Program Director - Academic Support Services

Savannah State University established in 1890, is the first public historically black college or university in the state of Georgia and the first institution of higher learning in the city of Savannah. The university's students select majors from five colleges:

• Business Administration
• Education
• Engineering and Computing
• Media, Arts, and Communication

• Science and Humanities

The campus is by far the most picturesque in the state of Georgia. The moss-laden sweeping oak trees, expansive marsh and historic architecture create a resplendent yet tranquil atmosphere. Beneath the beauty and splendor is a vibrant residential campus bursting at the seams with the vim and vigor of quality collegiate life: relevant academic majors, engaging lectures, cutting-edge research, quality student-faculty engagement and a nurturing environment.

The Program Director of Academic Support Services is a supervisory role that enhances student success by overseeing academic advising, academic support initiatives, and processes related to academic appeals and high-risk student monitoring. This role integrates and coordinates outcomes driven academic support efforts focused on retention, persistence, and graduation. The Program Director manages an advising caseload, provides direct academic advising and coaching, tracks student progress, and delivers educational sessions for students, staff, and stakeholders.

The Program Director confirms student enrollment, makes referrals to campus resources, and supports major retention activities such as New Tiger Enrollment Sessions and Week of Welcome. The position identifies barriers impacting student retention, develops individualized academic plans, and contributes to office reporting, staff development, and program oversight. The Program Director collaborates closely with relevant campus partners to address student needs and strengthen academic outcomes.

Note: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be requested to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not offer sponsorship for employment visas.

This position is partially grant funded. Continued employment is based upon the availably of funding.

• Supervise and evaluate Professional Advisors.
• Monitor student progress.
• Provide academic advisement and support to assigned students.
• Implement Appreciative Advisement model for students.
• Coordinate success workshops on time management, study skills, test taking, etc. to students.
• Use EAB Navigate to schedule meetings, respond to student progress reports, schedule meetings, communicate with faculty and staff and schedule tutoring.
• Maintain FERPA and privacy of students and their records.
• Coordinate staff meetings and trainings for Professional Advisors.
• Provide assigned advisors with end of term and annual performance evaluation.
• Collaborate with the Director of Graduate Studies on course planning and degree progression for graduate students.
• Collaborate with all academic program coordinators and faculty to ensure students receive timely guidance, resources, and referrals that support retention and degree completion.
• May be required to perform job-related duties not specifically delineated in this description.
  

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Five (5) years of experience in advisement and academic support services
  

• Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology or education
• Trained in Appreciative Advisement or Education
• Experience using EAB Navigate, Banner, Teams
  

The proposed salary range for this position is $60,000.00 to $70,000.00 annually.

• Knowledge of Savannah State University and Board of Regents policies and procedures
• Knowledge of advisement and academic support services
• Skills in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher)
• Skills in oral and written communication
• Ability to lead and motivate a team of advisors
• Ability to organize and communicate effectively
• Ability to maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others
• Ability to cooperate with fellow employees as a team member
  

For best consideration, apply by May 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin upon receipt.

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu.

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.

At Savannah State University, five core values shape everything we do:

• Belonging - Building a community where all voices are valued and respected.
• Collaboration - Working together across disciplines and communities for shared success.
• Discovery - Pursuing knowledge, research, and exploration that expand horizons.
• Excellence - Committing to superior achievement in every endeavor.
• Resilience - Rising stronger through challenges with determination and adaptability.

These principles guide our culture, inspire our teams and define the kind of workplace we strive to build; one where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Savannah State University, as determined by Savannah State University, 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. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

All employment processes and decisions, including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and tenure, shall be free of ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements. The basis and determining factor for all such decisions should be that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered. At the core of any such decision is ensuring the institution's ability to achieve its mission and strategic priorities in support of student success.

For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Savannah State University, Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@savannahstate.edu.

• The work is typically performed indoors and outdoors with intermittent standing, bending, or stooping.
• The work may require lifting light objects up to 15 pounds.
• The work will require periods of overnight travel.
• The work will require some evening and weekend work.
  

Applicants must include a list containing the name, e-mail address and telephone number for three (3) professional references (e.g. supervisor, mentor, colleague).
Applicants must upload transcript(s) with the application. Unofficial are acceptable. Official transcript(s) required upon hire.