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, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C, Student Services, Undergraduate Programs

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director for the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program serves as the primary point of contact and foundational support system for undergraduate students, faculty, and campus partners. This role involves high-impact student advising with critical administrative, curricular, and program management responsibilities within the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS).

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary academic advisor for all undergraduate students majoring or interested in PPE. Provide comprehensive guidance on degree requirements, concentration course approvals, study abroad, and academic progress. Support student success by identifying at-risk students and connecting them to campus resources. Manage student records, track graduation timelines, and clear students for graduation.

• Partner with the Faculty Director to develop the annual program budget. Collaborate on strategic curricular planning and draft the end-of-year program report.

• Collaborate with campus partners to develop, strengthen, and maintain PPE-specific relationships. Work across departments to expand interdisciplinary course offerings and unique student opportunities (e.g., internships, research, networking events). Represent the PPE program across broader university networks to increase program visibility.

• Assist PPE faculty and postdoctoral fellows with course design, navigating institutional resources, and professional development opportunities. Serve as a bridge between faculty and student needs, facilitating communications regarding accommodations or academic integrity. Prepare agendas for regular PPE faculty meetings.

• Represent the PPE program at monthly Undergraduate Council meetings, major advisor/coordinator meetings, and other SAS-level administrative briefings. Actively participate in and support PPE program events, including graduation celebrations, info sessions, and socials.

• Assist with miscellaneous program needs and special projects as assigned by the Faculty Director.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and and 1 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. PhD in PPE-related disciplines, including psychology, is strongly preferred, as is an interdisciplinary research background related to PPE. 

• Experience in academic advising preferred.

• Must have the ability to communicate with a diverse population and across all levels of the organization.

• Strong verbal communication skills required.

• Must also demonstrate excellent writing and editing skills.

• Previous experience working with international non-profit programs and organizations and grants preferred.

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work independently, strong initiative and ability to develop programs essential.

• Previous budget management and fund-raising experience a plus.

*For consideration, please submit a cover letter as well as a 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

$67,155.00 - $80,000.00 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.

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