Senior Director of Operations, GSE Catalyst

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

Senior Director of Operations, GSE Catalyst

Job Profile Title

Director D, Academic Affairs, Academic Partnerships

Job Description Summary

At the Penn Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE), we believe in the power of education. We believe there is no greater force for building communities, bridging barriers, improving lives, and healing society. We bring our ideas, our identities, our ambition, and our commitment to a place where a diverse network of researchers, educators, counselors, leaders, and changemakers is unafraid to question what it means to educate.

Catalyst is a dynamic and innovative unit within the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, dedicated to advancing transformative programs and partnerships. We focus on driving new ideas and initiatives that support the educational mission of GSE and the broader Penn community.

We are seeking a results-driven Senior Director of Operations to oversee the strategic and operational functions of Catalyst. This senior leadership role is integral in ensuring the effective execution of budgetary processes and operational procedures, while directly supporting the Vice Dean of Innovative Programs and Partnerships on key Catalyst-wide projects and implementation of strategic priorities. The Senior Director will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote operational excellence, maximize impact and drive the success of Catalyst’s initiatives.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee the daily operations of Catalyst, ensuring efficient processes, smooth workflows, and effective coordination across all units.
• Identify, incubate, roll out and grow new programs in areas that meet Catalyst’s strategic priorities and maintain GSE as an innovation leader. Design structures to seize new opportunities—whether through partnerships, grants, philanthropic support, or expanding existing programs.
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