Senior Program Manager

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

Senior Program Manager

Job Profile Title
Associate Director D, Academic Affairs, Academic Center

Job Description Summary
The Senior Program Manager for the Center for Climate Resilience manages a portfolio of research, policy, and public outreach projects for the Center. Reporting to the Director, the incumbent plans and tracks project scope, deliverables, and timelines; coordinates the work of the staff, students, and external collaborators contributing to each project; and keeps projects moving to completion.
The position also coordinates the administrative work that supports the portfolio, working with School and University offices on project agreements, awards, and expenditures; manages the Center’s fundraising pipeline, leads the preparation of grant and foundation proposals, in coordination with School and University development offices; maintains day-to-day project communication with internal and external collaborators; and coordinates the Center’s seminars, working groups, and public events. The position coordinates laterally across the Center’s staff and research personnel.
Position is contingent upon grant funding.

• All SP2 staff are required to participate in convocation and graduation ceremonies as needed.

Please note: A cover letter is required for consideration. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Project management: Manage the planning and execution of the Center’s research, policy, and outreach projects. For each project, maintain the scope, deliverables, milestones, and timeline; coordinate the contributions of staff, students, and external collaborators; and track progress to completion.

• Project administration: Coordinate the administrative work that supports the project portfolio. Prepare and route agreements, contracts, and awards in cooperation with School and University offices. Monitor project budgets and spending against plan.

• Fundraising: Manage the Center’s funding pipeline: identify and qualify grant and foundation opportunities; lead the preparation of proposals, supporting documentation, and budget materials with the Research Support Hub; and serve as the Center’s working-level liaison to SP2 development and Penn Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) on foundation and donor prospects.

• External project coordination: Serve as a day-to-day coordination point for project partners in government, non-profit, and corporate settings. Prepare project materials, updates, and summaries to be delivered to project partners.

• Events: Coordinate with the Director on the Center’s seminar series, working group meetings, and events from planning through follow-up.

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Project staffing and documentation: Coordinate recruitment logistics and onboarding for new project staff. Maintain internal operating documentation and access permissions.

• Perform additional duties as assigned, including participation in convocation and graduation ceremonies as needed.

Qualifications:

Required. The successful candidate for the Senior Program Manager position will have

– Bachelor of Arts and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

– Demonstrated project management experience: planning, setting milestones, tracking deliverables, and following through across multiple concurrent projects.

– Strong organizational skills and excellent written and interpersonal communication, with the ability to work independently and manage competing deadlines.

– Demonstrated ability to work effectively across research, administrative, and external-facing work, and to manage competing priorities in a complex environment.

– Demonstrated experience developing grant or foundation proposals and budgets, and administering sponsored projects or awards

Preferred.

– An advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MPP, or a related field) and/or more than eight years of relevant professional experience.

– Experience in a research, public policy, higher education, philanthropic, or professional services setting.

– Familiarity with academic or applied social science research.

– Experience with proposal development, budget preparation, and sponsored project or grant administration.

– Experience working with university development or foundation relations offices, or with institutional funders.

– Experience coordinating the work of project teams, including students or junior staff.

Please note: A cover letter is required for consideration. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
School of Social Policy and Practice

Pay Range
$80,891.00 - $100,000.00 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Time Away from Work: