Associate Director for Global Studies and Languages

About the University

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff, serving over 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA’s learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, scholarship, and creative output across more than 80 degree programs in 40+ units. More information is available at franklin.uga.edu.

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Operations is a university staff position responsible for all operational and administrative functions of the Global Studies and Languages Initiative in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Working with the Initiative Director, the Associate Director translates the mission into innovative educational and research programs, sustainable funding strategies, and productive partnerships. The role involves collaboration with internal offices and external partners, supervising Initiative staff, and ensuring effective outcomes within university and partner policies and procedures. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Initiative.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of higher education administration, international education, language education, study abroad, and experiential learning program development and management.
• Knowledge of grant‑funded program administration, including proposal development, budgeting, compliance, reporting, and program sustainability.
• Skill in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with academic institutions, community organizations, governmental agencies, and international stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically, exercise sound judgment, and lead complex initiatives from planning through implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement.
• Skill in oral, written, and interpersonal communication, with the ability to effectively engage faculty, students, administrators, sponsors, and external partners across diverse cultural and professional settings.
• Ability to supervise and develop staff, coordinate cross‑functional teams, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of federally funded international and language education programs, including the National Language Flagship Program, as well as emerging technologies and artificial intelligence applications relevant to program administration and educational innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• An earned doctorate, or current enrollment with demonstrated progress toward a doctorate, in a relevant field such as business administration and management or a related discipline.
• Experience with outreach and building alumni networks, mentoring programs, alumni communications, or collaborations with development and alumni relations offices.

Responsibilities

• Program Operations, Grant Administration & Compliance – Manage the day‑to‑day operational and administrative activities across Initiative‑supported programs related to global studies, language education, and research; ensure proper execution of grant management activities and requirements; monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, university policies, procedures, and sponsor regulations; ensure execution of grant‑funded programming and activities; work with the Director on grant proposals and funding applications; work on grant management, financial reporting, and program assessment. (30% of time)
• Financial & Contract Management – Work with the Business Center to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of financial obligations; monitor budgets, expenditures, grant accounts, and financial reporting requirements; ensure program participants receive all approved aid, scholarships, stipends, and awards; ensure proper execution of contracts with external and international vendors; coordinate memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and other collaborative agreements through appropriate university processes. (20% of time)
• Personnel Management & Administrative Leadership – Supervise, train, mentor, and provide backup support for Initiative staff positions; develop and maintain operational procedures to support efficient program administration; coordinate workflow and administrative functions to support Initiative goals and grant objectives. (15% of time)
• Program Planning, Events & Logistics – Plan, coordinate, and execute events, workshops, conferences, and other program activities; manage all logistical matters relating to Initiative events and programming; coordinate arrangements for domestic and international visitors, speakers, and program participants as needed. (15% of time)
• University Relations & Partnership Development – Serve as liaison with university offices including the Office of Global Engagement, Human Resources, Sponsored Projects Administration, the Bursar’s Office, and other campus partners; foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders; collaborate with development and alumni relations offices on engagement, stewardship, and partnership initiatives. (10% of time)
• Communications, Outreach & Alumni Engagement – Coordinate outreach activities, communications, events, and alumni networks to support sustained engagement with language and global learning programs;