Executive Director, McGraw Center for Educational Leadership

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, McGraw Center for Educational Leadership

Job Profile Title

Director D, Academic Affairs, Academic Center

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) seeks a seasoned, collaborative leader to serve as Executive Director of the McGraw Center for Educational Leadership. The Executive Director will combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership, driving initiatives that advance leadership development across preK-12 education, higher education, corporate and lifelong learning, and nonprofit sectors. This position calls for an action-oriented leader who thrives on collaboration and is committed to ensuring impact through both strategic planning and execution. The Executive Director will elevate the McGraw Center to become the premier hub for educational leadership resources nationwide and enhance Penn GSE’s global reputation in this area.

Job Description

About Penn GSE

For 110 years, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE) has defined success by our positive impact on society. Today, Penn GSE is known worldwide for rigorous scholarship, high-quality instruction, and impactful, innovative practice. Our academic programs span the educational landscape, producing some of the most highly sought-after educators, leaders, researchers, counselors, and entrepreneurs. Our faculty are widely regarded as leading experts in their fields, our students bring a deep commitment to impact, and our dedicated staff are committed to realizing our mission every day. Penn GSE alumni, numbering nearly 20,000, lead transformative educational change in over 90 countries. Our work is rooted in the belief that education is a public good—essential to a just and thriving society.

Strategic Vision

In November 2024, under the leadership of Dean Katharine Strunk, Penn GSE launched Together for Good, a bold and collaborative strategic vi