Research Associate IV - Data Strategy

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 established School of Medicine.

The UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government - Who We Are
As a Public Service and Outreach unit at the University of Georgia, the UGA Institute of Government contributes directly to the university's overarching public service mission of improving people's lives by helping to create jobs and prosperity, developing leaders, and addressing critical issues. This public service mission, and the Institute of Government's role in its success, is at the heart of UGA's land-grant and sea-grant mission to serve the State of Georgia and its residents.

We have a wide range of experts who inform, inspire, and innovate every day so that governments, large and small, can be more efficient and responsive to their citizens, address current and emerging challenges, and serve the public with excellence. We are uniquely positioned to provide impartial support to local governments and state agencies and convene multi-disciplinary and intragovernmental groups to plan for and address many of the challenges faced by communities across Georgia.

Our areas of expertise and focus include workforce and economic development; infrastructure and community resilience; government operations and organizational effectiveness; measuring and reporting on impact and outcomes; building skills, knowledge and capacity of government leaders and teams; and maximizing technology and data for governments and their leaders.

Whether it is through our award-winning PROPEL (Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership) program for rural communities, our CyberArch student program that helps Georgia communities increase their cybersecurity, our efforts to build a visionary plan for military and community partnerships to spur economic prosperity and resilient infrastructure, our financial management certificate program to build the capacity of public officials, or hosting educational events about e-mobility strategies for local governments .... We Know Georgia. Fulfilling our land-grant and sea-grant mission to serve the State of Georgia is more than a project. It's our purpose.

We are growing and excited to add individuals to our team who share our commitment to public service - building stronger communities, inspiring economic resilience, and improving quality of life for communities across Georgia and beyond.

Our Culture - How We Operate
We disseminate knowledge through research, scholarship, and instruction. We collaborate internally across our areas of expertise and across the university with academic researchers to bring best practices and expert insights to the governments and communities we serve. We are committed to fielding a team of experts who have a variety of professional and academic experiences and are grounded in our culture of excellence and approach our work with Georgia's governments in a comprehensive and objective fashion.

Normal business hours are M-F, 8-5. Occasional after hours may be needed.

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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Terminal degree in data science, analytics, information systems, public administration, business, organizational development, statistics, engineering, geography, or a related field.

Experience leading or supporting enterprise data strategy, governance, analytics, organizational improvement, or data management initiatives within complex organizations.

Experience developing and delivering professional training, facilitation, or technical assistance programs for organizational leaders or working professionals.

Experience working with cloud-based data environments, analytics platforms, reporting tools, or organizational data systems.

Experience collaborating with executive leadership, cross-functional teams, or external stakeholders within higher education, government, nonprofit, or public sector environments.

Experience managing or supporting externally funded projects, contracts, or technical assistance initiatives is preferred.

This senior-level position within the Carl Vinson Institute of Government supports the Institute's growing portfolio of data strategy, governance, organizational improvement, and applied research initiatives for higher education, government, and public sector partners. The position serves as an accomplished and experienced professional researcher who conducts significant applied research and technical assistance activities and may serve as a senior collaborator or co-investigator on funded projects and multi-disciplinary initiatives under the general guidance of Institute leadership.

The role provides strategic consultation and technical assistance related to enterprise data strategy, organizational data management, analytics, governance practices, and operational effectiveness. The position collaborates with campus leaders, technical professionals, and partner organizations to support data-informed decision-making, strengthen organizational processes, and advance strategic initiatives. Responsibilities include project leadership, partner engagement, applied research support, strategic consultation, training development and delivery, and collaboration across cross-functional teams and external stakeholders. The role also contributes to the continued growth and sustainability of the Institute's technical assistance, applied research, and professional development services related to data strategy and governance.

Office work, prolonged sitting, computer work, lifting up to 25lbs. Day trips with overnight stays may be required. Travel estimated to be about 20%.

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.

Strategic Data Initiatives & Technical Assistance
Lead and support data strategy, governance, organizational improvement, and technical assistance initiatives for higher education, government, and public sector partners. Collaborate with stakeholders to assess organizational needs, support strategic planning efforts, and advance data-informed operational and decision-making practices.

Training, Facilitation & Professional Development
Develop and deliver training, facilitation, and professional development programs related to data strategy, governance, organizational effectiveness, and related operational best practices.

Organizational Consulting & Collaborative Support
Support Institute technical assistance initiatives and collaborative projects related to strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, performance improvement, and operational consulting services.

Partner Engagement & Business Development Support
Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners, external organizations, professional networks, and stakeholder groups to support project success, partnership development, and ongoing client engagement. Contribute to the identification and development of opportunities for expanded technical assistance, training, and collaborative initiatives aligned with Institute priorities.

Professional Knowledge & Innovation
Remain current on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices related to data strategy, governance, analytics, organizational effectiveness, and public sector innovation.