Associate Director for Student Engagement

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 for Student Engagement

Job Profile Title

Associate Director B, Student Services, Student Engagement

Job Description Summary

The Graduate Student Center (Grad Center) serves as a central hub for resources, activities, support, and advocacy for all 17,000+ graduate and professional students at Penn. In addition to providing a central gathering and study space for students, the Grad Center holds events throughout the year designed to help students gain the skills, experiences, and community they need for a truly successful graduate experience. The Grad Center provides individual advising and resource referrals to students and serves as a primary advisor to university-wide graduate and professional student organizations, including the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA).

Job Description

Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the Associate Director for Student Engagement (ADSE) works with partners throughout the University to develop, implement, and evaluate student-focused orientation activities and student engagement resources and training in support of 17,000+ graduate and professional students. The ADSE also plays an integral role in guiding the development, implementation, and supervision of several large-scale events and initiatives, including GradFest, Graduate Wellness Week, Fourth Fridays@Five, graduation awards ceremonies, and more.

The ADSE shares in responsibility for advising and oversight of the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA) and other university-wide graduate student organizations. This includes meeting regularly with student organization leaders, providing guidance on programs that will engage the graduate student community, and assisting with oversight and ensuring that University policies and procedures are followed. Develops and provides guidance and training to graduate student leaders, including creating and running quality programs and related topics. Assists wit