Assistant Director for Global Risk, Health and Safety

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 formed School of Medicine.

The Office of Global Engagement consist of multiple offices, including International Initiatives, Global Education, Immigration Services, two International Centers Abroad, the Intensive English Program, and Finance and Operations.

Normal hours are Monday - Friday, from 8am -5pm with an hour for lunch.

Before starting employment, you must successfully complete a background check. The hiring process will commence once your signed offer letter has been received. You'll receive an email from Accurate, Inc. requesting your consent to initiate the background screening.

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).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

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.

The University of Georgia, the flagship university of the state of Georgia, is seeking an Assistant Director of Global Risk, Health and Safety. Reporting to the Director for Global Education, the Assistant Director for Global Risk, Health and Safety will facilitate the development and implementation of a UGA global health and safety strategy that is student-facing, supportive of faculty and staff, and resource-driven. In collaboration with key stakeholders, the Assistant Director will develop, manage, and champion a comprehensive travel preparedness and response strategy which promotes the safety and well-being of UGA students, faculty, staff, and others traveling abroad under University sponsorship. In addition, the Assistant Director will develop systems to identify, evaluate, mitigate and monitor international risks for UGA global education.

The Office of Global Engagement serves as the hub for the University's global engagement. It is a comprehensive unit whose offices carry responsibilities related to all facets of campus internationalization. The success of OGE rests on its ability to work effectively across the campus with academic units and other UGA offices involved in oversight, planning or execution of international activities on campus and abroad.

Experience in global safety, security, emergency, or risk management or overseas program management for a university, governmental or non-governmental organization, and/or international business.

Knowledge and interpersonal skills to work effectively with faculty and staff, students, parents, police and government agencies; experience living, working, or studying abroad. Able to communication clearly, effectively, and persuasively both verbally and in writing; work well and form productive alliances with all kinds of people at all levels of the organization. Well organized, able to balance conflicting priorities, remain calm under pressure and in crisis situations. Handle confidential and personal information with discretion. Computer skills including MS Office.

Standard for a normal office environment.

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.

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.

Emergency Preparedness
* Provide strategic planning and guidance about the management of the University's international risk, health and safety efforts
* Continuously assess University international risk, health and safety practices in group and individual programs and activities, and arrange for systematic evaluation and audits
* Maintain risk assessment protocols and related communications
* Conduct on-site risk assessments, when needed
* Review and provide input to programs abroad and individual travel plans and recommend steps to mitigate risk and improve balance between safety risks and academic objectives

Emergency Management
* Serve as the lead and manager of international incidents involving UGA students and faculty/staff
* In collaboration with key stakeholders, serve as first responder for crises involving UGA students abroad
* Monitor worldwide events, issues, legal decisions and trends that may affect UGA interests abroad, and disseminate alerts and announcements according to standardized protocols
* Use Locator Search tools in the StudyAway Portal to monitor travel and issue timely communication, as appropriate
* Maintain and monitor the online incident reporting tool for study abroad

Policy and Compliance
* Review study abroad program proposals, current programs, and travel plans, recommending steps to mitigate risk and improve balance between safety risks and academic objectives
* Serve as primary insurance contact for study abroad: explain policy; develop and maintain online resources; triage questions and issues; determine course of action; and report feedback on provider services
* Provide reports to stakeholders on matters of global risk, health and safety, including Clery reporting
* Assist with planning the OGE Risk Management Advisory Committee meetings and implementation of policies and procedures resulting from the committee's decisions

Training, Presentations and Resources
* Oversee annual risk management training for faculty and staff involved in study abroad programs
* Provide regular risk management training for Global Education staff
* Develop and deliver training for high-threat and high-frequency situations in study abroad
* Provide expert advice on global health and safety to the OGE leadership, committees, program directors, and individual faculty, students, and staff
* Participate in pre-departure orientations for students studying abroad
* Contribute to plans, student and program director guides, web pages, etc., to provide clear safety and emergency guidance

Outreach and Other Duties
* Maintain regular contact with UGA campus partners (Office of Emergency Preparedness, Police Department, Export Controls, MarComm, the University Health Center, CAPS, Legal, Pride Center, ISL, EOO, Dean of Students, Student Care and Outreach, and Student Conduct)
* Assist with the development of effective partnerships with key education abroad program providers, non-governmental organizations, corporations, and government agencies in the areas of global risk, health and safety
* Foster productive relationships with external experts and resources including those at the US Department of State, Center for Disease Control ( CDC), Overseas Advisory Council ( OSAC), University Risk Management and Insurance Association ( URMIA), NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Forum on Education Abroad, and other relevant groups
* Develop and maintain a reliable network of support and shared resources among institutional peers (e.g., USG, SEC) in the areas of international health and safety
* Other duties related to Global Education as assigned