Program Director – Center for Professional Excellence

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.

Reporting to the Associate Provost/Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs, the incumbent leads and directs the Center’s programs and services focused on employee development and excellence. This individual works with faculty/staff and other institutional leaders to collaboratively assess needs, develop programming, and evaluate strategies to enhance the knowledge and skills of employees in achieving their goals related to teaching, scholarship, service, leadership, and professional development.  The incumbent may be required to perform job-related tasks not specifically delineated in this description.

NOTE: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required 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 50% grant funded.  Continued employment is based upon the availability of funding.

• Supervise and evaluate the Center’s personnel
• Provide visionary leadership and direction for Faculty Excellence in collaboration with an advisory committee.
• Collaborate with the Office of Human Resources on professional development of classified staff.
• Assess needs for faculty professional development, in collaboration with the Faculty Development Sub-committee of the Faculty Senate
• Provide leadership in the management, staffing, and budgeting of the Center.
• Investigate and disseminate best practices in the area of faculty excellence, especially in teaching and publishing.
• Develop, implement, and assess programs that support faculty development.
• Collect, analyze, and report data to assess the effectiveness of Center programming and provide documentation as needed.
• Facilitate faculty orientation and success initiatives.
• Develop and facilitate the work of faculty learning communities.
• Facilitate a faculty mentoring program within and across disciplines.
• Establish collaborative working relationships across the university community to identify resources and support the use of high-impact practices and emerging learning technologies.
• Promote an institutional culture of engagement and collaboration.
• Work with other University personnel, particularly Marketing and Communications, to develop marketing plans related to professional development and excellence.
• Pursue external funding for the program through grants and sponsorships
• Work closely and effectively with all campus partners
• Create an advisory board to broaden creative thought and input into marketing, program design and assessment.
• May be required to work occasional evenings or weekends for events, orientations, or special programs.

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Teaching & Learning, Educational Leadership, Leadership and Organizational Development, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, including responsibilities in faculty development, teaching and learning support, academic program coordination, or center/program administration.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing leadership, strategic planning, or program oversight for professional development initiatives.
• Experience with project management, curriculum development, budget management, staff supervision, and resource allocation.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience developing, facilitating, or assessing faculty development programs, faculty learning communities, mentoring initiatives, or orientation/onboarding.

The proposed salary range for this position is $75,000.00 – $80,000.00 annually.

• Knowledge of evidence-based teaching practices, high-impact practices, and emerging instructional technologies.
• Skill in collecting, analyzing, and reporting program assessment data.
• Skill with learning technologies, collaboration platforms, and instructional support tools commonly used in higher education
• Skill in communication (oral and written), including the ability to prepare reports, present to campus audiences, and communicate complex ideas effectively.
• Ability to investigate, synthesize, and communicate best practices in teaching, learning, and faculty success.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with faculty, administrators, and academic units across a university.
• Ability to develop and facilitate faculty learning communities, mentoring networks, and professional development initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise independent judgment, and lead visionary and strategic planning efforts.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Marketing and Communications to promote programs and initiatives.
• Ability to cultivate external partnerships and pursue grant funding or sponsorships.

Review of applications will begin upon receipt.  For best consideration, apply by March 13, 2026.

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 in an office setting while sitting at a desk or table with intermittent standing, bending, or stooping.
• The work may require lifting light objects up to 15 pounds.
• This position has direct supervision of 2 personnel.

• 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.