"Director of the Washington Semester Program"

Position Summary

The University of Georgia (UGA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the Washington Semester Program (WSP), a nationally recognized experiential learning program based in Washington, D.C. in Delta Hall. The program was founded in 2008 and Delta Hall opened in 2015 thanks to the generous support of the University of Georgia Foundation and Delta Airlines. WSP is open to all undergraduate students. The program mission is to provide substantive and immersive academic and professional experiences in Washington, D.C. Students engage in full-time internships, weekly seminars, rigorous coursework, and other professional opportunities, gaining valuable work experience and building professional networks. The position is housed in the Office of the Vice President for Instruction and carries a non-tenure track Administrative A faculty appointment.

The Director provides academic, administrative, and strategic leadership for the Washington Semester Program, which offers undergraduate students a full-time professional internship combined with academic coursework and residential learning in Washington, D.C. The Director is responsible for all aspects of program development, student success, operations, partnerships, and assessment, and serves as the primary representative of the program to campus and external stakeholders.

The position will be based in Washington, D.C. and will require periodic travel to Athens, GA. More information can be found at https://dcsemester.uga.edu/.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership for the Washington Semester Program in alignment with UGA’s experiential learning mission and UGA’s strategic plan
• Oversee academic programming, including internship supervision, seminars, and coursework
• Recruit, select, advise, and support undergraduate students participating in the program
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with internship hosts, alumni, faculty, and university partners
• Facilitate sourcing of internships and placement of interns
• Supervise Athens- and Washington-based staff and faculty
• Oversee academic operations in Delta Hall, UGA’s residential facility in Washington, D.C., providing leadership of residential life for students residing in Delta Hall
• Lead assessment of student learning outcomes and program effectiveness
• Create and manage the program budget and lead fundraising and scholarship development efforts
• Teach a Washington Semester seminar, which is a multidisciplinary introduction to topics related to internships and other academic offerings in the WSP
• Coordinate with and support UGA schools and colleges in delivering their summer programs in Delta Hall
• Support the development of new initiatives involving other programs

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in public policy, political science, international affairs, higher education administration, or a related field

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated track record in higher education administration, experiential learning, or academic program leadership
• Demonstrated track record working closely with undergraduate students
• Demonstrated track record teaching undergraduate students

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Terminal degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., J.D., or other appropriate terminal degree) in public policy, political science, international affairs, higher education administration, or a related field
• Demonstrated track record with internship programs, study away programs, or Washington-based academic initiatives
• Demonstrated track record collaborating with faculty and academic leadership
• Demonstrated track record in financial management and budget development
• Demonstrated track record with fundraising, alumni engagement, or program development

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicant screening will begin immediately. Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by Thursday, March 26, 2026; however, screening will continue until the position is filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).

To provide a nomination or seek additional information, please contact Paige Gates, Primary Consultant with the UGA Search Group, 706-542-5230 or paige.gates@uga.edu. Letters of recommendation or a simple nomination should include the name and contact information for the nominee.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2650P
Working Title: Director of the Washington Semester Program
Department: UHR-HR Search Services
Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Anticipated Start Date: 07/01/2026
Employment Type: Employee
Classification Title: Director, Subdivision/Unit AD
Faculty Rank: Administrative Faculty
Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track