Director D - Academic Affairs

Job Description Summary

Guides the strategic direction and oversight of a major academic function within a central function or large school. Aligns programs and operations with academic goals, ensuring quality, consistency, and compliance across units.

Job Description

The Managing Director provides senior operational and strategic leadership for the Center, working in close partnership with the Center Director to advance the Center's mission, research agenda, and long-term growth. This role oversees Center-wide operations, including direct and indirect supervision of senior staff and overall oversight of personnel, finances, and infrastructure, ensuring alignment across research, administrative, and strategic priorities. The Managing Director leads key governance bodies-including staff, Steering Committee, and Internal and External Advisory Board meetings-ensuring effective decision-making, coordination, and follow-through.

The role has primary responsibility for business operations, including financial management of endowment and operating funds, and the effective utilization of human, financial, and physical resources. The Managing Director also oversees the Center's marketing and communications strategy to strengthen visibility, stakeholder engagement, and national reputation. In collaboration with Center leadership, the role identifies and cultivates external partnerships, develops strategies to engage key stakeholders, and shares responsibility for the growth and stewardship of strategic relationships.

In addition, the Managing Director provides strategic and operational leadership for major, high-priority initiatives led by the Center Director, translating vision into executable plans and coordinating cross-functional and institutional stakeholders. This position contributes to the development and implementation of the Center's strategic priorities and requires periodic overnight travel to support meetings, partnerships, and Center-related events.

Qualifications

• A Master's Degree and 5-7 years of experience in all aspects of academic clinical research or equivalent combination of education and experience required. A higher degree and 10 or more years preferred. Proven ability to manage a large, diverse set of tasks and projects in a dynamic environment. Strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with personnel at all levels, including senior level faculty and representatives of external organizations of a wide range of levels. Proven track record with generating and managing research partnerships and major initiatives. High energy, initiative, enthusiasm. and creativity and strong track record of facilitating collaborative scholarship and productivity.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$110,500.00 - $160,000.00 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.