University Overview

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 Title

Senior Associate Director, Strategic Projects, Wharton Research, Centers and Academic Initiatives

Job Profile Title

Associate Director D

Job Description Summary

Under the leadership of the Senior Vice Dean of Research, Centers and Academic Initiatives, Wharton’s six research pillars, including the newly established Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative (WAIAI), serve as a hub for exchange and study where faculty, students, and members of the business community address pressing global business challenges. Their work generates courses, academic programs, community outreach, working papers, published research, and partnerships among academics, industry, and government.

Job Description

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Senior Associate Director supports the Senior Vice Dean of Research, Centers and Academic Initiatives and senior leadership of the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative in the development and implementation of the strategic goals and priorities of these two high-impact areas within The Wharton School.

Research, Centers and Academic Initiatives responsibilities: • Coordinate and manage high-impact strategic projects to foster cross-collaboration efforts across 20+ academic research centers and initiatives.• Develop and maintain best practices, shared processes, and policies that support efforts to improve and amplify the work of research centers at Wharton. Work with various departments across Wharton to promote collaboration and implement streamlined processes in the areas of fundraising, marketing and communications, HR and financial processes. • Provide project management support to research initiatives, including developing and expanding resources for faculty, PhD students, Post-Docs and Pre-Docs at Wharton. • Coordinate and execute meeting logistics, and prepare meeting agendas and project briefs as needed.

Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative responsibilities: • Support the Vice Dean and Managing Director in implementing WAIAI's strategic priorities, which include activities that support research, education innovation, AI's impact on society, and programming for C-suite executives and industry professionals.• Support identified opportunities for collaboration, shared infrastructure, and coordinated fundraising and programming efforts across WAIAI’s integrated centers and Wharton departments to advance WAIAI's mission. • Work with AI-focused research centers and labs to manage strategic projects, conferences/events, and research that aligns with the strategic priorities of WAIAI. Provide high level administrative support for affiliated centers and labs within WAIAI as needed.

This position reports directly to the Managing Director of Research, Centers and Academic Initiatives and works closely with faculty in senior leadership roles at The Wharton School.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor's Degree and 5 years to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

The candidate must demonstrate an ability to forge relationships with various internal and external stakeholders within an organization to create collaboration and move strategic projects forward. Demonstrated project management, experience planning meetings and events, a willingness to collaborate and excel within complex organizations, and the ability to exercise independent judgment, confidentiality and discretion is required.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$61,046.00 - $95,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary 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.

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

  The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on 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.