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 Director of Academic Operations and Communications, The College of Arts and Sciences Job Profile Title Director C, Academic Affairs, Academic Administration Job Description Summary The Director is a key member of the senior staff team reporting to the Deputy Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the undergraduate division of SAS. They oversee the College’s messaging, project management strategy, and operations planning while serving as the chief liaison to the College External Advisory Board. Working closely with College Office leadership and staff, the Director supports students and faculty, manages general office operations, and contributes to strategic planning, program evaluation, and institutional research. They also oversee major events, including College Graduation, the College Awards Ceremony, and Family Weekend. As part of the senior staff team, the Director collaborates with various University units, including SAS Finance, Advancement, HR, Computing, Undergraduate Admissions, and the Office of the University Registrar. Job Description Tracing its roots to the founding of the University, the College is home to 6,400 undergraduates in the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS). It is the heart of the academic experience at the University of Pennsylvania, with students from across all of the undergraduate schools at Penn taking many of their courses in the College. Penn's tree-lined campus exists in the midst of one of the country's greatest urban centers, providing College students with tremendous opportunity. From a diverse array of academic options to a strong network of advising and support services, College students are empowered to approach their studies in the true spirit of a liberal arts education. Responsibilities: This role is a key leadership position in the College of Arts and Sciences, responsible for operational efficiency, strategic communication, and ensuring alignment with institutional goals. They will oversee College Office operations, working closely with senior leadership, faculty committees and SAS Communications to support the needs of students and faculty. This includes managing large-scale College events, overseeing selection processes for academic and research awards, and supervising key administrative staff. A central responsibility of this role is directing the College’s communications strategy, working in partnership with the College Dean, SAS leadership, and advisory groups to convey the College’s vision effectively and engage with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. The individual will chair the College Communications Working Group and lead efforts to respond to inquiries from various constituencies. Additionally, the position will support academic affairs by coordinating faculty committees, contributing to curriculum design, and facilitating the development of new academic initiatives. They will also play a key role in advancing the College's strategic objectives with the External Advisory Board, collaborating with SAS Advancement. As a senior leader, this individual will contribute to the College’s strategic vision, working closely with the College Dean and leadership team to assess and enhance administrative, advising, and academic initiatives. They will also serve as the primary liaison with key University partners, including SAS Finance and Administration, Admissions, SAS Computing, SAS Human Resources, SAS Advancement, SAS Facilities, and other central offices, ensuring coordination across departments. Qualifications: + A Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 7 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. A masters degree in an Arts and Sciences discipline highly preferred. + Excellent organizational skills, adaptability to various communication and working styles, strong prioritization and time management skills, and excellent oral and written communication skills are required. + Experience in a complex administrative structure, preferably in a university setting, is strongly preferred. + A background in academic affairs, curriculum development, and faculty governance is preferred. + The candidate must be able to foster collaboration, navigate institutional structures, and support the College’s mission of academic excellence. + Experience working with technology professionals to develop and expand student information systems and application is valuable. + Managing data for institutional research and/or managing communication strategies is helpful. + Previous experience and skills in project management are highly preferred for managing high-profile events. + Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ease in learning new technologies is required. *For consideration, please submit a cover letter along with your resume in the CV section of your application. You can upload multiple documents to the “Resume/CV” section. Job Location - City, State Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department / School School of Arts and Sciences Pay Range $74,476.00 - $115,000.00 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 the pay range assigned to the job profile. 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 The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. 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.