Director of Penn Hotels; Business Services Division

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 Penn Hotels; Business Services Division

Job Profile Title

Associate Director D, Business and Finance

Job Description Summary

The Director of Penn Hotels oversees the Hilton Inn at Penn and the Sheraton University City. This business portfolio includes approximately 600 rooms and generates more than $40 million in top-line revenue by providing upscale guest accommodations and event space to the University of Pennsylvania community, campus visitors, and Philadelphia area travelers
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The position serves as an asset manager who works with hotel operators to represent the University’s interests by:

- Fostering collaborative relationships with hotel teams to ensure an exceptional guest experience.
- Driving strong financial returns through revenue growth and expense management.
- Market and promote the campus hotels as top-of-mind preferred destinations.
- Developing prudent capital plans to maintain the condition and enhance the aesthetics of the properties.
- Analyzing data to make informed decisions that advance strategic goals.

The successful candidate will have demonstrable leadership experience in each of these areas, preferably in roles involving upscale, full-service hotels that require adherence to well-established brand standards and property guidelines.

Job Description

Responsibilities Include: 

1. Fostering collaborative relationships 

- Build strong relationships and interact daily with the general managers and key staff of both properties, to ensure an exceptional guest experience.

- Advise on hotel business decisions.

- Liaise for Penn customers and service providers.

- Engage and negotiate with retail tenants, property managers, and service providers.

- Manage contractual agreements and oversee brand standards compliance.

- Cultivate relationships with key campus stakeholders and department leaders.