Director of Special Services

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

Director of Special Services

Job Profile Title

Director, Specialist Services

Job Description Summary

The Director of Special Services position reports to the Vice President, Division of Public Safety and is responsible for delivering a high-level of support services to students, staff, and faculty, who have fallen victim to crime or who have been negatively impacted by a critical incident. This position supervises and manages the Speaker’s Bureau; all operations and scheduling of DPS presentations, the Self Defense programs; all instructors and operations, and the Victim Advocates and Victim Advocate Program Coordinator positions within Special Services. They will also manage all court accompaniment duties and processes.

This position provides advocacy and outreach to victims of crime, with a particular emphasis on those affected by crimes of a sensitive nature, such as sexual assault, domestic or dating violence, stalking, and harassment. This position also assists all victims in navigating through the criminal justice system by providing information and transportation to criminal proceedings and/or obtaining a protection from abuse order or a private criminal complaint; collaborates with Penn resource centers and city agencies on behalf of the victim/survivor; provides options for counseling and support in the decision making process; provides transportation to those who require medical treatment as a result of victimization, accident, or natural disaster; and provides safety presentations to members of the Penn community.

The ideal candidate must possess excellent problem solving and analytical skills, interpersonal skills, and must also have knowledge of federal and state regulations and guidelines as they pertain to interpersonal crime on university campuses. The ideal candidate must also be a compassionate and detail-oriented professional, committed to victim-centered advocacy, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment.

Job Description

Jo