Department Chair - Chemistry & Forensic Sciences

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 universitys 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 Dean of COSH, this position is essential and a significant member of 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, 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.

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.

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 Departments educational programs with the faculty.
• Lead departmental faculty in a regular review of curricular offerings for relevance and new opportunities.
• Evaluate departmental full time and staff annually.
• Maintain records for tenure, promotion, and pre/post tenure review.
• Manage the departments budget; approve expenditure of funds allocated to the department
• Lead recruitment efforts (when permitted) for the replacement or growth of faculty.
• 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)
• Prepare annual departmental reports using data to describe accomplishments and shortfalls
• 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 certification for the Department programs
• Respond to additional duties/assignments as requested

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate in Chemistry, Forensic Sciences, or a closely related field .
• Experience with departmental budget management
• Academic accomplishments consistent with a chair-level appointment
• Demonstrated evidence of scholarly publications, grant awards, research activity
• Five (5) years of teaching experience in higher education.
• The successful candidate must have the ability to work with all faculty.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Chemistry redesign and new program development
• Knowledge of Forensic Science Certification and acquisition

Proposed Salary

Compensation for this position is comprised of a faculty base salary and an annual administrative stipend for duties performed in the role of Department Chair. The combined annual compensation (inclusive of both components) is expected to range from $108,000.00 to $115,000.00, depending on qualifications, experience, and academic rank.

Required Documents to Attach

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Leadership Statement
• Research interests
• Unofficial Transcripts (Official Transcripts and Official International Course-by-Course Evaluations Due Upon Hire)
• Names, phone numbers, and email addresses of at least 3 professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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 manage multiple priorities and function in a project-lead capacity as needed
• Ability to contribute to a positive work environment in the department and 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

For best consideration, apply by December 15, 2026. Review of applications may begin as early as December 1, 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 individuals 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 individuals protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individuals 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 institutions 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

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table with intermittent standing or stooping
• The work is typically performed in an office to accommodate program needs
• The work may require periods of overnight travel.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position has direct supervision over departmental faculty