Director of the Washington Semester Program
Posting Details
Posting Details
Posting Number F2650P Working Title Director of the Washington Semester Program Department UHR-HR Search Services About the University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website https://dcsemester.uga.edu/ Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Anticipated Start Date 07/01/2026 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 02/02/2026 Job Closing Date Open until filled Yes 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.
Location of Vacancy Outside Georgia EEO Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 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 .
Position Details
Position Information
Classification Title Director, Subdivision/Unit AD FLSA Exempt Faculty Rank Administrative Faculty Contract Type Fiscal (12 mo.) Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in public policy, political science, international affairs, higher education administration, or a related field
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/.
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
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage complex programs across multiple locations
Physical Demands Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .
Background Investigation Policy
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .
Duties/Responsibilities
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
Percentage Of Time 100
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• List of References with Contact Information
Optional Documents
• Other Documents #1
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