Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives

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

Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives

Job Profile Title

Executive Director A, Human Resources

Job Description Summary

The Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives reports to the Vice President of Human Resources (VPHR) and serves as a high-trust advisor, operational strategist, and integral member of the Human Resources Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The Executive Director ensures the VPHR’s attention remains focused on the most strategic priorities by anticipating needs, resolving issues, and enabling effective decision-making. Operating with significant autonomy, discretion, and emotional intelligence, the Executive Director will help to align organizational messaging and ensure effective communication of the organization’s services and programs to the community, while managing a wide variety operational, administrative, and communications matters.

Job Description

About the Role 

The Executive Director will engage with internal and external community members, including faculty, staff, students, senior University leaders, and industry HR professionals to help drive HR priorities and goals across a complex, decentralized institution. Within HR, the Executive Director will serve as a thought partner to other HR leaders and employees and foster a culture of excellence in stakeholder engagement.  

Key Outcomes 

The Executive Director will be accountable for delivering the following outcomes: 

• Execution Excellence: Translate strategy into coordinated action by connecting workstreams, tracking progress, and ensuring follow-through on institutional goals. 

• Operational Triage: Identify and address emerging issues or misalignments across the HR division before they escalate, enabling the VPHR to stay focused on high-impact work. 

• Leadership Continuity: Serve as a trusted delegate for the VPHR, empowered to make decisions, resolve issues, and may represent the VPHR’s voice and intent in meetings and communications. 

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build trust-based relationships with diverse stakeholders through political acumen, high emotional intelligence, effective communication strategies, and