Program Coordinator, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategies job in Atlanta

This position provides administrative and programmatic support for the University System of Georgia’s Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategies Department. This position coordinates statewide economic development programs and projects, serves as a liaison with University System institutions and external partners, and assists in implementing initiatives that support business recruitment, workforce development, and economic growth across Georgia.

The position is responsible for coordinating program operations, maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports and communications, and ensuring compliance with applicable program requirements. The incumbent exercises independent judgment in managing assigned projects while working under the general direction of the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Strategies.

Responsibilities

Program Coordination

• Coordinates the administration of the Regional Economic Business Assistance (REBA) grant process from project initiation through completion, ensuring compliance with University System of Georgia (USG) and Department of Community Affairs (DCA) requirements and established timelines.
• Supports workforce development initiatives by coordinating activities between the University System, participating institutions, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).
• Serves as the primary point of contact for out-of-state tuition waiver requests submitted by GDEcD and businesses considering relocation or expansion within Georgia.
• Coordinates the annual Economic Development Impact Study, including facilitating publication, procurement, distribution, and stakeholder communications.
• Assists in preparing, drafting, and processing letters of support for economic development projects in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
• Maintains and updates the University System of Georgia Economic Development website to ensure information is accurate and current.
• Coordinates meetings, events, project timelines, and communications related to assigned economic development initiatives.
• Monitors project progress and follow up with internal and external partners to ensure completion of assigned activities.

Program Administration and Stakeholder Relations

• Administers surveys and data collection efforts designed to assess economic development activities and identify opportunities for continuous improvement across University System institutions.
• Collects, analyzes, and prepares district, regional, and statewide economic development data, reports, briefing materials, presentations, and other supporting documentation.
• Tracks and summarizes economic development news, legislative updates, and emerging trends relevant to the University System of Georgia.
• Serves as a liaison between the University System Office and institutional economic development leaders, facilitating communication and collaboration.
• Coordinates economic development activities among University System institutions to promote information sharing and collaboration.
• Collaborates with University System colleagues and statewide economic development organizations to support initiatives that enhance access to the educational, research, and workforce development resources of the University System.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships with internal departments, government agencies, higher education institutions, community organizations, and business partners.
• Represents the department at meetings, conferences, and stakeholder events as assigned.

Administrative Support

• Administers surveys and data collection efforts, designed to assess economic development activities and identify opportunities for continuous improvement across University System institutions.
• Collects, analyzes, and prepares district, regional, and statewide economic development data, reports, briefing materials, presentations, and other supporting documentation.
• Tracks and summarizes economic development news, legislative updates, and emerging trends relevant to the University System of Georgia.
• Serves as a liaison between the University System Office and institutional economic development leaders, facilitating communication and collaboration.
• Coordinates economic development activities among University System institutions to promote information sharing and collaboration.
• Collaborates with University System colleagues and statewide economic development organizations to support initiatives that enhance access to the educational, research, and workforce development resources of the University System.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships with internal departments, government agencies, higher education institutions, community organizations, and business partners.
• Represents the department at meetings, conferences, and stakeholder events as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic Development, Political Science, Higher Education Administration, Communications, or a related field
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in program coordination, project management, economic development, higher education administration, governmental relations, or a related field., * Experience working within higher education, state government, or economic development organizations.
• Knowledge of Georgia’s economic development ecosystem.
• Experience coordinating multi-institutional or statewide initiatives.
• Experience preparing reports, presentations, and executive briefings.
• Experience with grant administration or compliance monitoring.
• Experience working with data collection and survey administration.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

1. Knowledge of Board of Regents policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of project and program coordination principles.
3. Strong organizational and project management skills.
4. Strong attention to detail
5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
6. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and web content management systems.
7. Ability to exercise sound judgment while maintaining confidentiality.
8. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively with internal and external partners.
9. Ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
10. Ability to analyze data and prepare reports for leadership
11. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

The University System of Georgia (USG) is comprised of 25 higher education institutions as well as the University System Office (USO). Within the USO, our administrative operations are primarily housed in the Trinity Washington Building located in downtown Atlanta. Our Information Technology Services (ITS) division is located in Athens. The University System of Georgia Shared Services Center (SSC) is located in Sandersville. The Georgia Public Library System is located in Atlanta. The Georgia Archives is located in Morrow. The State of Georgia Records Center is located in Austell., The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 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 on-line 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 on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .