Community and External Affairs Manager

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

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.

* 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.

* 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.

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.

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.

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.