Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2727P

Working Title

Director of the UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel

Department

UHR-HR Search Services

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 3,300 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 43,000 students including over 32,300 undergraduates and over 10,700 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 20 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine. As one of the top public universities in the nation, UGA offers a culture of academic excellence and opportunity made all the richer by our renowned faculty, community of scholar-citizens, and vibrant student life program.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Georgia Center is a large and comprehensive continuing education unit that includes a conference center and hotel. Located in Athens, Georgia, the facility was one of the original Centers of Continuing Education funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Opening in 1957, the 300,000 square foot facility includes two auditoriums, 19 conference rooms, five executive boardrooms, a computer training lab, 200 hotel rooms, banquet areas, a full-service restaurant, and bistro. The Georgia Center employs approximately 400 people and hosts more than 1,700 events annually, with approximately 95,000 participants each year. The Georgia Center's continuing education programs focus on conferences and other professional development experiences, both in-person and online. The Georgia Center also serves an important role in supporting lifelong learning by engaging adult learners, professionals, and organizations across the state. Through a unique partnership with the UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, the Georgia Center also serves as a real-world learning laboratory providing experiential learning opportunities for Hospitality and Food Industry Management students. Information regarding the Georgia Center, one of eight UGA PSO units, can be found at: https://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/.

The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant institution, is an international leader in outreach programming and statewide engagement. As part of UGA's outreach mission, the division of Public Service and Outreach ( PSO ) works to help create jobs and prosperity, develop the state's leaders, and solve critical statewide challenges. More information can be found at: www.outreach.uga.edu.

College/Unit/Department website

https://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date

01/01/2027

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

06/02/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Sunday, July 19, 2026; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant's credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).

To provide a nomination or seek additional information, please contact Zane Dockweiler, Primary Consultant with the UGA Search Group, 678-490-5660 or zane.dockweiler@uga.edu. Letters of recommendation or a simple nomination should include the name and contact information for the nominee.

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO 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 (hrweb@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.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Director, Division / Department AD

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Senior Public Service Associate

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

A master's degree.

Position Summary

The University of Georgia ( UGA ) invites applications for the position of director of the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel (Georgia Center). The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant institution, is an international leader in outreach programming and statewide engagement. As part of UGA's outreach mission, the division of Public Service and Outreach ( PSO ) works to help create jobs and prosperity, develop the state's leaders, and solve critical statewide challenges. More information can be found at: www.outreach.uga.edu.

Position Overview

The Director provides overall leadership of the Georgia Center, including administrative, budgetary, and programmatic operations, and supervision of faculty and staff. The Director will provide strategic leadership to advance the Georgia Center as a gateway to the University and as a hub for continuing and adult education. This includes leading a strategic vision that strengthens the Georgia Center's role in lifelong learning, hospitality, and public engagement. The position reports to the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach and is a member of PSO's senior leadership team.

The Director will also lead two complementary areas of focus: (1) advancing continuing education and lifelong learning opportunities for the state through conferences and non-credit courses, and (2) expanding student experiential learning with an academic partner: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' Hospitality and Food Industry Management program. The successful candidate will work with the partner to grow student-focused programs and experiential learning opportunities, while also developing a clear vision for extending continuing education and adult learning through external partnerships that support statewide impact and align with the University's public service mission.

This position requires a high level of hospitality leadership that is foundational to the success of the Georgia Center. The Director is responsible for ensuring excellence in service across operations and the learning environment, and for leading the development and expansion of student experiential learning grounded in real-world, service-oriented experiences. As a visible representative of both the Georgia Center and the University of Georgia, the Director is expected to uphold and advance a standard of service that reflects positively on the institution's reputation and brand.

This is an administrative, non-tenure track Senior Public Service Associate faculty appointment.

Additional Requirements

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• A terminal degree in education, business, hospitality management, or other relevant fields.
• A track record of executive level leadership in a complex organization, preferably involving hospitality, continuing education, or large-scale service operation within a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, implementation, and organizational leadership.
• A track record of using data to evaluate program effectiveness.
• A track record of successful private fundraising.
• A track record of working with academic units to expand student learning programs.
• A track record of leading continuing education or workforce-focused initiatives.
• A track record of developing external partnerships that support program growth.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Demonstrated excellence in hospitality leadership and service delivery.
• Knowledge of the land and sea-grant mission and public service role in higher education.
• Exceptional ability to integrate strategy, operations, and partnerships.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated excellence in customer satisfaction and service recovery.
• Commitment to excellence in continuing education and hospitality services.
• Ability to expand student-centered learning environments.
• Ability to develop continuing education strategies with statewide impact.
• Ability to build partnerships that translate into effective programs.

Physical Demands

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?

Yes

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility 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

Duties/Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Operations

• Provide strategic leadership to advance the Georgia Center's role in delivering continuing education services aligned with the University's public service mission through conferences, workshops, non-credit courses.
• Strengthen the Georgia Center's role as a statewide resource for professional learning and convening.
• Model and advance UGA's public service mission through programs, partnerships, and operations.
• Lead the administrative, budgetary, and operational responsibilities of the Georgia Center.
• Manage the operations of a large conference center with a hotel and dining facilities that serves as a gateway for guests and program participants to the University.
• Drive strategies to optimize use of facilities and ensure financial sustainability.
• Use data and assessment to guide planning and improve programs, services, and operations.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a workforce that delivers high levels of customer service, engagement, and operational excellence.
• Uphold exceptional standards of hospitality and service across all operations.
• Demonstrate leadership and engagement in higher education through active campus partnerships and communication.
• Support fundraising and development efforts.

Student Learning & Academic Collaborations

• Create and direct internships and student experiences connected to Georgia Center operations that enhance student learning and professional readiness.
• Lead and grow the partnership with the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a model for experiential learning, allowing for expanded student learning opportunities in hospitality, event management, and related fields.
• Apply hospitality leadership to ensure student programs reflect high standards of service and real-world operational excellence.

Statewide Engagement

• Expand continuing education, professional development, and lifelong learning opportunities access for Georgians.
• Identify workforce and community needs across the state to inform program development.
• Develop, strengthen, and sustain external partnerships with government, industry, and community organizations to support program growth and statewide engagement. Leverage these partnerships to expand the reach, relevance, and impact of programs across Georgia.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal UGA stakeholders and external partners to support program growth and statewide engagement.
• Collaborate with faculty on applied research and program development.

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

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

Optional Documents

1. Other Documents #1