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, Office of Student Success and Academic Support Job Profile Title Associate Director C, Student Services Job Description Summary The Associate Director in the Office of Student Services (OSS) at Penn GSE plays a critical role in enhancing the overall student experience by providing targeted support, developing strategic initiatives, and fostering collaboration across the school and university. This position is responsible for overseeing the Writing Commons Program, offering direct support to Executive Program students, and identifying areas for improvement in the student experience through data analysis and assessment. Additionally, the Associate Director provides individualized support to students facing academic and personal challenges, working closely with OSS Case Managers, Academic Affairs, and other school partners to implement proactive solutions. The role also contributes to school-wide student success initiatives, including orientation, graduation, and international student integration efforts. Reporting to the Senior Director of OSS, the Associate Director ensures that Penn GSE students receive the necessary support and resources to thrive academically and personally. Some pre-determined nights & weekends will be required. Job Description Responsibilities + Oversee operations and provide direct support for the Writing Commons Program including supervision of Graduate Fellows. Collaborate with school and university-wide partners, especially academic programs, university writing support centers, and accommodation supports. Manage budgetary needs of the Writing Commons initiatives. + Serve as primary OSS support for Executive Program students. Work directly with GSE Executive Programs to understand the various issues their students face and collaborate with program, school, and university-level partners to address systemic concerns, including but not limited to concerns in and outside of the classroom. Includes meeting with students to address academic challenges and personal difficulties. Build relationships and maintain contact with students throughout students’ time at Penn GSE. Provide resources and referrals. + Serve as a resource for all GSE students throughout their journey by providing academic and personal support. Partner with other OSS Case Managers to understand recurring issues that cause crises in students, and work to develop solutions. Collaborate with school partners, especially Academic Affairs and academic programs, to address and solve entrenched issues. Assess current supports and resources and develop additional initiatives to ensure that GSE students are successfully navigating their graduate programs. + Collaborate with the Student Success team on School-wide events and initiatives, such as graduation, orientation, and international student integration efforts. + Other duties or special projects as assigned by the Senior Director of OSS or the Vice Dean of Admissions and Student Affairs. Qualifications + Master’s Degree and 2-3 years’ experience working with students. + Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills + Understanding of and appreciation of graduate schools + Ability to work independently and meet deadlines + Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and collaborate on initiatives + Ability to navigate highly sensitive matters *Please submit a cover letter that details your interest in the role. Expected Salary Range: $72,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience. 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 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.