Community and External Affairs Manager

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S12495P

Working Title Community and External Affairs Manager

Department PSO-Marine Extension Service

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently 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 employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides integrated research, education and extension programs that foster the responsible use of Georgia's coastal resources by individuals, decision-makers and management agencies.

Our program is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant's mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension.


College/Unit/Department website https://gacoast.uga.edu/

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

This position will require attending meetings outside of normal office hours including evenings and occasional weekends.

Advertised Salary Compensation will be determined by the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant.

Posting Date 08/09/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date 11/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy Savannah Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

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 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 online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.



Position Information

Classification Title External Affairs Professional

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

Required Education/ Experience

• Bachelor's degree in public affairs, political science, business, communications, or a closely related field is required.

• At least 2 years of experience in community relations, external affairs or public policy.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's degree in public affairs, political science, business, communications, or a closely related field is required.

• At least 5 years of experience in community relations, external affairs or public policy.

Position Summary

The Community and External Affairs Manager plays a crucial role in fostering positive relationships between the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant and its local community, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders. This position involves strategic planning, advocacy, and effective communication to promote the organization's interests and address community needs. Primary stakeholders/audience include community and business groups, including local chambers and Rotary clubs, and government officials across coastal Georgia. The specialist is expected to leverage their skills, experience and resources to develop and implement a plan to engage and educate and inform these audiences on the accomplishments, impact, and needs of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant. The community and external affairs manager will report to the director and will work closely with the MAREX Georgia Sea Grant leadership team, public relations staff, development committee, extension and education staff, and the Office of the Vice President for Public Service to help the unit build better recognition and support for all unit activities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills particularly as it pertains to interpreting/translating research-based technical information for the understanding and use by decision makers, practitioners, and the public.
• Familiarity with coastal and Georgia and existing relationships with community leaders.
• Ability to self-motivate, to work independently and as a member of a team, and to develop annual plans of work which include measurable outcomes.
• Work is typically performed in a general office setting and in diverse field settings. Ability to travel on an as needed basis is essential.

Physical Demands

• Driving as needed to perform job tasks
• Sitting for long periods working at a computer.
• This position will require attending meetings outside of normal office hours including evenings and occasional weekends

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

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 Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.



Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Community Engagement:

• Develop and implement community engagement strategies to build strong relationships with local residents, businesses, and community organizations.
• Organize and participate in community events, town halls, and public meetings.
• Collaborate with community leaders and influencers to address concerns and promote mutual understanding.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

External Relations:

• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Coordinating closely and in partnership with UGA's Office of Government Relations
• Advocate for the organization's interests by engaging with elected officials, government agencies, and policymakers in coastal Georgia.
• Construct briefings and deliver presentations for relevant legislative hearings.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

Stakeholder Communication:

• Work with our public relations team to serve as a liaison between the organization and external stakeholders.
• Communicate the organization's goals, initiatives, and impact to community members, government officials, and other relevant parties.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns from the community and government representatives.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities

General Support:

• Become familiar with all aspects of the program by supporting events and activities of the unit.
• Work with internal teams including public relations, development committee, public programs coordinator and leadership team as needed.
• Regularly share contacts and leads with the Office of the Vice President for Public Service development team for the purpose of increasing private investment.
• Provide leadership and support to major conferences and workshops that are public facing to ensure success and engage with stakeholders.
• Assist the director as needed in relation to community and government needs.

Percentage of time 25

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Mark Risse

Recruitment Contact Email mrisse@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone 706-202-9576

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a valid Driver's license?
   • YES
   • NO

Applicant Documents Required Documents

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

Optional Documents