Strategic Project Leader

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

Strategic Project Leader

Job Profile Title

Director C, Business and Finance

Job Description Summary

Wharton School Overview
Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a diverse population of staff, representing a rich array of backgrounds, expertise, and cultures. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

The Wharton School is seeking a highly capable Strategic Project Leader to map, lead, and implement significant change management, process improvements, and strategic projects across various departments and units. This role is crucial for driving initiatives that require collaboration among disparate groups within the school to address shared challenges and achieve common goals at a school-wide level.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement strategic projects focused on change management, process optimization, and problem resolution.
• Facilitate collaboration across different departments and units that may not typically work together, to ensure cohesive progress and effective solutions.
• Develop detailed project plans from inception to completion, clearly outlining the steps necessary to transition from current operations to desired outcomes.
• Serve as a key liaison between executive management and project teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals and organizational strategy.
• Serve as a key liaison between executive management and project teams, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals and organizational strategy.
• Lead stakeholder engagement sessions to gather input, communicate progress, and manage expectations throughout the project life cycle.
• Monitor project progress, adjust plans as necessary, and provide regular updates to senior management and all relevant stakeholders.
• Utilize strong analytical skills to evaluate potential project challenges and bottlenecks, proposing practical solutions.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and innovative thinking within and across teams.

Applicants must submit a cover letter that illustrates project management experience.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and 5 or more years of proven experience in strategic project management, preferably within an academic or similarly complex setting is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Required Skills:
• Exceptional executive functioning with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Stro