University of Pennsylvania Hiring for Director of Academic and Student Affairs, Penn Arts and Sciences Graduate Division at 3401 Walnut Street Full Time

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job TitleDirector of Academic and Student Affairs, Penn Arts and Sciences Graduate DivisionJob Profile TitleDirector A, Student Services, Graduate ProgramsJob Description SummaryThe Director of Academic and Student Affairs leads the Graduate Division in overseeing student support services and fostering academic and professional development for graduate students. The Director works with students as well as Graduate Chairs and Coordinators to address student concerns and wellbeing, promote best practices, and create environments that support student success. The Director works together with the Graduate Division staff and reports to the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.Job Description

The University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) forms the foundation of the scholarly excellence that has established Penn as one of the world’s leading research universities. Members of the Penn Arts & Sciences faculty are leaders in creating new knowledge in their disciplines and are engaged in nearly every area of interdisciplinary innovation.

The SAS Graduate Division is the most diverse of Penn’s twelve graduate schools, preparing students for Research Master’s degrees and PhDs across the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Approximately 1,500 doctoral students and 400 Research Master’s students seek degrees in the 34 Graduate Groups within the School of Arts and Sciences. The Graduate Division, led by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies, serves as the administrative center for graduate studies within SAS, and coordinates fellowships, finances, registration, academic and administrative affairs for students and faculty.

The Director of Academic and Students Affairs works closely with the Associate Dean in the Graduate Division to create quality educational experiences for graduate students in the School of Arts and Sciences. This position focuses on enhancing the academic and professional development of graduate students, and addresses issues of student progress, conflict management, climate and wellbeing. The Director works to create an inclusive and responsive environment that supports the needs of all students and represents the Graduate Division on several University committees.

Responsibilities:

Create and support strategies that foster academic success and promote professional development for graduate students at every stage of a graduate career—from early coursework through job placement by: creating programming that focuses on graduate student wellbeing and academic success; connecting students with existing campus resources that foster these goals; serve as a liaison for Graduate Chairs and Coordinators to promote best educational practices and address student concerns; and utilize institutional and national data to understand and address broad trends in higher education.

Serve as the Graduate Division’s initial point of contact for students in crisis, students considering a withdrawal due to academic, health or emotional issues, students facing academic probation, those encountering difficulty with advisors, and other challenges. Work closely with the Associate Dean, GSAS Registrar, Graduate Chairs and Coordinators to improve the quality of student life, facilitating linkages to University resources, as needed. Collaborate with Graduate Chairs to build tools and strategies to create successful programs, transparent policies, effective mentoring, and productive climate.

Serve as a liaison to a variety of campus partners that serve student needs, including those that address health and wellness, learning resources, and more. Work closely with those partners to foster student wellbeing and academic progress. Create programs that proactively nurture positive student experiences, provide training and support, and work to resolve student concerns. Serve as a liaison to SASgov and other graduate student organizations.

Work together with other Graduate Division staff on regular events, programs and initiatives, including orientations, graduation, and other events; represent the Graduate Division and work collaboratively on key SAS and University committees and initiatives, including but not limited to the Vice Provost Graduate and Professional Working Group. Establish strong working relationships with relevant SAS and University colleagues.

Collaborate with the SAS office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to support best practices in graduate education. Work cooperatively with DEI staff to create and carry out programs and initiatives that fulfill these goals.

Help to maintain and communicate Graduate Division policy matters and changes to Graduate Group Chairs, Coordinators and students.

Qualifications

M.A/M.S. with at least 2 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. A Ph.D., Ed. D, or M.S. Ed is strongly preferred. Extensive professional experience working with students in a university setting is strongly preferred.

The position requires an experienced and effective higher education leader who: understands best practices in graduate education; has the ability to work with a diverse student population and with students who need guidance in balancing the personal and professional challenges of graduate education; can work with faculty and staff to create an environment that fosters students success; understands and can navigate the complexity of Penn’s landscape and the current challenges facing higher education; possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills; can provide leadership and vision in a collaborative and constructive way; and is able to identify and develop opportunities to enhance graduate education in Arts and Sciences.

The successful candidate will possess a thorough knowledge of the goals and challenges of graduate education in Arts and Sciences and will have the ability to create proactive strategies to enhance graduate success. The Director will be expected to understand all aspects of the Graduate Division’s activities in order to carry out the duties required by the position.

* For consideration, please submit a cover letter as well as a resume in the CV section of your application. You can upload multiple documents to the “Resume/CV” section.

The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania is committed to creating a community of students, scholars, and staff that reflects the diversity of the world we live in. We create working and learning environments that are affirming, equitable, and inclusive. As a community, we value dynamic interactions, promote thoughtful discussions, and strive to create an environment where everyone is supported and valued.

Job Location – City, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolSchool of Arts and SciencesPay Range$51,824.00 – $71,000.00 Annual RateSalary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile. Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn’s exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you’ll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay