"Clark Scholars Program Manager"

Job Description Summary

The A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation's Clark Scholars Program Manager supports the daily operations and strategic development of the Clark Scholars Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science. This nationally recognized program provides high-achieving, first-generation college students with financial need the opportunity to pursue an exceptional engineering education while developing leadership, service, and professional skills.

Reporting to the Director of Student Success & Advising and working closely with the Clark Faculty Director, the Program Manager will oversee a comprehensive portfolio of responsibilities, including administration, communications, event coordination, and student support. The Program Manager plays a key role in implementing and refining signature initiatives-such as the Philanthropy Challenge, Entrepreneurship Concentration, Summer Enrichment, and Cross-Cultural Service Experience-while contributing to the broader goals of the Clark Scholars Program Network (CSPN). This role is ideal for a motivated, detail-oriented, and student-centered professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys shaping transformative experiences for engineering students.

Job Responsibilities

Event Coordination & Logistics (30%)

• Plan, schedule, and execute a range of program events, including speaker visits, service activities, and special celebrations.
• Reserve venues, manage invitations and RSVPs, coordinate event setup, and order catering and materials.
• Arrange travel for students and visiting guests, including transportation and accommodations.
• Process reimbursements and manage event-related purchasing.
• Assist with onboarding new Scholars by organizing a robust Pre-Orientation program.
• Coordinate logistics for the Cross-Cultural Service Experience, including travel planning, pre-departure briefings, and on-site support in collaboration with domestic or international partners.
• Coordinate logistics and scheduling for activities related to the Clark Scholars Philanthropy Challenge, including speaker events, site visits, and student-led grantmaking activities in collaboration with internal and external partners.

Student Engagement & Support (20%)

• Serve as a point of contact and resource for Clark Scholars, especially around program logistics, travel, and community-building activities. Work closely with advisors in the Office of Academic Services to escalate academic and medical issues.
• Explore community-building strategies and initiatives, such as a Cultural Passport and Cohort Leadership model.
• Connect students with resources in support of the Engineering Entrepreneurship concentration.

Administrative & Program Support (20%)

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to ensure smooth program operations.
• Maintain accurate student records, contact lists, and databases.
• Administer summer course and internship funding requests and provide logistical support to students engaging in enrichment experiences. This may include tracking stipend distributions and coordinating logistics for summer internships or other enrichment activities that meet program goals (e.g., undergraduate research).
• Track program expenses and reconcile expenditures in compliance with University policies.

Communications & Marketing (10%)

• Develop and distribute program announcements, newsletters, and promotional materials.
• Maintain and grow program visibility through social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn) and collaboration platforms (Slack).
• Update the Clark Scholars website as needed.
• Partner with Penn Engineering Marketing and Communications and other offices to promote the program and its students.

Data Management & Reporting (10%)

• Collect, organize, and archive data related to academic year attendance, participation, event evaluations, and program costs.
• Maintain records of student summer activities (coursework, internships, and research) and ensure associated stipend and travel support are documented accurately.
• Assist the Faculty Director in compiling reports for internal stakeholders and the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation.

Partnerships & Liaising (5%)

• Serve as liaison to the national Clark Scholars Program Network (CSPN), participating in virtual and in-person gatherings, providing updates, and connecting with other schools regarding best practices. Ensure robust student participation in CSPN events.
• Support long-term relationship-building with community partners related to cross-cultural service initiatives, ensuring continuity between student cohorts.
• Collaborate with the Faculty Director on program innovation.

Other Duties As Assigned (5%)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two to three years of relevant administrative, student affairs, student life, or program management experience-or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with students from a range of backgrounds, including first-generation and/or limited-income students, is strongly preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills with keen attention to detail.
• Experience managing events, budgets, and purchasing procedures in an academic or nonprofit setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Slack, and familiarity with social media tools like LinkedIn and Instagram. WordPress experience is preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a cross-functional team.
• Flexibility to occasionally work evenings or weekends for special events.
• Cover letter strongly encouraged.

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Pay Range

$57,500.00 - $70,000.00 Annual Rate