Associate Director, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

Associate Director, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics

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.

Qualifications

• Master's degree and 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.
• Must have the ability to communicate with a diverse population and across all levels of the organization.
• Strong verbal communication skills required.
• Must also demonstrate 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 fund-raising experience a plus.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$67,155.00 - $80,000.00 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, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

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 r 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…