Job ID: 291404 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.
Department Information
The Department of Chemistry and Forensic Sciences provides rigorous instruction and hands-on training in both chemistry and forensic science. Students develop strong analytical skills, gain experience using state-of-the-art instrumentation, and engage in research alongside actively investigating faculty. The Chemistry program is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The Forensic Science program offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Chemistry or Biology. This four-year, interdisciplinary program prepares graduates for careers in toxicology, law enforcement, criminal justice, forensic laboratories, graduate studies, and related scientific fields. Alumni have gone on to work as soil and plant scientists, chemical engineers, forensic investigators, and laboratory technicians for agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and others.
Job Summary
This position is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the department, evaluating the staff and faculty of the department, maintenance of essential department records, verification of faculty credentials, all tasks that support shaping the department mission and building consensus around department goals, conducting department meetings and implementing long-range department programs, plans, goals, and policies.
Reporting to the Dean of the College of Science and Humanities (COSH), this position is essential and a significant member of the COSH leadership team. 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, American Chemical Society (ACS) Certification, 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
Establish a vision and goals for the Department; 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 leadership to achieve the highest possible levels of excellence in instruction, research/creative activities, and service activities of the Department.
Ensure the hire of qualified, student-centered faculty and staff
Manage the coordination and execution of the Department's educational programs with the faculty.
Lead departmental faculty in a regular review of curricular offerings for relevance and new opportunities.
Evaluate departmental part-time and full-time faculty and staff annually.
Maintain records for tenure, promotion, and pre-/post-tenure review.
Manage the department's budget; approve expenditure of funds allocated to the department; ensure that expenditures do not exceed available funds
Lead recruitment efforts (when resources permit) for the replacement or growth of faculty. The chair ensures 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 individuals and groups.
In concert with the Dean, participate in the strategic planning of the College.
Serve as the liaison between the Department and the Dean.
Inform the Dean of developments within the Department.
Review/approve class schedules and ensure timely matriculation of students; equitable distribution of courses
Manage and recommend adjunct hires and faculty overloads (as necessary)
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
Maintain and seek new certifications for the Department programs
Respond to additional duties/assignments as requested
Required Qualifications
An earned doctorate in Chemistry, Forensic Science, or a closely related field is preferred
Five (5) or more years of higher education teaching experience
Demonstrated experience with Chemistry and Forensic Science certification requirements and budget management
Experience with graduate program development
Academic accomplishment consistent with a chair's level appointment, scholarly publications, grant awards, research activity
Experience as an academic program coordinator (or similar role)
Experience cultivating industry partnerships, designing career pathways, and developing or managing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to support strategic collaboration and workforce development initiatives (preferred)
Prior supervisory experience (preferred)
Proposed Salary
The proposed salary includes an annualized faculty base salary ($77,000.00 - $85,000.00) plus an administrative stipend.
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
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 work cordially and collegially with all campus partners, including faculty and students
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 judgement, 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 upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by January 15, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.
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 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 https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Savannah State University's Core 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.
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.
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