Senior Associate Director, Research Programming

Job Description

The Senior Associate Director's responsibilities include:

• Coordinate and manage high-impact strategic projects to foster cross-collaboration efforts across academic research centers and initiatives during the launch of the Leadership Research Pillar.
• Support the development and launch of new research initiatives, programming, and centers within the Leadership Pillar by coordinating stakeholders, establishing initial workflows, and providing operational and programmatic support as new priorities emerge.
• Execute day-to-day logistics of research programming and faculty/student support activities across leadership research centers. Plan and implement research-focused events, including workshops, round tables, seminars, and conferences. Coordinate logistics, program materials, event marketing, speaker preparation, and cross-center execution.
• Oversee marketing and communication efforts on behalf of the Leadership Pillar and the leadership centers and initiatives, including calls for papers, research proposal solicitations, event marketing, including website and email marketing.
• Promote and implement operational best practices and shared processes across existing Leadership Pillar centers. Work with internal partners to standardize approaches in areas including marketing and communications, HR, finance, and fundraising, improving coordination and connecting activities to the broader Wharton ecosystem.
• Administer internal research funding programs, including managing proposal intake, coordinating eligibility screening, award distribution, and reporting.
• Coordinate and execute meeting logistics, and prepare meeting agendas and project briefs as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required and 5-7 years of relevant experience in program management, academic administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and move projects forward.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects and initiatives across multiple teams or functions, coordinating efforts and driving execution in a highly collaborative, faculty-driven environment.
• Proven ability to plan and execute events, including workshops, conferences, and convenings, with strong attention to logistics, stakeholder coordination, and program delivery.
• Experience supporting marketing and communications efforts, including promotion of programs and initiatives through email, web, and other channels, with the ability to effectively reach and engage target audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the capacity to work effectively with faculty, university staff, students, and external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising independent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and the ability to learn and utilize institutional systems.

Position is contingent upon funding.