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

Program Director, Professional Programs in Earth & Environmental Science

Job Profile Title

Director B, Student Services, Graduate Programs

Job Description Summary

Overview of LPS

The University of Pennsylvania’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies (Penn LPS) seeks to lead the field of higher education in the creation of unique and innovative opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds. These highly accessible academic opportunities are distinguished by their academic rigor and world-class instructional staff, while the support offered to students by Penn LPS is distinguished by its comprehensive and holistic quality. LPS programs are designed to empower individuals and enhance their personal and professional lives. Our graduates are global citizens committed to creating a better, more inclusive world.

The College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) in the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to extending learning beyond traditional borders and engages a richly diverse population of intellectually capable students at many points in their lives. The Program Director of Professional Masters Programs in Earth & Environmental Science (EES Program Director) supports the School of Arts and Sciences’ strategic goal to deliver excellent, innovative academic programs that align Penn’s strengths in the Earth & Environmental Sciences with the needs of professional audiences seeking to advance their knowledge and careers in applied geosciences, sustainability, resource management or environmental studies. Primary outcomes include academic excellence, curricular and programmatic innovation, flexible delivery and smooth program operations, student achievement and satisfaction, increased enrollments and revenues.

Job Summary

The Director of Professional Masters Programs in Earth & Environmental Science (EES Director) supports the College of Liberal & Professional Studies’ (LPS) mission to deliver innovative education programs that meet the highest standards of excellence. The EES Director has responsibility for oversight and operations of the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) and Applied Geosciences (AG) programs. They structure and run the programs to yield highly satisfied and successful graduates while maintaining a robust and increasing enrollment of outstanding students. The EES Director helps shape the vision for and recommends strategic goals, cultivates external partnerships, and supports student recruitment, admissions, and program assessment. They work closely with other LPS staff members in academic programs, enrollment services, recruitment, and admissions, as well as with the Department of Earth & Environmental Science faculty and other offices and departments of the University. The position involves teaching in one of the masters programs and supervising administrative and instructional staff. Candidates should have a strong background in Environmental Studies or Professional Geosciences.

Job Description

The EES Program Director supports LPS’ mission to deliver innovative education programs that meet the highest standards of excellence. They shape the vision for and recommend strategic goals for the program, including new entrepreneurial programming to meet emerging workforce and student needs. The EES Program Director cultivates external partnerships with corporate, government, and NGO organizations and develops and works with an External Advisory Board to identify strategic growth opportunities. They recruit and collaborate with faculty, from within and outside the School of Arts and Sciences’ tenured faculty, to develop innovative curriculum that meets industry needs and Penn’s high standards of academic excellence. They structure and run the programs to yield highly satisfied and successful participants while maintaining a robust and increasing enrollment of outstanding students, adhering to the high-quality standards demanded by programs in the School of Arts and Sciences. In collaboration with the LPS Director of Graduate Programs, LPS Enrollment Management, and the Department of Earth and Environmental Science, the EES Program Director develops and implements curriculum to support strategic recruitment, prospect management activities, and admissions for the Masters of Environmental Studies (MES) and Applied Geosciences programs. They oversee assessment of academic and financial outcomes and work collaboratively with program and LPS staff, enrollment services, recruitment, admissions, the Faculty Advisory Committee, program teaching faculty, and other offices and departments in the University. They teach in the MES or MSAG program according to academic focus. The position supervises an Administrative Director, an Administrative Coordinator, three academic advisers, a Lecturer A, and oversees the instructional staff for the program.

Job Responsibilities

• Curriculum & Instruction: Maintain, develop, and deliver distinctive and innovative curriculum for the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) and Applied Geosciences programs; determine annual course rosters; recruit faculty to deliver an academically rigorous curriculum each semester. Orient and mentor instructors; work with them to address student concerns, course delivery issues, and access to resources. Oversee and coordinate the capstone process; facilitate engagement between students and faculty; teach ENVS 5100 Proseminar: Contemporary Issues in Environmental Studies in the Fall semester or equivalent course in MSAG based on academic background. Convene the Faculty Advisory Committees to provide ongoing review of programs, student performance, curriculum, and course evaluations. Develop and maintain active relationships with the Earth and Environmental Science Department Chair and Faculty.

• Academic Operations: Organize, coordinate, and manage daily operations of the MES/MSAG programs. Track students’ progress to assure retention, academic achievement, and progress toward degree. Engage students in the formation of a vibrant professional community. Oversee preparation and execution of programmatic events including: the New Student Orientation, Second Year Retreat, Alumni Panel, All Ivy Career Fair, and professional development opportunities. Oversee academic advisers who work with enrolled students regarding career options, course selections, course performance, research opportunities, and capstone preparation. Conduct graduation audits. Conduct exit surveys and interviews to obtain feedback about program expectations, satisfaction, career plans, and foster relationships with future alumni.

• Enrollment Services: With LPS Enrollment Management and Marketing, implement marketing and recruitment strategies to seek and enroll the most highly qualified students and meet enrollment targets. Reach out to prospective students, convert accepted students, and manage the admissions process. Organize and serve on the Admissions Committee to make decisions regarding the admissibility of applicants into the programs. Monitor applications, admissions, and retention via existing LPS systems.

• ​Budget and Financial Oversight: Together with LPS senior staff, establish financial performance goals and manage annual operations and budgets to achieve goals. Identify new programming opportunities and work with the LPS team to develop, launch and support entrepreneurial programming associated with Earth & Environmental Science .

• Employer Outreach and Engagement: Cultivate external partnerships with corporate and non-profit organizations to support program and student career outcomes. Develop and work with an External Advisory Board to identify growth opportunities and ensure relevance of program curriculum to employer needs.

• Student and Alumni Relations: Develop alumni relations and databases for both programs. Develop and implement plans for establishing and maintaining alumni relations. Strengthen alumni engagement with current and prospective students via programmatic events.

• Supervision: Supervise Administrative Director , Administrative Coordinator, three Limited-Service Academic Advisers, and a Lecturer A.

• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A masters in environmental science, geosciences, or equivalent (Ph.D. preferred) and a minimum of 3-5 years experience.

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in academic administration in a university setting or equivalent in positions of increasing responsibility, a proven record designing and delivering successful, rigorous continuing education or graduate programs as measured by multiple criteria (academic excellence, student success and satisfaction, enrollment, and revenue growth).

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, demonstrated ability to interact with professional students, and ability to work successfully as part of a team.

• Familiarity with trends in the fields of environmental studies and applied geosciences and goal oriented.

• Able to work some evenings and weekends.

• Preferred: knowledge of current trends in continuing and professional education.

  For consideration, both a cover letter and resume are required at time of application. You can upload multiple documents to the "Resume/CV" section of the application.

  Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$61,046.00 - $95,000.00 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.