Managing Director, Penn AI

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

Managing Director, Penn AI

Job Profile Title

Director C, Academic Affairs, Academic Administration

Job Description Summary

Penn AI is a university-wide initiative designed to transform how artificial intelligence is integrated into every corner of campus life — from groundbreaking research to classroom innovation and community engagement. As a cornerstone of Penn’s strategic vision, In Principle and Practice, Penn AI is poised to confront society’s most urgent challenges through bold, transformative AI-driven research, education, and outreach.

The Council provides strategic leadership and oversight of the initiative, fosters collaboration across all twelve Penn schools, and drives programs that elevate Penn’s global AI leadership.
The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a highly skilled Managing Director to lead the execution of PennAI’s strategic vision and ensure operational excellence across this large-scale, high-profile, and highly complex initiative. Reporting to the Co-Chairs of the Penn AI Council, the Managing Director will work in close partnership with Council members, who serve as the strategic leaders of the initiative, as well as with senior faculty, university leadership, and external partners. The Managing Director is responsible for translating the Council’s strategic direction into action and managing the initiative’s daily operations, long-term planning, and stakeholder engagement.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the trajectory of a major interdisciplinary research and education initiative that spans Penn’s twelve schools. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with experience managing large, multi-stakeholder initiatives within complex institutions and is comfortable operating at the intersection of academia, philanthropy, and innovation.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership:

• Oversee execution of a high-profile university initiative, translating Council-defined strategic goals into actionable programs and infrastructure.
• Serve as the chief administrative officer of PennAI, providing cross-functional oversight of finance, operations, HR, and external engagement.
• Serve as a trusted partner to the Penn AI Council and its Co-Chairs, facilitating governance and enabling strategic decision-making across the initiative.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advancement:

• Facilitate relationships between the Council and high-profile alumni, donors, corporate partners, and institutional stakeholders.
• Partner with Penn’s central development office to support fundraising efforts, major gift cultivation, and donor stewardship.
• Represent PennAI in internal and external forums; prepare high-level briefings and presentations for senior leadership and advisory groups.

Program Design & Oversight:

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