Associate Director, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

The University of Pennsylvania, a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation, is the largest private employer in Philadelphia. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the U.S., Penn offers a unique working environment with 12 highly-regarded schools and a distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship.

About the role

The Associate Director for the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program serves as the primary point of contact and foundational support system for undergraduate students, faculty, and campus partners. This role involves high-impact student advising with critical administrative, curricular, and program management responsibilities within the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary academic advisor for all undergraduate students majoring or interested in PPE. Provide comprehensive guidance on degree requirements, concentration course approvals, study abroad, and academic progress.
• Support student success by identifying at-risk students and connecting them to campus resources. Manage student records, track graduation timelines, and clear students for graduation.
• Partner with the Faculty Director to develop the annual program budget. Collaborate on strategic curricular planning and draft the end-of-year program report.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop, strengthen, and maintain PPE-specific relationships. Work across departments to expand interdisciplinary course offerings and unique student opportunities (e.g., internships, research, networking events).
• Represent the PPE program across broader university networks to increase program visibility.
• Assist PPE faculty and postdoctoral fellows with course design, navigating institutional resources, and professional development opportunities. Serve as a bridge between faculty and student needs, facilitating communications regarding accommodations or academic integrity. Prepare agendas for regular PPE faculty meetings.
• Represent the PPE program at monthly Undergraduate Council meetings, major advisor/coordinator meetings, and other SAS-level administrative briefings.
• Actively participate in and support PPE program events, including graduation celebrations, info sessions, and socials.
• Assist with miscellaneous program needs and special projects as assigned by the Faculty Director.

Requirements

• Master’s degree and 1 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• PhD in PPE-related disciplines, including psychology, is strongly preferred, as is an interdisciplinary research background related to PPE.
• Experience in academic advising preferred.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse population and across all levels of the organization. Strong verbal communication skills required.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Previous experience working with international non-profit programs and organizations and grants preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work independently, strong initiative, and ability to develop programs essential.
• Previous budget management and fundraising experience a plus.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Exceptional tuition benefits for you, your spouse, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options and a variety of investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial paid time off for vacations, personal affairs, illness, or injury.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Coverage for long-term care services at home, in the community, or in a nursing facility. New hires are not subject to underwriting requirements.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support work-life balance, health, and family care.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personally and professionally.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, and cultural/recreational activities (many free or discounted for employees and families).
• Discounts and Special Services: Savings on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cars, cellular plans, movie tickets, and theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Creative approaches to work hours, locations, and job structures to promote work-life balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loans for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses for up to two adoptions per household.

Pay

$67,155.00 - $80,000.00 Annual Rate. Salary offers are based on candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they relate to the position, aligned with external market and internal peer data.

Job Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania