Project Manager, Penn Institute for Urban Research (2 year Limited Term)

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.

Posted Job Title

Project Manager, Penn Institute for Urban Research (2 year Limited Term)

Job Profile Title

Coordinator B

Job Description Summary

The Penn Institute for Urban Research (Penn IUR) is a campus-wide institute dedicated to fostering increased understanding of cities through an interdisciplinary approach to urban issues. The Project Manager will execute Penn IUR's gift and grant-funded activities for the next two years to explore the evolving role of anchor institutions. The Penn IUR-led "Penn as an Anchor Institution" initiative focuses on how large, place-based organizations like universities and hospitals influence urban landscapes. During the two-year time frame, the initiative will host peer-to-peer exchanges, produce case study reports, and work to disseminate findings to critical constituents. The project manager will also assist with the management and delivery of related Penn IUR projects examining such issues as housing, transportation, and urban greening. Working with the Co-Directors and Managing Director, this position will help Penn IUR expand and deepen research and programming on the role of anchor institutions and their role in shaping the cities and communities in which they reside.

The ideal candidate will have proven project management experience, excellent writing skills, and expertise in urban/development issues with knowledge of the challenges and opportunities faced by anchor institutions. Additionally, a successful candidate will play a vital role in shaping the Institute’s impact in this area of study and fostering collaboration across academic and professional networks.

Job Description

** Please note that this is term position with a target end date of 12/31/27. 
 

Job Responsibilities

• Convenings: Plan and execute two peer-to-peer exchanges and related public programming that highlight current challenges and opportunities facing Penn and its peer anchor institutions
• Research: Working with researchers and other contributors, produce a series of case studies on anchor institutions and the issues they face.
• Communications: Develop and execute a communications plan to disseminate the findings from the convenings and the case studies, framing the findings for individual constituent groups (practitioners, policymakers, and scholars working in the field; students; the interested public; etc.)
• Assist with the management and delivery of related Penn IUR projects examining such issues as housing, transportation, and urban greening
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, and 2 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Master’s or higher level degree preferred; in urban planning, economic development, or related fields. 3-5 years of related experience preferred.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Familiarity with the anchor institution concept (including current thinking and research) is highly desirable.
• Experience in organizing events and meetings is highly desi