Associate Director, Jacobs Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF), Wharton

University of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

50d

About The Position

The Associate Director is the driving force behind a meaningful and impactful student experience. In this highly visible role, you’ll bring together students, faculty, and industry leaders to create a vibrant, connected academic community. You’ll oversee the full life cycle of a premier graduate program, leading academic advising, program execution, student engagement, and faculty coordination, with the autonomy to shape processes, events, and experiences that truly make a difference. We’re seeking a proactive and collaborative professional who excels in a dynamic environment and takes pride in helping others achieve success. Leverage your deep academic expertise to make a lasting impact on student growth, strengthen the bridge between academia and industry, and play a key role in one of the University’s most innovative graduate programs.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Demonstrated experience supporting graduate-level students or academic programs.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage complex logistics, multitask, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a matrixed organization.
Excellent communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal—with an ability to engage with diverse stakeholders including graduate students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
High level of discretion and judgment in managing confidential student records and sensitive matters.
Proficiency with standard office software and student-facing platforms (e.g., Canvas, Slate).

Nice To Haves

7-10 years experience in higher education.
Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, business administration, or a related field.
Experience with academic advising and student support in a professional or STEM graduate program.
Familiarity with Wharton or Penn systems and administrative processes.
Experience planning student-facing programming, events, or co-curricular experiences.
Understanding of the finance industry or quantitative disciplines and an interest in bridging academic and industry engagement.
Demonstrated success managing advisory boards or external stakeholder groups.
Applicants must submit a cover letter.

Benefits

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
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.
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 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 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.
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.