Director, Community Engagement

Join to apply for the Director, Community Engagement role at Inside Higher Ed 2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Job Title: Director, Community Engagement Location: UNG - Multi Campus Regular/Temporary: Regular Full/Part Time: Full-Time Job ID: 293371 About Us Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi‑campus university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800‑member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Job Summary The University of North Georgia is currently accepting applications for a Director, Community Engagement. The Director of Community Engagement will lead the development and execution of impactful community engagement strategies that align with the university's mission and strategic goals. As part of a collaborative leadership team, this role will focus on strengthening UNG's relationships with community organizations, regional businesses and industries, and educational institutions to drive regional workforce development, educational access, and advance UNG's strategy. The Director will engage in community outreach, develop partnerships, advance efforts to provide access to educational resources and opportunities for the communities within the university's service area, and provide continuity and connection from our communities to our academic programs. Responsibilities Develop and Implement Community Engagement Strategies: Support the AVP for Community in Engagement in leading the development of community engagement programs that align with UNG’s broader strategic priorities, and the vision set by the Senior Leadership. Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with community organizations, local non‑profits, businesses, and K‑12 educational institutions to create mutually beneficial partnerships. Implement strategies that foster greater community involvement and advance regional development through educational opportunities and workforce training. Build and Strengthen Community Partnerships: Identify key stakeholders within the community and regional areas, including K‑12 schools, local non‑profits, and business leaders. Establish and maintain strong partnerships to support community and economic development initiatives, working to address local workforce needs and educational challenges. Facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration with partners to ensure the success and sustainability of community engagement programs. Foster Educational Access and Workforce Development: Lead efforts to enhance access to higher education and workforce training opportunities for individuals in the region, with a focus on meeting local industry demands. Ensure connection of local needs to academic departments. Work with internal academic departments and faculty to develop targeted programs and initiatives that respond to community and workforce needs, such as certificates, workshops, and continuing education. Develop partnerships with regional businesses and employers to support internships, apprenticeships, and job placement programs for students and alumni. Collaborate Across University Units: Work closely with other departments to ensure alignment between community engagement, recruitment, workforce development, and other university initiatives. Coordinate with departments such as academic affairs, student engagement and success, government relations, strategic enrollment management, and advancement to leverage university resources in support of community programs and partnerships. Promote cross‑campus collaboration to ensure that all UNG units are involved in supporting community engagement and development efforts. Monitor and Evaluate Program Impact: Establish metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of community engagement initiatives and programs. Collect data and feedback from stakeholders to continuously assess the impact of engagement efforts on regional workforce development, educational outcomes, and community well‑being. Report on the success of initiatives to the Associate Vice President for Community Engagement, recommending improvements and adjustments as needed. Manage Budgets and Resources: Develop and manage the budget for community engagement programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic allocation of resources. Identify external funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships, to support community programs and activities. Ensure that all community engagement activities comply with university policies and industry regulations. Serve as UNG's Ambassador in the Community: Represent the university at community events, meetings, and forums to promote UNG's mission and values. Advocate for the university's role in regional development, educational access, and workforce development, ensuring that UNG is seen as a key community partner. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Strong knowledge of workforce development trends, continuing education, and regional economic challenges and opportunities. Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse communities. Ability to think strategically, work independently, and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Proven ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, including community organizations, government entities. Required Qualifications Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., public administration, education, business, or a related discipline). Minimum of seven years of experience in community engagement, economic development, or a related field, with at least three years in a leadership role. Experience in managing budgets, developing programs, and evaluating the success of community engagement initiatives. Proposed Salary Standard Hiring Range $90,880 - $99,968 Required Documents to Attach Resume, Cover Letter, and Transcripts Contact information for three professional references USG Core Values 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 Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at Institutional Values The University of North Georgia, a regional multi‑campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student‑focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co‑curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at 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 North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre‑employment drug test. Equal Employment Opportunity The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an affirmative action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans. Other Information This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card). This position may travel 25% - 50% of the time. This position does not require security clearance. This position has financial responsibilities. This position is not considered a position of trust. Background Check Standard Enhanced + Education & DMV Seniority level Director Employment type Full‑time Job function Business Development and Sales Online Audio and Video Media #J-18808-Ljbffr