Director of the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens - University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602
About the Job
Position Information
Classification Title Agriculture/Forestry/Marine/Aeronautics Manager FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications Position Summary
This position serves as the Director of the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (CGBG) and is responsible to lead and oversee all operations for CGBG. This includes management to the operations and delivery of Extension programs offered at the CGBG. This position is under the direct supervision of the Southeast District Extension Director and coordinates program delivery with the Chatham County Extension Office and Southeast District Extension Agricultural and Natural Resources Program Development Coordinator. The Director is responsible for personnel, facilities, budget, programs and public relations.
This includes administrative activities related to CGBG's ability to provide necessary services to guests; fiscal oversight to include managing budgets to fund operations and associated reporting; implementing and ensuring policy compliance; the oversight of the buildings, grounds, and equipment; and supervision and personnel management. The Director will also provide direction and implementation to private fund raising efforts and grant writing. The Director serves as a liaison with the Chatham County Extension Office, Chatham County Manager's Office and The "Friends of the Gardens", an independent 501 3 that provides private funding support to CGBG.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
- Experience in facility management and personnel supervision
- Experience in educational program delivery
- Experience in fund development through private gifts and grants
- Demonstrated expertise in managing budgets, fiscal compliance, associated reporting, and strategic planning.
- Effective leadership, relationship-building skills and oral/written communication and customer service skills are essential.
- Ability to work in a team setting, manage a team, and work independently as directed.
- Strong analytical/problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
- Supervisory experience including hiring, training, supporting, evaluating, and directing the work of others
- Ability to review statements, reports, and data to monitor efficiency and improve operations
- Ability to direct multiple projects
- Ability to prepare word-processing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
- Ability to work with online reservation, enrollment and event management systems
- Ability to develop an appreciation and understanding of the history of the CGBC at the Historic Bamboo Farm
- Obtain and maintain certifications as necessary to support the operation the CGBG.
- Knowledge of plants, herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals used in grounds work
Physical Demands
- Access to a reliable private vehicle for official duty travel.
- Lift 50 lbs. or more, but not excessive for this position.
- Working in various weather conditions.
- Walking and standing for various lengths of time to inspect the gardens and tour guests around the grounds and facilities.
- Frequent evening and weekend work.
- Driving as needed to perform job related duties.
Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes 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? Yes Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? Yes 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
- Ensures that all programs meet the highest academic standards and that all programs and services are delivered in the highest professional manner
- Provide visionary leadership to the programs and development of the facilities and horticultural gardens
- Represent the CGBG at Southeast District Extension meetings, represent the GCBG at Chatham County Commission Meetings, represent the CGBG as needed to promote and develop positive relationships with donors and stakeholder groups
- Serve as the liaison with the "Friends of the Gardens" in order to strengthen and encourage their involvement for physical improvements, and program enhancements at the CGBG
- Meet with potential users/customers to promote and encourage the use of the Facilities and program offered at the CGBG
- Develop promotional materials and create greater awareness of offerings at CGBG through social media and maintain up to date web presence
Percentage of time 35 Duties/Responsibilities
- Ensure the historical preservation of the facilities, the botanical collections including but not limited to irises, orchids and bamboo, the bamboo collection, and other historical documents related to the history of the CGBG
- Participate in the management of design & construction projects at the CGBG
- Serve as CGBG representative and clearly communicates CGBG interests and needs to architects, engineers and contractors so that they can successfully perform their task to enhance the CGBG vision and goals
- Work with UGA Extension to develop research and demonstration opportunities for UGA Horticulture and other UGA faculty and County Extension ANR Agents in the southeast Georgia area
Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities
- Hire, onboard, train, provide ongoing training requirements, employee certifications, and other personnel related matters and communication
- Provide direct supervision of Horticulture Manager, the Event Coordinator and the Operations Manager
- Manage the annual performance review process and support personnel matters associated with the employees
- Oversee volunteer recruitment and management
Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities
- Oversee the fiscal operations of CGBG. Approve non-routine purchases and guide processes used for routine purchasing via p-card, payment request, or purchase order
- Create reports as necessary, to study the revenue and expenses of the departmental sales and service account
- Prepare documentation for seeking external funding as appropriate, i.e. from grants, state and County funds, private gifts, etc.
- Work with Chatham County Manager and Southeast District Extension Director to determine funding sources for payroll, projects, and purchases
Percentage of time 20
Contact Information
Recruitment Contact
Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Cheryl Poppell Recruitment Contact Email 912-478-8983 Recruitment Contact Phone
Posting Specific Questions
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Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter
- List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents
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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.