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The Vice President for Public Service and Outreach of the University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel (Georgia Center). 

UGA is 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 was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly as the birthplace of public higher education in America. UGA employs approximately 2,000 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,000 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 38,500 students, including over 29,500 undergraduates and over 9,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 17 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens. Additional information about the University of Georgia is available at http://www.uga.edu/.

UGA’s nine Public Service and Outreach units actively connect University students and faculty with communities across Georgia to improve quality of life for all residents.  Our list of partners is expansive, from the 22,000 state and local government officials who each year participate in our training programs to local chambers of commerce, schools, hospitals, small businesses, and non-profits.  As part of UGA’s outreach mission, Public Service and Outreach works to help create jobs and prosperity, develop the state’s leaders, and solve critical statewide challenges. Additional information about UGA Public Service and Outreach can be found at: http://www.outreach.uga.edu/.

The Georgia Center is a large and comprehensive continuing education unit that includes a conference center and hotel. The facility was one of the original Centers of Continuing Education funded by the Kellogg Foundation. The Georgia Center’s continuing education programs focus on conferences and other professional development experiences, both in-person and online. Opening in 1957, the 300,000 square foot facility includes two auditoriums, 19 conference rooms, five executive boardrooms, a computer training lab, 200 hotel rooms, banquet areas, a full-service restaurant, and bistro. The Georgia Center employs approximately 400 people. The Georgia Center hosts more than 1,700 events annually, with approximately 95,000 participants each year.  Additional information about the Georgia Center can be found at: http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/.

The Director of the Georgia Center reports to the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach and is responsible for managing the administrative, budgetary, and programmatic operations of the unit.  A master’s degree in Higher Education Administration or any related field is required, a terminal degree is strongly preferred.  This is an administrative, untenured public service faculty appointment.  Candidates must have commensurate qualifications for appointment as a senior public service associate (https://outreach.uga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2019-Promotion-Guidelines.pdf). At least two years’ experience managing a sizable budget with many fund sources and evidence of strong fiscal oversight skill is required.  As the Georgia Center is the focal point for numerous campus events and meetings, candidates must be able to represent the Georgia Center to all levels of university leadership and external stakeholders.

Preferred qualifications

• The ability to effectively lead and engage a large team while creating a positive and collaborative work environment.
• At least five years of direct experience in hospitality administration, academic administration, or developing or managing continuing education programs.
• At least five years of professional experience at the executive management level.
• Ability to show creativity and position the Georgia Center for success through entrepreneurial partnerships.
• A general understanding of information systems and use of technology for education and management.
• Successful fundraising experience.

Applications: Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Thursday, January 30, 2020; however, screening will continue until the position is filled.   The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).

All applicants must apply online at https://www.ugajobsearch.com. Please see the job posting at: http://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/131462

To request a descriptive Opportunity Profile for this position, provide a nomination, or seek additional information, please contact Damla Williams, Primary Consultant with the UGA Search Group, 706-542-7344 or damlaw@uga.edu. Letters of recommendation or a simple nomination should include the name and contact information for the nominee.