Associate Director for Student Programs

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C, Student Services, Student Engagement

Job Description Summary

The Graduate Student Center Associate Director for Student Programs (ADSP) manages the development and implementation of academic and professional development programming and resources to support roughly 18,000 graduate and professional students, including over 1500 graduate parents supported through the Family Resource Center.

The ADSP has primary responsibility for coordinating a robust schedule of programming throughout the year, working closely with professional and student staff to offer a balanced and wide range of programs and events to meet the diverse needs and interests of Penn graduate and professional students, as well as graduate students and postdocs with children. The ADSP is also part of a larger team supporting major initiatives and traditions, including New Graduate Student Orientation activities, GradFest, and Graduate Wellness Week.

The ADSP works closely with the executive director in managing signature programs and initiatives in support of the Center's mission, including providing direct instructional and advisory services in areas of academic writing and research communication. This includes coordinating the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and writing retreats, as well as leading and facilitating skill-based workshops.

Job Description

The Associate Director for Student Programs supports the mission of the Grad Center by developing and coordinating programming, resources, and outreach initiatives that educate and engage Penn students on a range of topics related to academic and professional development. Working closely with partners across the University, the AD oversees a team of 2-4 fellows and 1 FTE staff member to develop, implement, and evaluate student-focused programming and resources to support roughly 18,000 graduate and professional students at Penn.

The AD is responsible for coordinating broader programming efforts, in consultation with programming staff, helping to ensure that the Grad Center has a robust and diverse array of well-planned and -executed events throughout the year. The AD works closely with the Executive Director to manage signature programs and to support successful implementation of strategic initiatives in support of the Center's mission, providing both supportive and direct instructional and advisory services in areas of academic writing and research communication. This includes coordinating the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and writing retreats, as well as leading and facilitating skill-based workshops.

The AD shares in responsibility for advising and oversight of the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GAPSA), with a focus on GAPSA's Programming Division and board-initiated activities. This includes meeting with student organization leaders, providing guidance on programs that will engage the graduate student community, and assisting with oversight and ensuring that University policies and procedures are followed. The AD also plays an integral role in the development, implementation, and supervision of several large-scale events and traditions, including, New Graduate Student Orientation activities, GradFest, Graduate Wellness Week, and more.

The AD plays a leadership role in helping to cultivate a positive, success-driven environment that demands both high levels of individual responsibility and effective and meaningful collaboration with internal and external colleagues for both the Grad Center and GAPSA programming teams. The AD also plays an important role in maintaining the Grad Center's role as a vibrant, welcoming hub of graduate and professional student life at Penn.

Job Responsibilities

• Program planning, implementation, and evaluation - Develop, coordinate, and assess programming for roughly 18,000 graduate and professional students. Collaborate with other campus centers and departments to create targeted programming for graduate and professional students, in line with full scope of programmatic goals.
• Supervise program coordinator (1FTE) and team of 2-4 fellows to assist with professional development programs and to develop and implement original new programming to reflect evolving student needs and interests.
• Lead development and delivery of academic writing and research communication workshops, materials, and advising. includes coordinating the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and writing retreats, as well as leading and facilitating skill-based workshops.
• Coordinates general programming calendar and schedule, in consultation with programming staff and ED, to ensure that the Grad Center has a robust and diverse array of well-planned and -executed events throughout the year. Assist with development and implementation of large-scale events, including graduation activities, resource fairs, GradFest, Graduate Wellness Week, and others.
• Assist with advising and supervision of GAPSA programs and GAPSA-funded student events, including oversight of paid/ticketed events. Assists with development and maintains leadership manuals, guidelines, and webpages for graduate student leaders.
• Support the Grad Center Executive Director on programming and operations. Assist with strategic outreach in support of special projects and initiatives. Represent Grad Center at open houses, resource fairs, and related activities.
• Solicit and analyze feedback from students as part of regular reporting and use data to refine programs and outreach.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Master's degree in academic discipline strongly preferred, terminal degree in academic discipline preferred.
• Experience working with graduate and professional students, preferably in an administrative or professional role.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with students, faculty, and administrative partners.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a sensitivity to the needs and concerns of diverse groups of students.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, administering and assessing programs, workshops, or similar events.
• Must have outstanding writing and presentation skills and a high level of organization and project management skills.
• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated supervisory, budgetary and facility management skills; all candidates will be expected to follow all University procedures and protocols in these and other administrative areas.
• Associate Director must be able to work flexible schedule that include some evenings and weekends.