UGA Cortona Center Assistant

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a UGA Cortona Center Assistant based in Cortona, Italy. This seconded, limited-term role supports a 30-95 student cohort across campus programs and dorm operations.

The position requires crisis management, policy enforcement, and strong communication in group settings. Responsibilities include reporting, student support, and coordinating with staff and faculty to ensure smooth operations of the Cortona Center facilities and programs for approximately 275

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
• Strong communication skills within group environments.
• Experience with facilities management and crisis response.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic management of the Cortona Center residential facility and its residents.
• Provide direct personal support to students.
• Implement strategies to enhance student experiences and achieve program objectives.
• Oversee overnight student support and safety in the dorm.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree related field or equivalent

Job description

Posting Number:

S15518P

Working Title:

UGA Cortona Center Assistant

Department:

OGE-UGA Cortona

About the University of Georgia:

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. 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 3,100 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:

The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) at the University of Georgia is dedicated to expanding the global reach of our institution’s instructional, research, and service missions, facilitating the university’s thoughtful and effective participation and leadership in the interconnected world of the twenty‑first century. OGE is comprised of three units: Immigration Services, International Initiatives, and Global Education—the latter including UGA’s residential centers in Oxford, England and Cortona, Italy—with all areas supported by dedicated Finance and Operations staff. OGE’s comprehensive structure enables it to advance strategic institutional goals aimed at raising the global profile of the University of Georgia. OGE’s primary tenets include providing transformative academic experiences abroad for UGA students, sponsoring international students and scholars on campus, and promoting finding solutions to complex global challenges through strategic international partnerships and international research collaborations.

College/Unit/Department website:

globalengagement.uga.edu

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

Your supervisor will assist you in creating your work schedule.

Advertised Salary:

$44,000

Posting Date:

07/28/2026

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

05/01/2027

Location of Vacancy:

Outside Georgia

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].

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.

Classification Title:

Student Services Pro II

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Position Summary:

This is a seconded, limited term position needed (approximately May 2027 to early August 2028). This position is based in Cortona, Italy. The Center Assistant will live and work with 30-95 students (approximately 275 students, annually) during a particular program, at the John D. Kehoe Cortona Center. The facility houses Cortona Studies Abroad students during Fall, Spring, Maymester, and Summer programs. The individual holding the position will primarily be responsible for:

• Assist UGA Cortona residential center staff during a crisis or emergency, maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
• Support, communicate, and enforce all UGA Cortona residential center policies, procedures and regulations.
• Conduct facility check-in and check-out for John D. Kehoe Cortona Center students each term.
• Participate in appropriate UGA Cortona meetings including, but not limited to: weekly staff meetings, one-on-one meetings with supervisor and faculty meetings when appropriate.
• Complete various reports including, but not limited to: weekly reports, incident documentation, referrals and/or problems, facilities maintenance records.
• Provide students with reasonable support services, such as: assisting with doctor visits, Italian transportation systems, communications, etc.
• Support program by encouraging students to be involved in Cortona Program events, meetings and activities and by participating/attending these events.
• Provide overnight support to students for emergencies that may arise in the UGA Cortona dorm.
• Assisting to maintain general facility safety and regulation compliance.
• Small-scale (general) building repair and maintenance, assist to manage facilities of particular buildings.

This position has a limited appointment term which is expected begin May 2027 and end in early August 2028. The position may be extended beyond the initial term, contingent upon continued funding, and/or upon Italian labor/immigration regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Possess strong communication skills, especially within group and communal environments.
• Responsible and mature, will assist with management of facilities, assist the program in crisis management situations, and enforce university and Cortona Program policies.

Physical Demands:

• Reside in the John D. Kehoe Center in Cortona, Italy, a small, historic, and close‑knit Tuscan hill town for approximately 15 months.
• Possess the ability to move about the hilly community unassisted.
• Lift and carry up to 40 lbs, as needed.
• Other physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Communicating with students via talking, speaking in front of a group, and listening

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?:

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):

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.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the strategic management of the John D. Kehoe Cortona Center residential facility and its residents
• Implement and provide direct personal support to students (and student needs)
• Optimize program services by implementing strategies to enhance student experiences and achieve program objectives. This is done through direct support for various program needs/services and overnight support to students for emergencies that may arise in the dorm 24/7

Percentage of time:

50

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Independently support the Cortona Program Director, Associate Director, Student Services and Facilities Coordinator, and program faculty in studio and classroom areas by managing facility-related responsibilities.
• Proactively handle logistical aspects of the program, including the art exhibition, student communication regarding schedules and events, and participation in excursions, while also addressing assigned tasks

Percentage of time:

45

Duties/Responsibilities:

Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time:

5

Contact Details:

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

Recruitment Contact Name:

Christopher Robinson

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]

Recruitment Contact Phone:

706-542-4519