker identification, event coordination, and program promotion to engage the campus community.
Co-Lead annual university events such as: MLK Freedom Breakfast and the Mary Frances Early Lecture Series.
Collaborate with academic and student affairs units to create and expand Study Away and Study Abroad experiences that foster cross-cultural understanding, promote civility, and prepare students to thrive in a global society.
Design and implement campus-wide inclusive excellence initiatives that align with the goals of the institution and the ACE office.
Co-chair and actively contribute to university committees and working groups.
Represent ACE in internal and external settings, including professional conferences, campus events, and community outreach efforts.
Evaluate the effectiveness of ACE programs and initiatives through data collection, surveys, and impact assessments.
Contribute to reporting on institutional and strategic planning.
Provide input on resource needs, budget planning, and long-term program sustainability.
Participate in professional development opportunities and ongoing learning related to belonging, community building, and student success in higher education.
Assist with other strategic priorities and emergent needs of the Office of Academic and Community Engagement.