Associate Director for Student Programs

University OverviewThe 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 TitleAssociate Director for Student ProgramsJob Profile TitleAssociate Director C, Student Services, Student EngagementJob Description SummaryThe Graduate Student Center Associate Director for Student Programs (ADSP) manages the development and implementation of academic and professional development programming and resources to support roughly 18,000 graduate and professional students, including over 1500 graduate parents supported through the Family Resource Center. The ADSP has primary responsibility for coordinating a robust schedule of programming throughout the year, working closely with professional and student staff to offer a balanced and wide range of programs and events to meet the diverse needs and interests of Penn graduate and professional students, as well as graduate students and postdocs with children. The ADSP is also part of a larger team supporting major initiatives and traditions, including New Graduate Student Orientation activities, GradFest, and Graduate Wellness Week. The ADSP works closely with the executive director in managing signature programs and initiatives in support of the Center’s mission, including providing direct instructional and advisory services in areas of academic writing and research communication. This includes coordinating the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and writing retreats, as well as leading and facilitating skill-based workshops.Job DescriptionThe Associate Director for Student Programs supports the mission of the Grad Center by developing and coordinating programming, resources, and outreach initiatives that educate and engage Penn students on a range of topics related to academic and professional development. Working closely with partners across the University, the AD oversees a team of 2-4 fellows and 1 FTE staff member to develop, implement, and evaluate student-focused programming and resources to support roughly 18,000 graduate and professional students at Penn.The AD is responsible for coordinating broader programming efforts, in consultation with programming staff, helping to ensure that the Grad Center has a robust and diverse array of well-planned and -executed events throughout the year. The AD works closely with the Executive Director to manage signature programs and to support successful implementation of strategic initiatives in support of the Center’s mission, providing both supportive and direct instructional and advisory services in areas of academic writing and research communication. This includes coordinating the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and writing retreats, as well as leading and facilitating skill-based workshops.The AD shares in responsibility for advising and oversight of the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA), with a focus on GAPSA’s Programming Division and board-initiated activities.  This includes meeting with student organization leaders, providing guidance on programs that will engage the graduate student community, and assisting with oversight and ensuring that University policies and procedures are followed. The AD also plays an integral role in the development, implementation, and supervision of several large-scale events and traditions, including, New Graduate Student Orientation activities, GradFest, Graduate Wellness Week, and more.The AD plays a leadership role in helping to cultivate a positive, success-driven environment that demands both high levels of individual responsibility and effective and meaningful collaboration with internal and external colleagues for both the Grad Center and GAPSA programming teams. The AD also plays an important role in maintaining the Grad Center’s role as a vibrant, welcoming hub of graduate and professional student life at Penn.Job ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, implementation, and evaluation - Develop, coordinate, and assess programming for roughly 18,000 graduate and professional students. Collaborate with other campus centers and departments to create targeted programming for graduate and professional students, in line with full scope of programmatic goals.Supervise program coordinator (1FTE) and team of 2-4 fellows to assist with professional development programs and to develop and implement original new programming to reflect evolving student needs and interests.Lead development and delivery of academic writing and research communication workshops, materials, and advising. includes coordinating the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and writing retreats, as well as leading and facilitating skill-based workshops. Coordinate