The University of Georgia (UGA), a land- and sea-grant institution, invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Public Service and Outreach. A hallmark of the University is its identity as an international leader in public service and outreach (PSO) programming and scholarship. PSO actively involves UGA students and faculty in connecting the University’s resources to each of Georgia’s 159 counties and more than 500 cities, as well as many countries around the world. Through innovative partnerships and programs, Public Service and Outreach assists more than 110,000 individuals annually. As the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Morrill Land Grant Act inspires a national dialogue on the future of the land grant university, the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach will provide vital leadership for advancing the University’s newest approaches to outreach and engagement.

With 35,000 students, the University of Georgia is ranked among the top 20 public research universities in the United States and is recognized as a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. The state’s oldest and most comprehensive research institution of higher education, UGA is located in Athens, an area of great natural beauty about 65 miles northeast of Atlanta. Together, the campus and community offer many cultural and recreational opportunities. Additional information about UGA is available at http://www.uga.edu.

The Vice President for Public Service and Outreach is responsible for articulating a vision of public service and outreach that is consistent with the needs of a changing society, as well as PSO’s strategic initiatives to build human and community capacity, enhance economic development, improve learning and research, strengthen the University’s international presence, and create leaders of tomorrow. He/she is responsible for leading a dynamic organization with eight diverse units, and supporting effective partnerships with Cooperative Extension, the University’s 16 colleges and schools, the Georgia Health Sciences University/UGA Medical Partnership, and numerous centers, institutes and other campus and outreach units. The Vice President will ensure the integration of public service and outreach into the University’s research and instruction missions through strategic partnerships with the Vice President for Research and the Vice President for Instruction. Units reporting to the Vice President include Archway Partnership, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Fanning Institute, Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel, Marine Extension Service, Office of Service-Learning, Small Business Development Center, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

The Vice President for Public Service and Outreach is a senior administrative officer reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost and a member of the University Cabinet with responsibility for recruiting and approving all public service and outreach faculty appointments. The Vice President is a liaison to other institutions of higher education in the state of Georgia, as appropriate. Please visit: http://outreach.uga.edu/ See the PSO video and strategic plan at http://outreach.uga.edu/index.php/goals/.

Qualifications:

• A PhD or terminal degree in an academic discipline is required.
• Outstanding abilities in establishing effective communications and relationships with a broad and diverse constituency including faculty, staff, students, public leaders, government, and various professional and business groups.
• Demonstrated executive level management experience (i.e. budgeting, financial planning, personnel management, policy development) sufficient to provide effective leadership for all public service and outreach units and activities.
• Experience, understanding, appreciation of, and commitment to the land- and sea-grant missions of the University, and a working knowledge of international outreach programming.
• Understanding of how information technology may be employed to increase the effectiveness of public service and outreach.
• A vision for the role the University can and should play in economic development strategies for the state of Georgia.

To receive full consideration, applications should be submitted prior to November 13, 2011; however, the position will remain open until filled. Application materials should include a current curriculum vitae and a cover letter of interest supporting your fit for the position with relevant experience. References are not necessary for application at this time but may be requested later in the process.

Email submissions with attachments are preferred. Please send to: executivesearch {at} uga(.)edu

In lieu of email submission, written application materials can be directed to:
University of Georgia, Human Resources
Search Committee: VP Public Service and Outreach
C/o Executive and Faculty Search Group
215 S. Jackson Street
Athens, GA 30602

Confidential requests for information should be directed to Megan Hill, Primary Consultant with the Executive & Faculty Search Group, 706-542-6240.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Institution