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:
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 Resident Director (RD) serves as a professional staff member tasked with the administration and management of one of our seven residential settings. RDs are responsible for training, evaluating, and supervising up to 18 undergraduate and graduate student leaders. Additionally, they adjudicate conduct cases and participate in a campus-wide on-call rotation. The role of the RD has been designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under Federal Law (Jeanne Clery Act), which encompasses significant responsibilities regarding both students and the campus community. As CSAs, they are mandated to report any crimes that are disclosed to them, which occurred on campus, in public areas, or within the boarding campus.
The Resident Director oversees the daily operations of residence hall(s) to develop and manage an effective living-learning environment for students. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for fostering a climate that promotes each students academic success and personal growth. The Resident Director encourages students to develop socially, emotionally, physically, interpersonally, and ethically toward achieving personal autonomy and independence, while also ensuring the creation of a safe living environment for the students of SSU. Furthermore, the incumbent is expected to implement policies and procedures in accordance with University guidelines governing on-campus housing.
The Resident Director is a 12-month, live-in position. Compensation packages include a one or two-bedroom furnished apartment at no additional cost. Utilities and services provided are: water/sewage, laundry, electricity, trash, internet, and cable TV. The University System of Georgia benefits package is also included. Professional development opportunities and funds are available upon approval.
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
Reporting directly to the Director of Housing, the individual occupying this position possesses the authority to evaluate courses of action within the parameters of clearly established University policies and procedures, or under the supervision of the Director. Furthermore, the incumbent is required to obtain approval for decisions regarding budgetary matters within the Residence Halls.
Staff Supervision & Development
The Resident Director oversees up to 18 student staff, comprising both undergraduate and graduate students. Key responsibilities involve:
Supervising and evaluating Community Assistants.
Assisting with the recruitment, selection, and training of Community Assistants and Graduate Assistants.
Creating duty schedules and maintaining regular payroll records.
Planning and conducting weekly staff meetings, as well as regular one-on-one meetings with assigned staff members.
Monitoring the actions and activities of building staff to ensure that established expectations are being upheld.
Developing a cohesive team of staff members.
Student Development & Support
The Resident Director holds the responsibility for creating an environment that fosters both the academic success and personal growth of each resident. Specific duties related to development include:
Maintaining a high level of availability with students by being present in all buildings within the complex on a consistent basis.
Establishing a regular presence in the assigned residence hall and being accessible through scheduled appointments.
Designing and/or implementing programs based on the established programming model for the academic year.
Fostering a positive working and living relationship between residents and staff members.
Creating a community where retention rates, GPAs, and graduation rates are robust.
Utilizing appropriate resources and personal skills to assist residents in navigating academic and personal challenges.
Intervening in crises as they arise, including serving as the duty response for the entire housing community.
Providing referrals for specific concerns when deemed appropriate.
Student Conduct & Policy Enforcement
The Resident Director holds the responsibility of upholding the behavioral standards established by Savannah State University and University Housing & Residence Life. The specific tasks include:
Ensuring that both students and staff are informed about the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of Savannah State University as detailed in the Student Code of Conduct and Community Guidebook.
Managing conduct cases related to possible violations of University and Housing policies using conduct systems.
Upholding fair and consistent standards in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and departmental expectations.
Timely, consistent, and thorough implementation of corrective actions.
Keeping the supervisor updated about ongoing matters in the assigned residence hall.
Residence Hall Administration
The Resident Director holds the responsibility of implementing effective management practices in the administration of daily operations within the residence halls. This role encompasses specific tasks that include:
Assignments
Ensuring the maintenance of precise occupancy records and promptly informing the University Housing & Residence Life Business Office of any modifications.
Adhering to the room change policies established by University Housing & Residence Life to guarantee that all residents participating in room changes are treated in a fair and equitable manner.
Facilities
Collaborating closely with our Facilities Staff, including custodial, maintenance, and facilities teams, to ensure that our physical environment is kept in the best possible condition.
Taking the initiative to report and refer any student or facility concerns to our Facilities Staff whenever necessary.
Emergency Assistance and Safety Requirements
Understanding all safety features present in the building.
Participating in a rotating on-call duty schedule, responding to emergencies as required, and guiding staff on emergency procedures.
General Administration
Establishing and overseeing procedures to support administrative tasks in the residence hall concerning occupancy and building management.
Ensuring consistent availability and visibility.
Adhering to all financial protocols and policies regarding handling purchases and budgets.
Other Responsibilities
Participating in or leading various University Housing committees (e.g., student staff recruitment, selection, training; professional staff recruitment, selection, training; assessment; administration; etc.).
Potential involvement in departmental, divisional, or institutional committees.
Acting as essential personnel and being available outside of regular business hours when necessary.
Engaging in or attending relevant in-service programs and/or conferences for ongoing professional development.
Completing additional tasks assigned by the University or University Housing leadership.
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Masters degree
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Apply Before Date
Review of applications will begin upon receipt. For best consideration, apply by July 15, 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:
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.
Special Applicant Instructions