University Overview

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.

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking an Executive Director of Talent to provide strategic and operational leadership for the university's end-to-end talent ecosystem, including Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Employee Engagement (including Employee Resource Groups), and Recognition Programs. Reporting to the Vice President for Human Resources, this role is responsible for designing and delivering a cohesive, future-ready talent strategy that supports the university's mission, academic excellence, and long-term workforce needs.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Strategy & Integration

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated talent strategy aligned with the university's strategic plan, academic priorities, and workforce needs
• Ensure alignment across Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Engagement, and Recognition programs

Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning

• Drive the evolution of talent acquisition strategies to support staff hiring in a competitive and evolving labor market

Learning, Development & Capability Building

• Design and oversee learning and development strategies that support leadership development at all levels

Engagement & Culture

• Lead institutional engagement initiatives in partnership with HR colleagues, academic leaders, and campus stakeholders

Recognition & Employee Experience

• Design and manage recognition programs that reinforce desired behaviors, values, and contributions

Qualifications

Required

• Master's Degree and Over 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Possess strong business acumen and proven ability to stay with evolving HR trends, legislation and best practices

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field
• Familiarity with Workday