Director of Domestic Policy Programs (Penn Washington Franklin Initiative)

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 Domestic Policy Programs (Penn Washington Franklin Initiative)

Job Profile Title

Director C, Academic Affairs

Job Description Summary

Penn Washington is an academic initiative that expresses the education, research, and service mission of the University of Pennsylvania. We are Penn’s physical and programmatic home in our nation’s capital, bringing together experts, senior scholars, faculty, and the Penn academic community to contribute to our priorities to strengthen ties between federal and global policymakers and the Penn academic community, promote opportunities for Penn scholarship to impact policy, expand DC-focused educational and academic programs, and reinforce the essential contributions that Penn can make to the structure and function of democracy and global affairs.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Domestic Policy Programs will play a critical role in the initiative's work to address key U.S. domestic policy issues. You will help create and manage programs that promote dialogue and research and produce actionable insights and innovative solutions, bridging theory and practice through collaboration with academics, policymakers and community leaders.

Through this effort, the initiative seeks to enhance the effectiveness of policy interventions and promote sustainable, equitable solutions for the nation.

In this role, you will draw on your own policy, managerial, and advocacy expertise and have primary responsibility for managing Program Managers and Research and Program Fellows as they design, implement, and manage research and policy work rooted in Penn Washington’s research themes. You will also have the opportunity to show strong ownership in not only helping bring others’ ideas to life but also proactively partnering with faculty and others to help generate ideas, understanding where needs exist, and taking action to shape the programs that result.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities