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 of Career and Community - Penn Engineering Online

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C, Student Services

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director of Career & Community provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for career development, community engagement, and student success programming for Penn Engineering Online’s 3000+ online learners. The Associate Director creates scalable structures that ensure that online students receive high-quality career advising, professional development opportunities, and meaningful community connections that enrich their academic experience and support post-graduate success.

The Associate Director supervises a full-time Community Engagement Manager and two part-time Career Advisors and is responsible for designing and delivering programs that support career readiness, onboarding and orientation, peer connection, networking, and academic engagement. The role also maintains key employer and campus partnerships, ensures consistent career advising and coaching operations, and fosters opportunities for learners to engage with faculty, alumni, and industry professionals. This position is ideal for a dynamic, student-centered professional committed to advancing both career mobility and engagement for online learners.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Program and Event Management

• Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of in-person and virtual academic, career, and community-focused programs, including Road Trips, webinars, workshops, elective showcases, skill-building sessions, faculty Q&As, SPARC-like initiatives, networking events, onboarding activities, and student clubs.

• In collaboration with the Director for Student Engagement and the Event Director, assist in planning and supporting large-scale community events, including graduation, Homecoming, and other institutional engagement opportunities.

• Develop and oversee program timelines, communications, registration workflows, participant materials, and event tracking in collaboration with the Community Engagement Manager.

• Manage community engagement efforts, including Slack and LinkedIn group oversight, student newsletters, and initiatives that foster belonging and peer connection.
  Develop and implement alumni engagement programming to strengthen connections across the Penn Engineering Online community.

Career Development & Advising 

• Collaborate closely with the on-campus Assistant Director of Career Services to align programming, share resources, and ensure consistent, high-quality career support across online and residential student populations.

• Oversee career advising operations and coordinate sch