Associate Director for Global Studies and Languages

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia is seeking an Associate Director for Global Studies and Languages in Athens. The role oversees operations, grants, and partnerships to advance global learning initiatives within Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.

The position requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and experience in international education, study abroad, and alumni relations. Some evenings or weekends may be required; salary commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience.
• Preferred: earned doctorate or current enrollment toward a doctorate in a relevant field.
• Experience with outreach and building alumni networks and collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations across the Global Studies and Languages Initiative.
• Oversee grant management, budgeting, compliance, and reporting.
• Coordinate university partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Supervise Initiative staff and develop operational procedures.
• Plan events, workshops, and international visitor arrangements.
• Foster relations with offices such as Global Engagement, Sponsored Projects, and Development.

Skills

Higher education administration

International education

Language education

Study abroad program management

Grant administration

Strategic partnerships

Staff supervision

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Doctorate or progress toward doctorate

Job description

Associate Director for Global Studies and Languages

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

Employment Type: Employee

Full/Part time: Full Time

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Additional Schedule Information: M-F, 8am-5pm; Evening or weekend work may be required.

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience

Proposed Starting Date: 10/19/2026

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 is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. The University of Georgia 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of the University of Georgia's learning environment, advancing new knowledge, research, scholarship and creative output by faculty, students, and staff in 80-degree programs across 40+ units.

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

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

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.

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Operations is a university staff position responsible for all the operational and administrative functions of the Global Studies and Languages Initiative (Initiative) in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Working with the Initiative Director, the Associate Director translates the Initiative's mission into innovative educational and research programs, sustainable funding strategies, and productive partnerships. This position works with internal offices and external partners, supervises Initiative staff, and ensures effective outcomes within university and partners' policies and procedures. The incumbent reports to the Director of the Initiative.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• 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.

Physical Demands

Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling; spending long periods of time at a computer.

Additional Position Details

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

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)? Yes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Communications, Outreach & Alumni Engagement

• Coordinate outreach activities, communications, events, and alumni networks to support sustained engagement with language and global learning programs.
• Develop and coordinate promotional content for the Initiative's website, social media platforms, newsletters, and other communication channels.
• Highlight program achievements and student and faculty experiences through strategic communications.

Other Duties

• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.