Assistant/Vice Dean of Executive Programs, Penn GSE - University of Pennsylvania

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. 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.








Posted Job Title

Assistant/Vice Dean of Executive Programs, Penn GSE





Job Profile Title

Director D, Student Services, Executive Education





Job Description Summary

The Assistant/Vice Dean of Executive Programs is responsible for academic and operational oversight of Penn GSE’s portfolio of eight executive-format programs, ensuring their continued excellence, alignment with institutional priorities, and deep roots in research and evidence. The Assistant/Vice Dean directs regular reviews, data-driven assessments, and the implementation of findings to ensure programs remain aligned with market trends and institutional goals. Simultaneously, the Assistant/Vice Dean provides financial oversight for program budgets and financial planning and analysis ensuring financial accountability and alignment with strategic priorities, including revenue growth, expense control and a strong connection with academic strategy. Supervising eight Program Directors, this leader oversees the portfolio’s programmatic, operational, and financial matters, cultivating a culture of professional growth and collaboration that is essential to program excellence.


The Assistant/Vice Dean works collaboratively across the school and university to design programs that address the evolving demands of the educational landscape, always grounded by research and evidence. This includes guiding the effective engagement of executive programs with the activities of the McGraw Center for Educational Leadership and engaging faculty and external partners in shaping programming that reflects Penn GSE’s mission.


As a senior academic and administrative leader, the Assistant/Vice Dean is expected to contribute actively to the broader life of the School, serving as a key voice in strategic planning and institutional governance. This leader ensures Penn GSE’s executive programs are aligned with institutional priorities and positioned to address the pressing needs of the educational ecosystem. This role requires navigating complex challenges and leveraging opportunities to position Penn GSE’s executive programs at the forefront of educational innovation, preparing learners to drive meaningful change as educators, professionals, and leaders.


Opportunities to teach under designation as a Senior Fellow will be available to interested and qualified candidates.





Job Description


Job Responsibilities




Strategic Oversight and Management of Executive Programs



+ Oversee academic planning, data analysis, and assessment processes to sustain high-quality programs across the portfolio, ensuring programs remain deeply rooted in research and evidence.


+ Conduct regular program reviews, and operational diagnostics, and implement findings to drive continuous improvement, enhance sustainability, and ensure alignment with market trends and demands.



Supervision of Program Directors



+ Directly supervise eight executive-format Program Directors.



Financial Oversight



+ Oversee the development and management of the budget in conjunction with Directors and the Director of Strategic Analysis, ensuring financial accountability and alignment with strategic priorities, including revenue growth, expense control and a strong connection with academic strategy.



Schoolwide Leadership



+ Serve as a senior academic and administrative leader for Penn GSE, engaging in schoolwide strategy formation, planning, goalsetting, policy development, and progress monitoring.



McGraw Center for Educational Leadership Engagement



+ Collaborate with the Executive Director of the McGraw Center to align cross-program engagement opportunities with the center’s objectives, fostering synergy between the center and Penn GSE’s academic programs.





Qualifications



+ A minimum of a master’s degree in relevant area such as education, business administration, public policy, or a related field.


+ 7-10 years of relevant experience in academic leadership, program management, or a related area.


+ Expertise in academic planning, data analysis, and program assessment to ensure alignment with institutional goals and market needs.


+ Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and lead diverse teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.


+ Strong financial acumen with experience in budget development, financial planning, and proficiency with tools and technologies for financial oversight (e.g., budget management software, Microsoft Excel).


+ Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage with internal stakeholders (faculty, staff, leadership) and external partners.







Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

Graduate School of Education





Pay Range

$90,860.00 - $200,000.00 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, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.




Equal Opportunity Statement


The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics) , citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law .




Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.




University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.




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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay



The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.