Vice President of External Affairs

About Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

 Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College is a public state college within the University System of Georgia whose mission is to provide excellent education by engaging, teaching, coaching, mentoring and providing relevant experiences that prepare the graduate for life.

Founded in 1908, ABAC is an institutional destination of greatness where committed students seek a life-changing experience and are prepared to contribute positively to the communities in which they live and work. Core values include integrity, stewardship, excellence, innovation and community.

ABAC’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, ASPIRE, outlines five primary goals:

• increase enrollment through data-driven, student-centered initiatives
• demonstrate academic excellence through degree initiatives and faculty/staff development
• increase student retention, graduation rates and post-graduation placement rates through well-aligned and meaningful initiatives
• strengthen shared governance and planning, enhance communication and integrate principles of continuous improvement through innovative initiative and practices
• strengthen fiscal and institutional viability

Dr. Tracy L. Brundage became the 11th president of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on August 1, 2022, bringing more than three decades of experience in higher education and workforce-focused leadership. Prior to joining ABAC, she served as president, provost and VP of academic affairs at Keystone College, and also VP for workforce development at Pennsylvania College of Technology, a Penn State affiliate. President Brundage, known for her strategic, mission-driven approach and strong focus on student success, has led the development ABAC’s new strategic plan; advanced enrollment and retention initiatives resulting in a 10.3% enrollment increase from Fall 2022 to Fall 2025, achieving the largest enrollment in College history; and guided the transition of ABAC athletics to a four-year program.

In the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College ranked #16 among Regional Colleges in the South and #50 overall in the Regional Colleges South category, highlighting its strong standing within Southern higher education.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND DEGREES

The College offers bachelor’s degrees, associates degrees and certificates. Its 26 academic programs, centered upon Agriculture, Nursing, Forestry, Business, Biology, Education, and Arts, are each housed in one of four schools: School of Agriculture and Natural Resources; School of Nursing, Health and Natural Sciences; School of Social Sciences, Education and Arts; and Stafford School of Business. Approximately two-thirds of all degrees awarded are bachelor’s degrees. Courses are offered in traditional, evening and online formats.

STUDENTS

Part of the 26-member University System of Georgia, ABAC is proud to support a record enrollment of more than 4,000 students from 153 of Georgia’s 159 counties, 19 states and 23 countries at the historic Tifton Campus and the Bainbridge Site. The student-faculty ratio is 18:1.

FACULTY AND STAFF

ABAC employs approximately 130 full-time faculty and more than 40 part-time faculty who bring a combination of research and real-world experience to their classrooms. Two-thirds of these full-time faculty hold doctorate degrees in their fields. The College employs more than 200 full-time administrative and professional staff and approximately 80 part-time staff.

 For more information about Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, visit www.abac.edu

 About the Position   

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President of External Affairs beginning January 20, 2026. The anticipated start date is June 1, 2026.     

The Vice President of External Affairs serves as a key member of the President’s senior leadership team and provides strategic oversight for the College’s external relations and advancement efforts. This role provides executive leadership for all aspects of the College’s external engagement, including advancement (development, alumni, corporate and government relations, and the operations of the ABAC Foundation).

The Vice President serves as the chief external relations officer and principal advisor to the President on matters involving public, private and philanthropic partnerships that advance the College’s mission and strategic goals. This position plays a critical role in enhancing ABAC’s visibility, influence and philanthropic support across the region and beyond.

The VPEA reports directly to the President of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and serves as the primary liaison to the ABAC Foundation Board of Trustees.

 ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy that supports ABAC’s strategic plan and institutional priorities
• Serve as the chief external relations officer and advisor to the President on issues of governmental, corporate and philanthropic engagement
• Represent ABAC with key stakeholders at the local, state and national levels, including government officials, business leaders and community organizations
• Serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ABAC Foundation and adhere to all bylaws, policies and procedures governing the Foundation

Foundation Leadership and Accountability

• Provide executive oversight for the ABAC Foundation (including internal staff) to ensure integrity, transparency and alignment with the College’s strategic and fiscal priorities
• Supervise the Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, providing leadership, direction and regular performance evaluation to ensure operational effectiveness and compliance with all applicable regulations and policies
• In collaboration with the Foundation Board of Trustees and College President, establish and consistently apply clear performance metrics, industry-standard reporting practices ensuring transparency, and sound fiscal governance in support of ethical stewardship and advancement of the Foundation

Fundraising and Advancement

• Provide executive leadership for all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, and capital campaigns
• Partner with the President, Foundation Board and senior leadership to identify funding priorities and build a strong culture of philanthropy
• Develop and maintain relationships with alumni, donors and community partners to enhance engagement and long-term support for ABAC
• Oversee donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and prospect research in partnership with the Foundation staff and advancement professionals
• Ensure sound fiscal management, transparency and alignment of all advancement activities with institutional goals

Organizational Leadership and Management

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to a team of professionals in development, alumni relations and foundation as well as lead initiatives related to government relations and corporate outreach
• Establish clear performance expectations, metrics and evaluation processes for all direct reports to ensure accountability and alignment with institutional goals
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching, mentoring and professional development opportunities to strengthen individual and team effectiveness
• Foster a culture of transparency, collaboration and results-oriented performance across all areas of External Affairs
• Provide regular reports to the President and the ABAC Foundation Board on progress toward strategic goals and measurable outcomes

Corporate and Community Relations

• Foster partnerships with corporate and industry leaders to advance workforce development, research collaborations and student opportunities
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to develop corporate engagement initiatives that support ABAC’s educational and economic impact
• Represent ABAC in regional and statewide economic and community development initiatives
• Direct efforts to engage corporations and foundations in support of institutional priorities such as scholarships, research, workforce development and student success initiatives
• Ensure proper stewardship, reporting and long-term relationship management for corporate and foundation partners

Government Affairs

• Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies and policy organizations
• Monitor legislation, budget developments and policy trends affecting higher education, particularly those impacting campus-level funding and programming
• Develop advocacy strategies and coordinate ABAC’s participation in legislative initiatives in alignment with USG policies

  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience across a broad range of relevant areas including significant experience in advancement (development, foundation oversight, government and/or external relations) preferably in higher education or public service
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, fundraising and board relations, with proven success in securing major gifts and philanthropic partnerships
• Experience providing executive oversight of a foundation or nonprofit entity, including fiscal management, compliance and governance
• Proven record of success in leading and managing professional staff members and teams, establishing accountability systems, and fostering a collaborative, results-oriented work environment
• Experience engaging effectively with corporate partners, government agencies, elected officials and community leaders
• Strong knowledge of higher education, legislative processes and public-private partnerships
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration within the institution as well as external stakeholders

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
• Familiarity with agricultural and rural communities

To view the position profile, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/current-searches.

To apply for this position, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/candidate-portal-form.

To nominate someone for this position, e-mail: nominations@highereducationleadershipsearch.com

John McElveen, Ed.D. will be assisting Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with this search. If you have questions or would like to have a confidential conversation about the position, call 256-239-2305 (office), 478-230-5554 (cell) or e-mail jmcelveen@highereducationleadershipsearch.com

Applications for this position will be accepted through February 20, 2026.

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 online at hRps://www.usg.edu/policymanual/sec@on8/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 hRps://www.usg.edu/policymanual/sec@on6/C2653.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender or sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status or genetic information in its programs and activities, including admissions and employment, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and changes made by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and other applicable statutes, regulations, and USG and ABAC policies. For questions or more detailed information, please contact Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College's Human Resources Office at 229-391- 4887.

To view the position profile, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/current-searches.

To apply for this position, visit https://www.highereducationleadershipsearch.com/candidate-portal-form.

To nominate someone for this position, e-mail: nominations@highereducationleadershipsearch.com

John McElveen, Ed.D. will be assisting Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with this search. If you have questions or would like to have a confidential conversation about the position, call 256-239-2305 (office), 478-230-5554 (cell) or e-mail jmcelveen@highereducationleadershipsearch.com

Applications for this position will be accepted through February 20, 2026.