📋 Job Summary Table of Student Engagement Director

📚 Job Description Summary

The Associate Director for Student Engagement will serve as a key leader at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate Student Center, developing and implementing student engagement initiatives for over 17,000 graduate and professional students. This role involves managing orientation programs, coordinating large-scale events, and providing essential guidance to student organizations while fostering a vibrant campus community.

🎯 Student Engagement Responsibilities

• University-wide Orientation Management: Develop, coordinate, and implement comprehensive orientation programs for approximately 6,000 incoming graduate and professional students annually. Serve as a liaison with faculty, staff, and student services to deliver up-to-date programming and resources that integrate with school-specific programming. Manage Thrive at Penn Canvas courses, develop new student resources, and coordinate with university partners to support students transitioning to graduate life.

• Student Engagement Program Development: Collaborate with campus partners and the Grad Center Programming team to create, implement, and promote engagement opportunities that reflect evolving student needs and interests. Coordinate with strategic partners to oversee successful planning, implementation, and promotion of large-scale annual events including GradFest, Graduate Wellness Week, graduation awards ceremonies, and more.

• Student Organization Leadership Support: Advise and provide supervision to the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA) and GAPSA-funded graduate organizations, ensuring compliance with University policies. Develop and deliver leadership training for graduate student leaders on creating and running quality programs. Provide fiscal oversight of approximately $600,000 in annual University-wide graduate organization funding and budget allocation processes.

• Strategic Initiatives Management: Support the Graduate Center Executive Director on programming and operations, assist with strategic outreach for special projects and initiatives, and conduct regular assessment of programs to refine offerings based on student feedback.

💼 Graduate Education Administration Experience

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of education and experience that demonstrates their ability to support and engage graduate students in a university setting. The position requires:

• A Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of related experience (or equivalent combination)
• Master’s degree strongly preferred, preferably in an academic discipline
• Experience working with graduate and professional students in an administrative or professional role
• Collaborative skills working effectively with students, faculty, and administrative partners
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with sensitivity to diverse student needs
• Experience in program development, administration, and assessment
• Outstanding writing, presentation, organizational, and project management skills
• Supervisory, budgetary, and event planning experience preferred

Candidates who bring experience with Adobe Creative Suite and social media platforms will have an advantage in this role, as these skills support effective communication and engagement with the student community.

🏢 University of Pennsylvania Overview

The University of Pennsylvania is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. As an Ivy League institution consistently ranking among the top 10 universities in the U.S. News & World Report survey, Penn offers a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning across its 12 highly-regarded schools.

The university is the largest private employer in Philadelphia and has been recognized nationally on numerous occasions, including being named one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes in 2023. Penn’s beautiful urban campus provides an exceptional working environment with easy access to educational, cultural, and recreational activities in a city rich with historical significance, cultural offerings, and diverse atmospheres.

🌟 Campus Culture and Student Engagement Environment

The Graduate Student Center serves as a central hub for resources, activities, support, and advocacy for all 17,000+ graduate and professional students at Penn. Beyond providing a central gathering and study space, the Grad Center hosts events throughout the year designed to help students develop the skills, experiences, and community necessary for a successful graduate experience.

The Associate Director will play a leadership role in cultivating a positive, success-driven environment that balances individual responsibility with effective collaboration. This position is crucial in maintaining the Grad Center’s role as a vibrant, welcoming hub of graduate and professional student life at Penn, ensuring that students across all disciplines feel supported and engaged throughout their academic journey.

🚀 Career Growth Opportunities in Higher Education Administration

Working at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate Student Center offers significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement in higher education administration. The university encourages continued learning and growth through:

• Collaboration with diverse stakeholders across 12 schools and numerous departments
• Experience managing substantial budgets and high-profile university-wide initiatives
• Leadership development through student organization advising and program management
• Opportunities to contribute to strategic planning and assessment in graduate education
• Access to Penn’s exceptional professional development resources and networks

🤝 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the University of Pennsylvania, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental values that shape the student experience. The Graduate Student Center actively works to create programming and support services that meet the needs of graduate students from all backgrounds and identities. The Associate Director will play a key role in ensuring that engagement initiatives are accessible, welcoming, and responsive to the diverse graduate community at Penn.

⚖️ 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.

🏆 Benefits and Perks

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Use pre-tax dollars for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Exceptional Tuition Benefits: For you, your spouse, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions
• Generous Retirement Plans: Including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental options with investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard
• Substantial Paid Time Off: Vacation, personal, sick days and holidays
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available through Genworth Financial for you and eligible family members
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs supporting health, family, and work-life balance
• Professional Development: Resources to advance personally and professionally
• University Access: Libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, and cultural activities
• Discounts and Special Services: On arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, and more
• Flexible Work Options: Creative approaches for work-life balance
• Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loans for eligible employees buying homes in West Philadelphia
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified expenses related to legal adoption

📝 Application Process

1. Prepare your Cover Letter and Resume/CV (both documents are required)
2. Upload both documents where indicated in the application system (multiple documents are allowed)
3. Submit your application through the Penn Careers website
4. Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made

📧 How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the University of Pennsylvania’s careers portal. A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position.

Apply Now

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