Assistant/Vice Dean of Executive Programs, Penn GSE

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

Assistant/Vice Dean of Executive Programs, Penn GSE

Job Profile Title

Director D, Student Services, Executive Education

Job Description Summary

The Assistant/Vice Dean of Executive Programs is responsible for academic and operational oversight of Penn GSE’s portfolio of eight executive-format programs, ensuring their continued excellence, alignment with institutional priorities, and deep roots in research and evidence. The Assistant/Vice Dean directs regular reviews, data-driven assessments, and the implementation of findings to ensure programs remain aligned with market trends and institutional goals. Simultaneously, the Assistant/Vice Dean provides financial oversight for program budgets and financial planning and analysis ensuring financial accountability and alignment with strategic priorities, including revenue growth, expense control and a strong connection with academic strategy. Supervising eight Program Directors, this leader oversees the portfolio’s programmatic, operational, and financial matters, cultivating a culture of professional growth and collaboration that is essential to program excellence.

The Assistant/Vice Dean works collaboratively across the school and university to design programs that address the evolving demands of the educational landscape, always grounded by research and evidence. This includes guiding the effective engagement of executive programs with the activities of the McGraw Center for Educational Leadership and engaging faculty and external partners in shaping programming that reflects Penn GSE’s mission.

As a senior academic and administrative leader, the Assistant/Vice Dean is expected to contribute actively to the broader life of the School, serving as a key voice in strategic planning and institutional governance. This leader ensures Penn GSE’s executive programs are aligned with institutional priorities and positioned to address the pressing needs of the educational ecosystem. This role requires navigating complex challenges and leveraging opportunities to position Penn GSE’s executive programs at the forefront of educational innovation, preparing learners to drive meaningful change as educators, professionals, and leaders.

Opportunities to teach under designation as a Senior Fellow will be available to interested and qualified candidates.

Job Description