Job description

Job ID: 291331
Location: Savannah State Recruiting Loc
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

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.

Job Summary

This position provides department leadership in achieving department, college, and university initiatives in alignment with the University’s strategic plan. This position is responsible for the strategic vision of the department, managing the day-to-day operations, evaluating the staff and faculty of the department, maintaining essential department records, and verification of faculty credentials. The incumbent must have experience with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Accreditation process. The incumbent is also responsible for tasks that support shaping the department’s mission and building consensus around department goals. The Chair conducts departmental meetings and implements long-range department programs, plans, goals, and policies. The is a twelve (12) month administrative position with responsibilities for ensuring success in attracting, retaining, and graduating students.

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Sciences and Humanities, this position is essential and a significant member of the college’s leadership. This position has general administrative responsibility for the affairs of the Department, including successful planning, organization, development, implementation, and direction of all aspects of the Department; providing oversight, assessment, CSWE Accreditation, and development of educational programs; stewarding the resources (fiscal and physical) of the Department; preparation of annual reports and reviews; consensus building; and representing the faculty and students of the Department.

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.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the department is meeting enrollment, retention, and graduation targets and goals.
• Collaborate effectively with the dean to support strategic initiatives and ensure alignment with institutional goals.
• Prepare and execute an annual plan for external fundraising/grants.
• Establish strategic vision, goals, and planning for the department in alignment with the University’s strategic plan.
• Ensure on-time delivery of departmental grades, enrollment verification, and other critical university-related processes.
• Provide accurate delivery of reports and requisitions.
• Review all syllabi and office hours for compliance before delivery to the dean’s office.
• Lead the faculty in the articulation of the vision and goals of the academic unit, with emphasis on the quality of the learning environment.
• Provide outstanding customer service to students.
• Provide leadership to achieve the highest possible levels of excellence in instruction, research/creative activities, and service activities of the department.
• Coordinate the scope, content, and quality of instruction in the department.
• Ensure that faculty are meeting office hours responsibilities and meeting classes as scheduled.
• Ensure the recruitment and hire of qualified, appropriately credentialed, student-centered faculty and staff.
• Manage the coordination and execution of the department’s educational programs with the faculty.
• Lead the departmental faculty in a regular review of curricular offerings for relevance and new opportunities.
• Evaluate and supervise full and part-time faculty and staff annually.
• Maintain records for tenure, promotion, and pre-/post-tenure review.
• Manage the department’s budget, strategic budget requests, and supervise departmental expenditures.
• Supervise staff and manage department operations.
• Lead recruitment efforts (when resources permit) for the replacement or growth of faculty. The chair is responsible for ensuring qualified candidates are recommended to the Dean.
• Oversee faculty adherence to policies and procedures. When necessary, document issues in performance and develop improvement plans.
• Schedule and preside over regular faculty meetings, which inform the faculty and provide an opportunity for faculty input.
• Represent the department to off-campus and external stakeholders.
• In concert with the Dean, participate in the strategic planning of the College and act as the liaison between the department and the Dean.
• Inform the Dean of developments within the department that merit the Dean’s input.
• Review/approve class schedules, the equitable distribution of courses with attention toward timely progression, retention, and matriculation of students for the Dean’s review and approval.
• Maintain oversight of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Accreditation.
• Manage and recommend strategic adjunct hires and faculty overloads (as necessary).
• Prepare annual departmental reports.
• Resolve issues with faculty and students in the department (when possible).
• Cultivate interpersonal relations among the faculty and staff and make positive contributions to department morale.
• Attend university and college chair council meetings.

Required Qualifications

• An earned MSW in Social Work
• An earned PhD or DSW in Social Work
• Academic accomplishment consistent with a chair’s level appointment, scholarly publications, grant awards, research activity, and at least five years of teaching experience in higher education.
• This position requires experience in the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Accreditation processes.
• Must understand shared governance, faculty/staff development, student development, goal achievement, assessment, and resource development.
• Must show demonstrated ability to improve enrollment, retention, and graduation targets.

Proposed Salary

The total salary is comprised of a base faculty salary (range: $75,000 – $85,000.00) and an administrative stipend for the role of Department Chair.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of curriculum development, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and stewardship of resources (fiscal and physical).
• Knowledge of shared governance, faculty/staff development, student development, goal achievement, assessment, and resource development is also important
• Knowledge of best practices in the classroom
• Knowledge of applications to enhance teaching and learning
• Knowledge of computers with preferred experience in Banner
• Skilled in oral and written communication
• Skill in decision-making and problem-solving
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and function in a project-lead capacity as needed
• Ability to contribute to a positive work environment in the department and the University
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle highly sensitive and personal information with sound judgment, tact, and discretion
• Ability to follow directives from administration and be flexible in changes to those directions.
• Ability to grow enrollment, retain, and graduate students.

Apply Before Date

Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. The expected start date is July 1, 2026.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [email protected]. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email [email protected].

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 h ttps://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/policym anual/section6/C2653.

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 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 Employment Opportunity

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].

Other Information

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, or stooping.
• The employee occasionally lifts light objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office.
• This work requires periods of overnight travel.

How to apply

To apply, visit