Job Details

Associate Director of Operations, School Leadership Program

Position Number: 7061449
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Admissions/Enrollment

Associate Director of Operations, School Leadership Program

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
Associate Director of Operations, School Leadership Program

Job Profile Title
Associate Director C, Student Services, Graduate Programs

Job Description Summary
The Associate Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the School Leadership Program (SLP). This position ensures effective execution, scalability, and continuous improvement of program operations, enrollment strategy, and participant experience.

The Associate Director of Operations oversees a portfolio that includes recruitment and enrollment strategy, admissions operations, program delivery and logistics, student services, financial management, and data systems. The role requires independent judgment in operational decision-making and contributes directly to program sustainability, growth, and efficiency.

This position operates within a complex program environment that includes cohort-based leadership development programming, partnerships with schools and organizations, a diverse instructional faculty, and cross-functional coordination with institutional offices (e.g., admissions, registrar, finance). The role ensures that operational systems are aligned with academic priorities and support a high-quality participant experience.

The Associate Director of Operations works closely with the Program Director and Senior Associate Director of Academics to implement program strategy and ensure alignment across functions. This position exercises a high degree of autonomy and regularly engages internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate must be able to work cohort weekends and some evenings.

Job Description

Key Duties

Operational Leadership and Program Execution: Provide leadership for all operational functions of the program. Oversee planning, logistics, systems design, and execution of program activities. Ensure efficient and effective program delivery.
Recruitment, Enrollment, and Admissions Management: Develop and implement recruitment strategies to meet enrollment goals. Oversee admissions processes, application systems, and communications. Monitor enrollment data and trends to inform decision-making.
Student Services and Participant Experience: Oversee student support processes and address complex issues related to registration, program status, and policies. Ensure a high-quality and responsive participant experience.
Financial Management and Budget Oversight: Manage budget tracking, reporting, and financial processes. Monitor revenue and expenses and support financial planning and sustainability efforts.
Data Management, Reporting, and Systems Oversight: Oversee data systems related to students, alumni, and program performance. Ensure accurate reporting and use data to inform operational improvements.
Communications and Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as a central point of communication for students, faculty, and partners. Ensure clear and consistent communication across program functions.
Strategic Support and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with program leadership to support strategic initiatives and ensure alignment across academic and operational priorities.
Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL:

A Master's degree required and 2-3 years of related experience in program operations, higher education administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated high-level experience in program operations, enrollment management, or systems administration
Ability to exercise independent judgment and manage complex operational processes
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Experience managing budgets and financial processes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a collaborative environment
Experience working with diverse stakeholders
Proficiency with standard office and program management technologies
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

PREFERRED:

5-7 years of experience in higher education or program administration
A Master's degree in Higher Education/Leadership, Organizational Management or related area is preferred
Experience with recruitment strategy and enrollment growth
Familiarity with CRM systems, learning management systems (e.g., Canvas), and data/reporting tools

*All applicants must submit a cover letter in the same section as the resume/CV section.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Graduate School of Education

Pay Range
$66,000.00 - $75,000.00 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, 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, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be 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

Equal Employment 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, state, or local law.

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Graduate-School-of-Education/Associate-Director-of-Operations--School-Leadership-Program_JR00118697