Associate Director of Operations, School Leadership Program

Job Details

Associate Director of Operations, School Leadership Program

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

Associate Director of Operations, School Leadership Program

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C, Student Services, Graduate Programs

Job Description Summary

The Associate Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the School Leadership Program (SLP). This position ensures effective execution, scalability, and continuous improvement of program operations, enrollment strategy, and participant experience.

The Associate Director of Operations oversees a portfolio that includes recruitment and enrollment strategy, admissions operations, program delivery and logistics, student services, financial management, and data systems. The role requires independent judgment in operational decision-making and contributes directly to program sustainability, growth, and efficiency.

This position operates within a complex program environment that includes cohort-based leadership development programming, partnerships with schools and organizations, a diverse instructional faculty, and cross-functional coordination with institutional offices (e.g., admissions, registrar, finance). The role ensures that operational systems are aligned with academic priorities and support a high-quality participant experience.

The Associate Director of Operations works closely with the Program Director and Senior Associate Director of Academics to implement program strategy and ensure alignment across functions. This position exercises a high degree of autonomy and regularly engages internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate must be able to work cohort weekends and some evenings.

Job Description

Key Duties

• Operational Leadership and Program Execution: Provide leadership for all operational functions of the program. Oversee planning, logistics, systems design, and execution of program activities. Ensure efficient and effective program delivery.
• Recruitment, Enrollment, and Admissions Management: Develop and implement recruitment strategies to meet enrollment goals. Oversee admissions processes, application systems, and communications. Monitor enrollment data and trends to inform decision-making.
• Student Services and Participant Experience: Oversee student support processes and address complex issues related to registration, program status, and policies. Ensure a high-quality and responsive participant experience.
• Financial Management and Budget Oversight: Manage budget tracking, reporting, and financial processes. Monitor revenue and expenses and support financial planning and sustainability efforts.
• Data Management, Reporting, and Systems Oversight: Oversee data systems related to students, alumni, and program performance. Ensure accurate reporting and use data to inform operational improvements.
• Communications and Stakeholder Coordination: Serve as a central point of communication for students, faculty, and partners. Ensure clear and consistent communication across program functions.
• Strategic Support and Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with program leadership to support strategic initiatives and ensure alignment across academic and operational priorities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL:

• A Master's degree required and 2-3 years of related experience in program operations, higher education administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated high-level experience in program operations, enrollment management, or systems administration
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and manage complex operational processes
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing budgets and financial processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a collaborative environment
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency with standard office and program management technologies
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

PREFERRED:

• 5-7 years of experience in higher education or program administration
• A Master's degree in Higher Education/Leadership, Organizational Management or related area is preferred
• Experience with recruitment strategy and enrollment growth
• Familiarity with CRM systems, learning management systems (e.g., Canvas), and data/reporting tools

*All applicants must submit a cover letter in the same section as the resume/CV section.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Graduate School of Education

Pay Range
$66,000.00 - $75,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.