"Director of Strategic Operations - Office of Academic Innovation - Penn Engineering"

Job Description Summary

The Office of Academic Innovation (OAI) at Penn Engineering leads the strategy, growth, and operations of a rapidly expanding global portfolio of online and professional education programs. We are seeking a Director of Strategic Operations to join our leadership team. The ideal candidate is a disciplined strategist and clear communicator who can balance technical analysis with strong interpersonal leadership and community building.

This senior leadership role sits at the center of strategy execution, partnering closely with the Executive Director to translate bold institutional priorities into strong operational systems, financial discipline, and a thriving office culture. The Director ensures that vision becomes reality across a complex, fast-growing portfolio while serving as a primary ambassador for OAI, building vital professional networks across the University to further our mission.

Job Description

Organizational Leadership & Culture

• Serve as a senior integrator across OAI's functional teams, ensuring alignment between strategy, enrollment growth, and operational execution.
• Directly supervise the operations team, providing strategic oversight and support for core functions including event planning, TA and faculty hiring processes, office administration, and the coordination of internal reporting workflows.
• Cultivate a vibrant workplace by designing initiatives that promote professional development, inclusivity, and team cohesion, ensuring a strong commitment to the team's well-being.
• Lead annual operational planning cycles, including goal-setting, all-staff meetings, and manager forums designed to enhance internal transparency.
• Act as a high-level representative for OAI, networking across Penn Engineering and the wider University to build strategic relationships and advocate for OAI's initiatives.
• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with the discretion and political judgment required in a complex Ivy League environment.

Financial Strategy & Performance Management

• Oversee financial performance for a dynamic portfolio, including P&L management, enrollment-driven revenue forecasting, and expense modeling.
• Directly manage key organizational contracts and provide operational support to teams for vendor selection, negotiation, and compliance with University procurement policies.
• Lead monthly and annual financial reviews, translating complex financial data into actionable insights for senior leadership.
• Develop financial models and scenario analyses to support new program launches, pricing strategy, and long-term strategic investments.
• Design and maintain KPI dashboards and leadership reporting tools to track program sustainability, financial performance, and operational efficiency.
• Establish clear expectations for data stewardship, reporting cadence, and cross-team accountability to support consistent leadership oversight and decision-making.
• Partner closely with Penn Engineering and University finance teams to resolve issues, interpret policy, and ensure cost discipline.

Strategic Initiatives & Executive Support

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director; deliver high-impact presentations and briefings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate governance for the Board of Online Engineering Education, including agenda-setting, materials preparation, and initiative tracking.
• Lead the development of reporting frameworks, dashboards, and executive summaries that support leadership oversight of strategic priorities, program health, and operational risk.
• Translate long-term strategic priorities into operational roadmaps, measurable milestones, and implementation plans.
• Anticipate emerging operational or political challenges and proactively develop solutions.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that span enrollment strategy, academic operations, and program launches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, Master's degree (MBA, MSEd, or Finance) preferred, and 4 to 6 years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, operations, or higher education administration. or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Analytical Skills: Experience overseeing data systems or technical teams; ability to translate raw data into strategic organizational insights.​
• Communication: Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to convey complex strategic and data-driven narratives to executive boards and university leadership.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to network and build collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships across a large, decentralized institution.
• Leadership: Demonstrated commitment to staff development and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Pay Range

$100,000.00 - $112,000.00 Annual Rate