Job Title: Executive Director, Institute for Peak Performance
Location: UNG-Dahlonega, GA
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 284939
About Us
Located in the fastest-growing region of the state, the University of North Georgia is a multi-campus university with an enrollment of nearly 20,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the University System of Georgia. UNG is focused on a mission of educational excellence, leadership development and community engagement opportunities that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. Through a variety of educational pathways that provide access and range from certificates and associate degrees to a professional doctoral program, UNG is responsive to regional education and economic development needs. Federally designated as a senior military college, one of the university's signature leadership programs is its 800-member Corps of Cadets on UNG's Dahlonega Campus.
Job Summary
The University of North Georgia (UNG) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Institute for Peak Performance. The Institute operates at the intersection of student-athletes, cadets, health sciences programs, allied academic programs, and external partners, playing a pivotal role in shaping graduates who are holistically prepared to excel across American society including the public, private, military and civic sectors. The Executive Director will report to the President and will ensure the IPP draws its strength from its unique position across the university. Collaboration is a key factor within the IPP value proposition; therefore, the Executive Director is expected to be the consummate coalition builder, executing with an efficient and streamlined independent staff which brings together multiple teams of teams.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership to the Institute, setting strategic goals and priorities aligned with UNG's mission and strategy. Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop and implement initiatives that enhance the performance and well-being of student-athletes and cadets.
- National Recognition: Establish the Institute as a nationally recognized center for performance-related research and knowledge development. Lead efforts to publish research findings, contribute to academic journals, and present at national conferences to elevate the Institute's profile.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Foster collaboration with internal departments, external partners, and entities to create synergies that benefit student-athletes, cadets, and ultimately, all students. Cultivate relationships with leaders in the military, public and private sectors, athletics and sports professionals, and civic organizations to enhance opportunities for student success and research development.
- Program Development and Innovation: Oversee the development of innovative programs and research that integrate academic, athletic, and military components, ensuring graduates are well-rounded and ready for leadership roles on day one. Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to continuously enhance the Institute's offerings.
- Student Development: Champion a holistic approach to student-athlete and cadet peak performance in physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, and spiritual domains in addition to Brain Health insight and consideration. Implement initiatives that support the personal and professional growth of student-athletes and cadets, preparing them for success in diverse fields. Work with senior leaders to translate this knowledge and lessons learned across the entire student body, when possible.
- Resource Management: Manage the Institute's budget effectively, allocating resources strategically to achieve programmatic goals. Seek external funding opportunities and partnerships to support research, programs, and scholarships. Execute all research programs (from pre-award to post-award) at a high-level, cultivating trust and confidence from external sponsored research and funding partners.
- Community Engagement: Act as a spokesperson for the Institute, engaging with the local and national community to showcase its impact and contributions. Represent UNG at conferences, events, and meetings related to peak performance and leadership development.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong understanding of the intersections between athletics, military education, and health sciences.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling vision for the Institute.
- Proven track record of successful collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree is required; MD, MD-PhD or PhD in a relevant field is preferred
- 15-20 years of demonstrated leadership experience in an academic and performance-focused setting.
- Experience in building programs, developing strategy, and executing complex interdisciplinary operations is required.
Preferred Qualifications
- U.S. Army elite unit operations experience is preferred.
Required Documents to Attach
- Resume, Cover Letter, and Transcripts
- Contact information for three professional references
USG Core Values
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 on-line at .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .
Institutional Values
The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research, and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia. More details on the UNG Mission, Values, Vision, and Culture can be found at
Conditions of Employment
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 North Georgia, as determined by University of North Georgia in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of North Georgia, a unit of the University System of Georgia, is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sex or national origin, age, disability, religion, genetics or veteran status. Georgia is an open records state. Also, UNG is a federal contractor and desires priority referrals of protected veterans.
Other Information
This is not a supervisory position.
This position does have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time
This position requires security clearance.
Background Check
- Position of Trust + Education