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
The Director of Continuing Education provides strategic leadership for the University's non-credit, professional development, workforce training, and lifelong learning programs. The position leads the design, implementation, and assessment of programs that respond to employer and community demand, operating the division as a self-sustaining, revenue-generating enterprise with its own enrollment and financial targets.
The Director hires, supervises, and evaluates program staff and instructors; builds and sustains relationships with employers, workforce development boards, and industry associations; and ensures programs meet applicable licensing, CEU accreditation, and state approval requirements. The Director manages the division's budget, including revenue projections, instructor costs, marketing spend, and facility expenses, and pursues external funding through workforce development grants and other sources. The Director also coordinates with academic departments to build pathways from non-credit continuing education into credit-bearing programs. The incumbent may be directed to perform job-related duties 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.
Responsibilities
- Develop and launch new continuing education, professional development, and workforce training programs in response to employer demand and market analysis.
- Manage the continuing education unit's budget, including revenue projections, instructor costs, marketing spend, and facility expenses, operating the division as a self-sustaining, revenue-generating enterprise.
- Hire, supervise, and evaluate continuing education, instructors, and administrative support staff.
- Build and maintain relationships with local employers, workforce development boards, and industry associations to identify training needs and secure training contracts.
- Oversee marketing and enrollment efforts for continuing education programs, including digital marketing, direct employer outreach, and enrollment management.
- Ensure programs meet relevant licensing, CEU accreditation, and state approval requirements for professional continuing education credit.
- Negotiate and administer customized employer training contracts, including needs assessment, curriculum development, scheduling, and outcome reporting.
- Monitor program enrollment, completion rates, student satisfaction, and employer feedback to inform program continuation and revision decisions.
- Coordinate with academic departments to develop pathways from continuing education into credit-bearing programs.
- Pursue external funding, including workforce development grants, apprenticeship program funds, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) resources.
- Prepare and submit regular reports documenting the division's enrollment, financial performance, and program outcomes.
- Represent the Office of Continuing Education and the University through community, employer, and professional association engagement.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience, including hiring, evaluating, and managing staff.
- Five (5) to eight (8) years of professional experience in continuing education, workforce development, adult education, or program management, including direct revenue and budget management responsibility.
- Demonstrated business development experience, including identifying training needs, proposing solutions to employers, and closing contracts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification in continuing education administration, such as through LERN (Learning Resources Network) or IACET (International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training).
- Experience hiring, orienting, and evaluating adjunct or contract instructors.
- Experience with continuing education CRM and registration platforms (e.g., Destiny One, CE Vision) and learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard).
- Grant writing experience for workforce development funding programs.
Proposed Salary
The salary range for this position is $70,000.00 to $80,000.00 annually.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge
- Thorough knowledge of WIOA and state workforce development funding structures.
- Knowledge of professional licensing requirements and CEU standards across industry sectors.
- Understanding of apprenticeship program structures and U.S. Department of Labor registration requirements.
- Understanding of, and alignment with, the academic mission and values of Savannah State University (SSU).
Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with employers, industry associations, and community partners.
- Advanced skills in budget management, revenue forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Proficiency in digital marketing, including email marketing, social media, and paid advertising for program enrollment.
- Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage a broad and simultaneous program portfolio.
Abilities
- Ability to operate a self-sustaining program unit with entrepreneurial judgment and sound financial decision-making.
- Ability to identify and respond quickly to emerging workforce and market opportunities.
- Ability to work effectively with adult learners and design programs responsive to their needs.
- Ability to tolerate ambiguity, particularly around enrollment projections, which are inherently less predictable than credit-program enrollment.
Apply Before Date
Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by October 23, 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
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- The work is typically performed indoors, with regular travel to employer sites and community locations.
- The work may require lifting light objects up to 15 pounds.
- The work will require periods of evening, weekend, and overnight travel to meet employer and community program needs.
Other Information
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY:
This position carries supervisory responsibility for continuing education, instructors, and administrative support staff; specific headcount will be established as the unit is staffed.
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.