Location: Athens,GA, USA
Position Information
Classification Title Public Service Professional AC FLSA Faculty Rank Open Rank Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree or terminal degree in public administration, public finance, law, urban planning, or related field.
Position Summary
The Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia is seeking an experienced public manager to lead the Local Government Operations Unit. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government is a Public Service Unit under the leadership of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach. The position will be available March 1, 2024 and carries rank in the public service faculty career ladder of The University of Georgia. Rank on hire will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience, according to Public Service and Outreach Appointment and Promotion Guidelines found here:
The Institute is looking for individuals with a passion for public service who are curious and life-long learners. We are seeking professionals that can conduct rigorous research and deliver practical technical assistance, but also teach and share their expertise with our various audiences. The Institute of Government is uniquely positioned to provide objective support to local governments and convene multi-disciplinary and intragovernmental groups to plan for and address many of the challenges being faced by communities across Georgia. This position will have a critical role in guiding and informing the strategic decisions of governments across the state.
This position will be responsible for leading the Institute's technical assistance and research activities in support of municipal and county governments. The Local Government Operations Unit is tasked with helping Georgia cities and counties tackle issues with objectivity and analytical rigor to best inform strategic decisions. This work includes research and technical assistance related to feasibility studies, financial analysis, strategic planning, organizational reviews, charter reviews, ordinance reviews, and management studies.
This position has responsibility for a diversity of duties related to technical assistance for local governments and public officials. They include conducting research and analysis and producing written reports which evaluate specific local government questions, developing new approaches in lieu of data deficiencies, implementing complex solutions to sensitive issues, and presenting results to groups both large and small. This position supports and enables intergovernmental planning, strategies, and mutually beneficial projects. This position is responsive to a variety of requests in a changing local government environment while managing several projects simultaneously and supervising faculty, staff, and students contributes to the complexity of the work.
Functions of this position include representing the Institute of Government to various state and local agencies, non-profits, and foundations. Decisions based on these presentations and information have a long-term impact on the organization and the State as a whole. Carrying out these functions effectively results in service delivery to clients while enhancing the reputation of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
Personal interactions are with local and state public officials, organization personnel, and individuals at all levels ranging from local government elected officials, appointed officials, agency heads, directors and business and non-profit organization heads to member of the public writ large.
Ability to travel on an as needed basis is essential.
Responsibilities
* Direct, manage, and participate in division and Institute activities.
* Direct the Local Government Operations unit of the Institute.
* Develop and manage the Institute's local government services strategic plan.
* Supervise professional staff consisting of public service faculty, research staff, and graduate and undergraduate students.
* Meet with potential clients to determine needs and negotiate contracts.
* Provide technical assistance, consultation, and other services to local government in Georgia.
* Collaborate across the Institute of Government, where needed and appropriate, based on the nature of the projects and their goals.
* Establish and maintain solid working relationships with personnel in local governments and professional associations.
* Participate and work with and provide training to professional development organizations and local government related associations.
* Direct and/or work with faculty, professional staff, and others to complete projects and accomplish goals.
* Provide technical assistance and consultation and perform applied research as needed.
* Perform other related duties as assigned.
Additional Requirements
The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Public Service Assistant, Public Service Associate, or Senior Public Service Associate.
Extensive knowledge of Georgia local government structure, operations and administration is required.
For information about requirements for each rank, please see Guidelines for Appointment and Promotion (
/Promotions-Guidelines-Booklet-2023-rfh-clean-2v.revised-2.10.23.pdf).
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification
Ten years of management experience working in a local government setting is preferred.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
* Knowledge of state and local government political structure, functions, and operations.
* Knowledge of Georgia's local government current and emerging trends, issues, and challenges.
* Knowledge of local government finance, accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
* Knowledge of organizational best practices.
* Ability to develop and manage budgets associated with contracts or grant projects.
* Ability to manage complex long-term projects and client relationships.
* Ability to take initiative and work independently.
* Ability to develop and apply creative solutions to complex problems.
* Ability to explain complex methodologies and solutions in a practical manner.
* Advanced skills in establishing priorities and organizing work.
* Advanced administrative, management, and supervisory skills.
* Extensive knowledge of Georgia local government structure, operations and administration.
* Leadership background in city or county management.
* Background in public finance and budgeting is preferred.
* Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for client interactions and presentations.
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? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes 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) No 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
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
* Resume/CV
* Cover Letter
* Unofficial Letters of Recommendation
Optional Documents
Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (...@uga.edu).
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.