Director B, Student Services, Academic Programs

Job Description Summary

The Administrative Director provides high level administrative and student support leadership for the Combined Degree and Physician Scholars Program, which manages the MD PhD Program and provides support for the MD/Masters programs and the medical student research programs at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM). This role oversees program operations, manages advising processes, tracks student progress across both medical and graduate training, and ensures a supportive and well coordinated experience for dual degree trainees. The Director works closely with program leadership, faculty, and institutional partners to maintain an effective, student centered training environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate the program's annual advising cycle and provide general student support across all training stages.
• Assist with writing and coordinate data collection for training grant applications to the NIH and other funders. Prepare annual progress reports for funding agencies.
• Monitor academic and research progress, track key milestones, and identify students needing additional support.
• Maintain program communications, advising materials, progress‑tracking systems, and key administrative processes.
• Supervise 3 other staff members (direct reports) within the Combined Degre & Physician Scholars office whose roles support the MD/PhD program, MD/Masters programs and medical student research activities.
• Support major MD‑PhD transitions (graduate school entry, dissertation work, return‑to‑clinic planning, graduation).
• Collaborate with MD and PhD program offices, specialty advisors, wellness services, and graduate groups to integrate the MD/PhD program within the medical schools major education communities.
• Work with the medical education team and 13 graduate groups to provide a seamless experience for MD/PhD students as they navigate two doctoral programs in parallel.
• Contribute to program improvement efforts, student‑experience initiatives, and long‑term operational planning.
• Plan and participate in outreach activities to encourage undergraduates and postbac students to apply to MD/PhD programs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of educa tion and experience
• 5+ years of experience in academic advising, student services, medical/graduate education, or program administration.
• Strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and ability to support students in a complex, long‑duration training pathway.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem‑solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with MD‑PhD/MSTP programs, medical education, or doctoral‑level student support.
• Familiarity with research mentoring, graduate program structures, and training‑grant expectations.
• Master's degree (or higher) in education, biomedical sciences, counseling, or a related field preferred.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$79,500.00 - $120,000.00 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.