Technical Director, Generative AI Lab, Wharton - 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

Technical Director, Generative AI Lab, Wharton





Job Profile Title

Information Technology Technical Director





Job Description Summary

Wharton School Overview

Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a diverse population of staff, representing a rich array of backgrounds, expertise, and cultures. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.



Wharton’s Generative AI Lab is dedicated to exploring the frontiers of how Generative AI can impact and transform education, work, and society. We build tools and conduct experiments to both understand and shape this rapidly evolving landscape.





Job Description


Duties


We are seeking a seasoned Technical Director to spearhead our development team in creating cutting-edge AI-powered games and in designing, building, and managing an open-source platform. Key Responsibilities:



+ Oversee the design, development, and deployment of our open-source platform, focusing on scalability and integration with multiple systems.


+ Lead the design and development of AI-powered educational tools and games


+ Work closely with developers and designers to define technical requirements, scopes, and timelines.


+ Establish and maintain high standards of code quality and system reliability.


+ Actively manage relationships with external vendors and technology partners


+ Facilitate sprint planning sessions, and conduct code reviews.


+ Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in generative AI and technologies, applying insights to drive continuous improvement.


+ Mentor and develop a team of software engineers and developers, promoting a culture of innovation and excellence.



Executive Functions & Oversight Manage and oversee the appropriate execution of:



+ Legal agreements, such as faculty royalty agreements and external partnership agreements


+ Annual and 5-year budgets, financial projections, and budgeting in partnership with Wharton Finance & Administration developed in partnership with budget team


+ Team management functions, including managing direct reports


+ Vendor purchasing agreements and management



This position is contingent upon funding.


Qualifications


Required



+ A bachelor's degree and over 7 years of experience in a technology leadership role, preferably in educational technology startups and/or edtech initiatives in an organization is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 10+ more years of experience is preferred.


+ Budgeting and financial model experience


+ Experience managing a team, including providing coaching and performance management.


+ Prior experience as a software engineer, software architect, or in a role that required close collaboration with technology-focused team.


+ Understanding of software architecture principles and ability to leverage this knowledge to guide high-level strategic decision-making for software platforms


+ Experience in overseeing the successful delivery of software projects using modern SDLC methodologies, such as Agile


+ Proven track record of working with CTOs, Software Architects, and other technology leaders in the development, execution, and maintenance of a technology strategy


+ Proven ability to diagnose faults in software applications and platforms, leveraging technical expertise and collaboration with technical teams


+ Able to stay abreast of the latest advances in technology and apply them strategically to software architecture and technology initiatives


+ Experience running technology projects using common software delivery tools such as project tracking and documentation software





Preferred



+ Demonstrated success in leading a new technology initiative within a university or other similar setting


+ Adept at working with senior technology leaders on software delivery strategy


+ Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field would be a plus


+ Experience in leading technological transformation or digitalization projects


+ Familiarity with emerging technologies, such as AI, machine learning, cloud computing, etc., and their potential applications in an educational context.







Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

Wharton School





Pay Range

$90,860.00 - $160,000.00 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.










Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




Special Requirements Background check 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 diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.