Director of Academic Operations - Office of Academic Services - Penn Engineering

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 - Office of Academic Services - Penn Engineering

Job Profile Title

Director B, Student Services

Job Description Summary

Penn Engineering’s world-acclaimed faculty, state-of-the-art research laboratories and highly interdisciplinary curricula offer an experience that is unparalleled. Innovation and technology drive every program and transform the fundamentals of what future engineers are learning. http://www.seas.upenn.edu/

Reporting to the Managing Director of the Office of Academic Services (OAS), the Director of Operations is a strategic, outcomes-driven leader who advances operational excellence and service innovation in support of Penn Engineering’s undergraduate, graduate, and online student communities. The Director plays a pivotal role as a senior project manager, team developer, and technology strategist, ensuring that academic operations align with institutional goals and deliver a world-class student experience.

In this multifaceted leadership role, the Director partners with key stakeholders across Penn Engineering and the University to lead cross-functional initiatives, optimize service delivery, and implement best practices in data governance, knowledge management, and student success infrastructure. The Director will manage and develop a high-performing Operations team, guiding them—and the broader OAS staff—in leveraging technologies that streamline academic processes, foster data-informed decision making, and advance inclusive excellence. The Director will also provide high-level oversight of signature OAS-led events such as commencement and orientation, bringing strategic planning and execution to high-impact institutional experiences.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities
 

Strategic Project Management

• Lead strategic, cross-functional initiatives that enhance academic services, improve student engagement, and increase operational efficiency.

• Partner with internal Engineering stakeholders—including Academic Innovation, Financial Services, Computing and Educational Technology Services, Operations Services, Marketing and Communications, and Planning & Design—to refine workflows, metrics, and systems aligned with OAS objectives.

• Collaborate with the Managing Director and other OAS leaders to continuously evaluate and improve service delivery across all functional teams.

• Oversee the planning and execution of major academic events, including commencement, orientation, and award ceremonies. Implement consistent mechanisms for event evaluation and improvement.

Operations Team Leadership and Development 

• Manage and coach a robust Operations team, which may include sta