Associate Director, Global Possibility Network (GPN)

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, Global Possibility Network (GPN)Job Profile TitleDirector B, Business and FinanceJob Description SummaryThe Associate Director of the Global Possibility Network (GPN) serves as the operational and strategic lead for GPN activities at Penn GSE. Operating with high autonomy and limited day-to-day supervision, the Associate Director is accountable for setting priorities, managing external partner relationships, overseeing program design and delivery, and stewarding financial and reputational commitments on behalf of Penn and GSE. The role carries primary responsibility for delivery, financial, compliance, and reputational risk across all engagements. The Associate Director works in close coordination with a faculty sponsor, relevant GSE offices, and external partners to ensure GPN engagements are executed with excellence, integrity, and institutional appropriateness.This position is contingent upon grant funding until November 30, 2026, unless further funding is secured.Job DescriptionKey ResponsibilitiesStrategy and Priority Setting (20%) Establishes priorities and sequencing for GPN work, translates decisions into executable plans, and adjusts course as conditions change. Secures faculty sponsor sign-off on strategic decisions as appropriate.External Partnerships and Commitments (20%) Serves as the primary owner of partner relationships and external commitments. Shapes scope, deliverables, and timelines; manages partner satisfaction; and mitigates reputational risk tied to Penn and GSE.Contracts and Scope (15%) Drives contract development and scope definition in collaboration with relevant Penn offices. Ensures that commitments are clearly articulated, mutually agreed upon, and appropriately priced.Pricing, Budgeting, and Revenue Stewardship (15%) Develops pricing logic and delivery budgets. Stewards contract and gift funds and plans funding across the appointment period to ensure financial sustainability of GPN commitments.Program Design and Delivery (15%) Leads end-to-end design and delivery of partner engagements, including staffing plans, schedules, materials development, and quality control. Directs internal and external contributors to deliver on program commitments.Cross-Office Coordination and Compliance (5%) Coordinates with GSE stakeholders — including finance, compliance, and related administrative offices — to complete required process steps and prevent delays or failures that could jeopardize program delivery.External Presence and Partner-Facing Communications (5%) Provides oversight and decision-making authority over public- and partner-facing communications and content, in coordination with GSE Communications as needed. This includes content that communicates GPN identity and activity (e.g., the GSE webpage) and content emerging from Possibility Lab public events and related outputs. This work supports credibility, manages stakeholder expectations, and represents Penn, GSE, and GPN appropriately.Risk Ownership (5%) Carries primary responsibility for delivery risk (quality, deadlines, scope), financial risk (underpricing, payment gaps), compliance and process risk (completing required steps), and institutional reputational risk tied to external commitments.QualificationsA bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of experience required or equivalent combination of education and experience.Experience leading complex, externally-facing programs in an R1 university environment, including domestic and international partnerships and contract-supported delivery. Demonstrated experience with pricing and budgeting, stakeholder management across multiple offices, and responsibility for delivery quality and reputational risk. Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.Job Location - City, StatePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaDepartment / SchoolGraduate School of EducationPay Range$92,592.00 - $115,000.00 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, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, s