Program Specialist - Upward Bound

Savannah State University; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Savannah State University is seeking a Program Specialist for the Upward Bound program in Savannah, GA. This full‑time role supports first‑generation and low‑income students in grades 9–12 through mentoring, academic advising, and enrichment activities within the USG Upward Bound framework.

The incumbent will coordinate workshops, maintain relationships with target schools, and assist in developing Educational Success Plans to promote college readiness and successful enrollment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field.
• Two years working with low income or first-generation students.
• Two years advising or counseling students toward higher education.

Responsibilities

• Identify, select, and assess program participants.
• Provide pre-collegiate educational guidance and assistance to students by recommending courses that meet high school graduation requirements.
• Coordinate and conduct workshops, presentations, enrichment activities, and individual and group sessions; assist students in identifying and accessing academic resources, opportunities, and support services.
• Conduct quarterly needs assessments to identify participant strengths, barriers, and support needs related to academic success and college readiness.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships between the program and target school personnel.
• Maintain an assigned caseload of students through regular visits to target schools, providing ongoing academic advising, mentoring, and support to promote academic success and college readiness.
• Facilitate and implement tutoring sessions (after‑school and weekends).

Skills

Student advising

Mentoring

Educational counseling

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in education or related field

Job description

Job Title: Program Specialist - Upward Bound

Location: Savannah State Recruiting Loc

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 301140

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

Reporting to the Director, the Program Specialist provides academic advising, support services, and educational enrichment opportunities for first‑generation and low‑income students in grades 9-12 attending Savannah‑Chatham County Public School System target schools identified in the U.S. Department of Education‑approved project. Under general supervision, the incumbent assists students in achieving their academic, educational, and career goals through mentoring, academic support, career and college exploration activities, and participation in a residential summer academic program.

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

• Identify, select, and assess program participants.
• Provide pre‑collegiate educational guidance and assistance to students by recommending courses that meet high school graduation requirements.
• Coordinate and conduct workshops, presentations, enrichment activities, and individual and group sessions; assist students in identifying and accessing academic resources, opportunities, and support services.
• Conduct quarterly needs assessments to identify participant strengths, barriers, and support needs related to academic success and college readiness.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of individualized Educational Success Plans to support academic achievement and successful postsecondary enrollment.
• Assist Upward Bound Assistant Director with the following activities:
  • Scholar Saturday Sessions, after‑school tutoring , college campus tours and field trips, enrichment activities, residential Summer Academy and Mentoring Weekend Retreat
• Maintain an assigned caseload of students through regular visits to target schools, providing ongoing academic advising, mentoring, and support to promote academic success and college readiness.
• Facilitate and implement tutoring sessions (after‑school and weekends).
• Develop and maintain effective relationships between the program and target school personnel.
• Participates in state, and regional trainings.
• Track and monitor participant activities to ensure appropriate and adequate services have been provided for the educational success of each student.
• Assess tutorial opportunities for participants.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education or related field
• Minimum two years working with low income or first generation students
• Two years of experience providing assistance in advising, or counseling students toward higher education

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with TRiO programs or other federally funded college access, educational outreach, or student support initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with schools, families, community organizations, and other stakeholders to support student success.

Proposed Salary

The proposed salary range is $36,000.00 to $40,000.00 annually.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of admission and financial aid procedures; strong commitment to goals of the Upward Bound program
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Skills in communication (interpersonal, oral, and written)
• Ability to manage multiple projects while remaining organized.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community partners

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [e-mail]. For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at [phone], or email [e-mail].

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 online 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 online 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 [e-mail]. 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 [e-mail].