Director of Global Policy Programs

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.

Job Description Summary

Penn Washington is an academic initiative that expresses the education, research, and service mission of the University of Pennsylvania. We are Penn's physical and programmatic home in our nation's capital, bringing together experts, senior scholars, faculty, and the Penn academic community to contribute to our priorities to strengthen ties between federal and global policymakers and the Penn academic community, promote opportunities for Penn scholarship to impact policy, expand DC-focused educational and academic programs, and reinforce the essential contributions that Penn can make to the structure and function of democracy and global affairs.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Global Policy Programs will play a critical role in managing global policy thematic programs and ensuring impact through two core activities: 1) developing and launching a minimum of two projects on key areas facing the world where Penn can make a difference, and 2) using a variety of mechanisms (briefings, conferences, meetings, etc.) to facilitate faculty research to influence policy.

You will work to advance aims to enhance dialogue on critical global issues and shape effective policy solutions while also creating a hub for in-depth analysis and dialogue on diplomacy, international relations, and global challenges, leveraging the expertise of Penn's faculty and global network.

In this role, you will draw on your own policy, managerial, and advocacy expertise and have primary responsibility for managing Program Managers and Research and Program Fellows as they design, implement, and manage research and policy work rooted in Penn Washington global research themes. You will also have the opportunity to show strong ownership in not only helping bring others' ideas to life but also proactively partnering with faculty and others to help generate ideas, understanding where needs exist, and taking action to shape the programs that result.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage theme-based program staff; effectively manage the implementation of the theme-based program work for global policy at Penn Washington, including workshops, colloquia, and other types of convenings; supervise Program Managers and the Program Fellows. Represent Penn Washington and the programs under your management internally and externally.
• Help bring to completion well-written, finished written and other outputs (including reports, policy briefs, whitepapers, factsheets, briefing memos, etc.) related to Penn Washington themes and other programs and manage the various processes of output prioritization, optimization, and production by staff, visiting fellows, visiting scholars, affiliated faculty, etc. Support donor proposal development, stewardship, and reporting.
• Work closely with Penn faculty to help leverage their research, including by identifying connections and opportunities to engage with policymakers on related pressing global policy issues and otherwise shape global policy.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree and 7-10 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, are required; a Master's degree, terminal research degree (e.g., JD or MD) or PhD or more, and 7-10 years of experience are preferred. Commitment to global policy influence.
• Direct experience in global policy is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of ownership in work - proactive vs. reactive engagement, understanding and identifying needs, but taking action to develop programs and/or solutions to take forward.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the quality of outputs, adherence to deadlines, and collegiality.
• Outstanding project management skills with the ability to deliver high-quality results on time; advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills, and the ability to multitask.
• Strong networking and convening skills. Excellence in effective research, innovation planning, and linking academic research with global policy.
• Open, strong communicator. Demonstrated project and staff management experience implementing projects from design to publication in coordination with colleagues and allies.
• The ability to manage multiple and simultaneous projects with professionalism. Capacity to provide leadership in aligning research and written material to advance Penn Washington's mission.
• Experience working with diverse and global communities. Familiarity with academic institutions. Ability to work independently and to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the University and outside of Penn.

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/101-Constitution-Avenue-NW/Director-of-Global-Policy-Programs--Penn-Biden-Center-_JR00106601-1