University of Georgia
Assistant Director Collegiate Recovery, Prevention and Research
University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, us, 30604
Position Summary
The Assistant Director for Collegiate Recovery, Prevention and Research is an inaugural leadership role focused on advancing translational research in substance misuse prevention. This position is responsible for bridging scientific discovery and community insight to develop and implement effective, evidence-based strategies that promote student well-being and public health. The Assistant Director fosters a recovery-supportive campus environment by developing and overseeing programs for students in recovery and leading the Collegiate Recovery Community. This position spearheads innovative, data-informed initiatives that address maladaptive behaviors and promote lifelong protective habits related to alcohol and other drugs (AOD), and champions policies and campaigns that support holistic student wellness.
In addition to leading a research program that translates scientific findings into practical prevention strategies, the Assistant Director also oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of AOD prevention and harm reduction initiatives aligned with university well-being priorities. This role includes conducting assessments, building capacity, and engaging in strategic planning to support prevention efforts. The Assistant Director supervises and mentors graduate interns and student peer educators, playing a vital role in shaping a campus culture that supports recovery, resilience, and academic success.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
UHC Minimum:
Master's degree in public health, Student Affairs, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
Two years of full-time experience in substance misuse prevention and education working with individuals from various backgrounds.
Certified Peer Specialist in Addictive Disease.
3-5 years of knowledge and experience working with individuals related to substance use, misuse, abuse, dependency, addiction, comorbid health conditions, motivational interviewing, stages of change, and current and emerging AOD trends with a college population in an academic environment.
3-5 years of experience working with and creating content, presentations, workshops, and trainings that will engage a broad range of young adult/student population on alcohol and other drugs and other related health issues.
3-5 years of experience translating basic scientific discoveries into tangible prevention strategies, which involve development and maintenance of educational programs on the causes of addiction and the best methods to assess and treat the disorder. Translate and apply knowledge from research to a university setting and the community at large.
Responsibilities Planning, Evaluating AOD Research and Prevention Strategies
Provides strategic leadership as a key member of the Center for Student Wellbeing’s leadership team, advancing initiatives that promote student success, empowerment, and wellbeing.
Directs the development and implementation of a comprehensive University-wide strategy for AOD (alcohol and other drug) use/misuse prevention, ensuring alignment with national best practices and current research; partners with the Executive Director to drive environmental strategies that influence AOD outcomes on campus.
Manages the planning, delivery, and assessment of AOD-related programs, educational workshops/trainings, and outreach efforts, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in areas such as screening, substance use/abuse, social norms, and recovery.
Leads the formation and ongoing coordination of a campus-community coalition, guiding collaborative efforts to establish long-term, sustainable strategies for substance misuse prevention.
Supervises and supports peer education initiatives and student-centered programming facilitated by the CRC Coordinator and AOD Specialist, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities.
Supervises CRC Coordinator’s on‑going case management of CRC students.
Provides expert consultation and training to professional staff across campus on substance-related issues, ensuring consistent application of evidence‑informed practices.
Coordinates with campus and community partners to expand substance‑free engagement opportunities, strengthen social connections, and promote healthy decision‑making among students.
Guides the design and implementation of needs assessments (including surveys, questionnaires, and focus groups) to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.
Develops and directs social norms and social marketing campaign strategies related to AOD issues, ensuring messaging is data‑informed and impactful.
Leads efforts that promote early identification and intervention for students with AOD concerns, including supporting early screening initiatives, reducing stigma, and coordinating continuity of care with CAPS.
Contributes to University task forces, committees, and meetings, providing informed input and ensuring alignment with institutional mission, goals, and responsibilities.
Program Implementation, Education, and Campus Engagement
Oversees the implementation of alcohol and drug education programming for students focused on harm reduction to reduce underage and high‑risk drinking and cannabis or other recreational drug use/abuse.
Directs the delivery of targeted prevention education to specific student groups including, but not limited to, residence halls, fraternities and sororities, and athletics.
Manages and regulates the Narcan master trainer and leads Narcan training for the campus community as well as the distribution of Narcan.
Serves as the primary community support resource expert for substance misuse concerns and responds to resource requests from campus partners in a timely manner.
Oversees the coordination, facilitation and evaluation of all on‑campus alcohol education classes for student conduct referral programs.
Supports development of Student Wellness peer education training programs which foster resource engagement, targeted skill building, harm reduction and health enhancing behavior change.
Directs the delivery and assessment of Student Wellness health promotion activities including the preparation of annual reports and grant documentation.
Works closely with the Collegiate Recovery Center and provides assistance with their programming efforts and strives for Accreditation.
Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to substance use prevention and education (e.g. Drug‑Free Schools and Campuses Act)
Collaboration, Community Outreach, Peer Education and Assessment
Leads collaboration with key stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to student well‑being, with a strategic focus on AOD prevention practices.
Provides managerial oversight, mentorship, and strategic direction for AOD peer educators, including recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of programming efforts.
Works with the CRC Coordinator to strategically cultivate, manage, and sustain effective relationships with key campus and community partners, including faculty, staff, and local leaders and businesses in the ACC community.
Oversees the collection, interpretation, and application of qualitative and quantitative data to guide program development, resource allocation, and continuous improvement of AOD‑related initiatives.
Represents the department on university committees and engages in leadership opportunities within regional and national organizations (e.g., NASPA, ACPA, ACHA), ensuring alignment with emerging best practices.
Builds collaborative relationships with peer institutions and directs the exchange of best practices to enhance AOD and well‑being strategies.
Serves as a senior‑level resource and consultant for campus partners, providing guidance on well‑being efforts and alcohol and substance misuse prevention.
Directs targeted outreach strategies for student groups identified as higher risk for substance misuse, ensuring the delivery and oversight of AOD educational programming during high‑risk periods (e.g., homecoming, Halloween, graduation, concerts, 4/20, orientation, and move‑in weeks) and throughout the academic year.
Administrative Tasks and Leadership
Leads the charge on utilizing data and outcomes to demonstrate progress toward Student Wellness goals and monitor trends of student behavior.
Oversees the compilation of quarterly reports containing results on substance use and misuse.
Oversees data collection and reporting for Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act (DFSCA) Biennial Report.
Prepares annual reports and grant documentation, as needed.
Manages and monitors budget expenditures related to AOD prevention programming, including supplies, events, training, and other materials.
Tracks and reports on program area budget activity to ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
Provides leadership, oversight, and supervision to all staff and student employees engaged in the Collegiate Recovery Community, ensuring effective program delivery and professional growth.
Supervise two full‑time staff members.
Actively promotes and participates in the development, retention & engagement of each staff member.
Supports staff by offering guidance and facilitating professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
EEO Policy Statement 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).
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In addition to leading a research program that translates scientific findings into practical prevention strategies, the Assistant Director also oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of AOD prevention and harm reduction initiatives aligned with university well-being priorities. This role includes conducting assessments, building capacity, and engaging in strategic planning to support prevention efforts. The Assistant Director supervises and mentors graduate interns and student peer educators, playing a vital role in shaping a campus culture that supports recovery, resilience, and academic success.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
UHC Minimum:
Master's degree in public health, Student Affairs, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
Two years of full-time experience in substance misuse prevention and education working with individuals from various backgrounds.
Certified Peer Specialist in Addictive Disease.
3-5 years of knowledge and experience working with individuals related to substance use, misuse, abuse, dependency, addiction, comorbid health conditions, motivational interviewing, stages of change, and current and emerging AOD trends with a college population in an academic environment.
3-5 years of experience working with and creating content, presentations, workshops, and trainings that will engage a broad range of young adult/student population on alcohol and other drugs and other related health issues.
3-5 years of experience translating basic scientific discoveries into tangible prevention strategies, which involve development and maintenance of educational programs on the causes of addiction and the best methods to assess and treat the disorder. Translate and apply knowledge from research to a university setting and the community at large.
Responsibilities Planning, Evaluating AOD Research and Prevention Strategies
Provides strategic leadership as a key member of the Center for Student Wellbeing’s leadership team, advancing initiatives that promote student success, empowerment, and wellbeing.
Directs the development and implementation of a comprehensive University-wide strategy for AOD (alcohol and other drug) use/misuse prevention, ensuring alignment with national best practices and current research; partners with the Executive Director to drive environmental strategies that influence AOD outcomes on campus.
Manages the planning, delivery, and assessment of AOD-related programs, educational workshops/trainings, and outreach efforts, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in areas such as screening, substance use/abuse, social norms, and recovery.
Leads the formation and ongoing coordination of a campus-community coalition, guiding collaborative efforts to establish long-term, sustainable strategies for substance misuse prevention.
Supervises and supports peer education initiatives and student-centered programming facilitated by the CRC Coordinator and AOD Specialist, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities.
Supervises CRC Coordinator’s on‑going case management of CRC students.
Provides expert consultation and training to professional staff across campus on substance-related issues, ensuring consistent application of evidence‑informed practices.
Coordinates with campus and community partners to expand substance‑free engagement opportunities, strengthen social connections, and promote healthy decision‑making among students.
Guides the design and implementation of needs assessments (including surveys, questionnaires, and focus groups) to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.
Develops and directs social norms and social marketing campaign strategies related to AOD issues, ensuring messaging is data‑informed and impactful.
Leads efforts that promote early identification and intervention for students with AOD concerns, including supporting early screening initiatives, reducing stigma, and coordinating continuity of care with CAPS.
Contributes to University task forces, committees, and meetings, providing informed input and ensuring alignment with institutional mission, goals, and responsibilities.
Program Implementation, Education, and Campus Engagement
Oversees the implementation of alcohol and drug education programming for students focused on harm reduction to reduce underage and high‑risk drinking and cannabis or other recreational drug use/abuse.
Directs the delivery of targeted prevention education to specific student groups including, but not limited to, residence halls, fraternities and sororities, and athletics.
Manages and regulates the Narcan master trainer and leads Narcan training for the campus community as well as the distribution of Narcan.
Serves as the primary community support resource expert for substance misuse concerns and responds to resource requests from campus partners in a timely manner.
Oversees the coordination, facilitation and evaluation of all on‑campus alcohol education classes for student conduct referral programs.
Supports development of Student Wellness peer education training programs which foster resource engagement, targeted skill building, harm reduction and health enhancing behavior change.
Directs the delivery and assessment of Student Wellness health promotion activities including the preparation of annual reports and grant documentation.
Works closely with the Collegiate Recovery Center and provides assistance with their programming efforts and strives for Accreditation.
Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to substance use prevention and education (e.g. Drug‑Free Schools and Campuses Act)
Collaboration, Community Outreach, Peer Education and Assessment
Leads collaboration with key stakeholders to develop and implement a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to student well‑being, with a strategic focus on AOD prevention practices.
Provides managerial oversight, mentorship, and strategic direction for AOD peer educators, including recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of programming efforts.
Works with the CRC Coordinator to strategically cultivate, manage, and sustain effective relationships with key campus and community partners, including faculty, staff, and local leaders and businesses in the ACC community.
Oversees the collection, interpretation, and application of qualitative and quantitative data to guide program development, resource allocation, and continuous improvement of AOD‑related initiatives.
Represents the department on university committees and engages in leadership opportunities within regional and national organizations (e.g., NASPA, ACPA, ACHA), ensuring alignment with emerging best practices.
Builds collaborative relationships with peer institutions and directs the exchange of best practices to enhance AOD and well‑being strategies.
Serves as a senior‑level resource and consultant for campus partners, providing guidance on well‑being efforts and alcohol and substance misuse prevention.
Directs targeted outreach strategies for student groups identified as higher risk for substance misuse, ensuring the delivery and oversight of AOD educational programming during high‑risk periods (e.g., homecoming, Halloween, graduation, concerts, 4/20, orientation, and move‑in weeks) and throughout the academic year.
Administrative Tasks and Leadership
Leads the charge on utilizing data and outcomes to demonstrate progress toward Student Wellness goals and monitor trends of student behavior.
Oversees the compilation of quarterly reports containing results on substance use and misuse.
Oversees data collection and reporting for Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act (DFSCA) Biennial Report.
Prepares annual reports and grant documentation, as needed.
Manages and monitors budget expenditures related to AOD prevention programming, including supplies, events, training, and other materials.
Tracks and reports on program area budget activity to ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
Provides leadership, oversight, and supervision to all staff and student employees engaged in the Collegiate Recovery Community, ensuring effective program delivery and professional growth.
Supervise two full‑time staff members.
Actively promotes and participates in the development, retention & engagement of each staff member.
Supports staff by offering guidance and facilitating professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
EEO Policy Statement 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).
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