Associate Director, Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences

About the position

The Associate Director of the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) Program is a senior administrative role responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the program's operations, student services, recruitment, academic affairs, financial management, and strategic initiatives. The Associate Director works closely with the Faculty Director, affiliated faculty, College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS), and other University offices to ensure the success and growth of the MBDS program. This position combines leadership, strategic oversight, and hands-on management to provide a high level of service to students, faculty, and stakeholders. Housed in the School of Arts and Sciences, the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) program combines behavioral economics, decision sciences, network analysis, and public policy to equip students with the tools to address real-world challenges. This interdisciplinary program focuses on understanding and influencing decision-making to create meaningful, sustainable impact. Rooted in the social sciences, MBDS prepares students to apply these skills across industries, and your role will help support a dynamic learning environment that empowers their success.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary academic advisor for all MBDS students, providing guidance on course selection, degree progress, and academic requirements and policies.
• Monitor student progress and performance; conduct audits and certify students for graduation in collaboration with LPS Student Records and central Penn offices.
• Troubleshoot academic or administrative issues, ensuring timely and effective resolutions for students.
• Update and maintain the MBDS program handbook to reflect changes to degree requirements and academic policies approved by the Faculty Director.
• Oversee the rostering of program courses and appointment processes for lecturers and teaching assistants.
• Maintain an updated list of approved elective courses that students may take outside the program.
• Collaborate with faculty to address course-related needs, scheduling, and support.
• Help with the running of the Capstone course and Design Challenge.
• Create and implement a plan to support applicants during their evaluation and application phase to produce a higher percentage of well qualified students that apply and once admitted, confirm their participation in the MBDS.
• Assist the work of the MBDS Admissions committee in coordination with the Faculty Director to define the criteria adopted by the committee for student admission.
• Standardize evaluation processes for tracking admissions.
• Manage the admissions process, including helping the admissions committee, assessing applications, interviewing candidates, and implementing strategies to optimize yield.
• Organize and manage events that enhance the student and alumni experience, including networking events, summer programming, and career services initiatives.
• Lead milestone program events in collaboration with LPS, such as new student orientation, graduation ceremonies, and program receptions.
• Foster a supportive and engaging environment to ensure student satisfaction and program excellence.
• Organize remote and in-person events, information materials, one-to-one calls, inviting prospective students to join already scheduled MBDS events.
• Coordinate with MBDS Alumni on ideas for soliciting students who have expressed interest in MBDS.
• Assess, evaluate and devise regular outreach initiatives to attract ideal prospective candidates for program admission.
• Seek opportunities to engage and partner with potential corporate sponsors and external high-level stakeholders that would enhance the MBDS program and benefit its current students and graduates.
• Plan and host recruitment events and open houses to attract a highly qualified applicant pool.
• Provide content for marketing materials, including identifying students, alumni, faculty, and projects for marketing profiles.
• Review and update web content and promotional text, and identify networks, influencers, and opportunities to market the program effectively.
• Advise the Faculty Director on annual expense needs to support recruitment, admissions, student events, and programming.
• Manage and monitor the program's current expense budget; meet monthly with the business office to review expenses and update projections.
• Supervise the full-time Administrative Coordinator, ensuring effective management of administrative tasks and processes.
• Hire, train, and oversee temporary staff and student workers, delegating responsibilities to support program operations.
• Manage the program's daily operations, identifying opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies.
• Collaborate with the Faculty Director to develop and implement strategic plans for program growth and improvement.
• Identify high potential students and/or graduates to support outreach in expanding MBDS to the professional world.
• Provide reports, data, and analyses to support program decision-making, recruitment trends, and student success initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of experience in higher education administration or program management is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's or PhD preferred in a related field (behavioral science, social science, higher education administration, etc.) is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
• Experience in student advising, admissions, event planning, and budget management.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and familiarity with higher education systems such as Slate, Canvas, Interfolio, and Banner a plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition assistance for employees, their spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans.
• Substantial time away from work for personal needs.
• Long-term care insurance for faculty and staff.
• Wellness and work-life resources.
• Professional and personal development resources.
• Access to University resources and cultural activities.
• Discounts and special services for faculty and staff.
• Flexible work hours.
• Forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption assistance for qualified expenses.