Academic Program Director Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

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
Reporting to the Program Director for Academic Support Services, the Senior Academic Advisor serves as a senior advising professional responsible for balancing direct student support with advising team leadership. This position provides academic advisement to a student caseload while leading retention initiatives, supporting advisor development, monitoring student success outcomes, and collaborating with campus stakeholders to promote student persistence and degree completion. The incumbent may be required to perform job-related duties other than those 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.
Responsibilities
Administrative Leadership - 50%

• Provide support to advising staff.
• Assist with facilitating advising staff meetings, professional development activities, and training programs.
• Monitor advising effectiveness, student success metrics, retention trends, and program outcomes.
• Identify, analyze, and monitor factors affecting student retention and persistence; recommend appropriate interventions.
• Support the Center for Student Success (CSS) through reporting, assessment activities, program monitoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Meet regularly with the Program Director and other academic leaders to discuss student needs, retention strategies, and advising performance.
• Collaborate with academic program coordinators, faculty, and the Director of Graduate Studies to ensure efficient course planning, degree progression, and student success initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, FERPA requirements, and advising best practices.
• Serve as a resource and subject matter expert on advising technologies, policies, procedures, and student success initiatives.

Student Advisement Responsibilities - 50%

• Maintain a caseload of students and provide comprehensive academic advisement and support.
• Monitor student academic progress and proactively engage students who may be at risk.
• Meet regularly with students to develop academic success plans, degree completion plans, and intervention strategies.
• Utilize the Appreciative Advisement model to foster student engagement, persistence, and achievement.
• Coordinate and facilitate student success workshops on topics such as time management, study skills, test preparation, academic planning, and campus resource utilization.
• Schedule appointments, document interactions, respond to student progress reports, communicate with faculty and staff, and coordinate tutoring and support services.
• Provide timely referrals to academic and campus resources that support student success and retention.
• Collaborate with faculty and student support staff to address academic concerns and barriers to student achievement.
• Maintain accurate advising records and documentation while ensuring confidentiality and FERPA compliance.
• Support students throughout their academic journey by providing guidance on degree requirements, academic policies, and pathways to graduation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in counseling, education, psychology or special education given priority
• A minimum of three (3) years of advising experience.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (nights and weekends) and attend annual training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Experience with Banner, EAB Campus and PAWS

Proposed Salary
The salary range for this position is $55,000.00 to $60,000.00 annually.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of Savannah State University and Board of Regents policies and procedures
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures
• Knowledge of student information systems
• Skilled in the use small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems
• Skilled in using computers for data entry
• Skilled in using computers for word processing and/or accounting purposes
• Ability to learn department policies and procedures
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and an orientation towards customer service
• 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

Apply Before Date
Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by September 10, 2026.
Contact Information
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.
USG Core Values
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 .
Institutional Values
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.
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 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.
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
• The work may require some evening and weekend work during seasonal or peak periods.
• This position does not have direct supervision over classified personnel.

Special Applicant Instructions

• 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.