Job location: McNeil Building

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2019-11-05
Req: JR00012870
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.

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

Assistant Director, MBDS Program

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C

Job Description Summary

This position supports the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) program and the Center for Social Norms and Behavioral Dynamics, part of the College of Liberal and Professional Studies and the School of Arts & Sciences. This position manages a blend of operational projects in collaboration with MBDS, the Research Center, internal LPS staff, and external partners. This position manages the day-to-day operations of MBDS, assists with student advising, professional development, alumni relations and industry outreach. In addition, the position provides operational support as a liaison between MBDS, the Research Center and the program/center directors.

Job Description

In the College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) in Penn’s School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) is informed by contemporary theories and research methods of behavioral economics, decision sciences, network analysis and public policy. The program equips students with theoretical and practical tools to address a variety of real-life problems, putting them ahead of the curve in a growing field of study. Learn more about the MBDS program by visiting https://www.sas.upenn.edu/lps/graduate/mbds.

The incumbent will engage in a wide range of activities including managing and coordinating day-to-day operations and serving as an important liaison between the MBDS program and the Center for Social Norms and Behavioral Dynamics. In close collaboration with program directors, the incumbent will be responsible for:

• creating and implementing workshops and trainings delivered in-person and online
• identifying leads for internships, job opportunities and corporate sponsors
• managing business development
• advising MBDS students in course selection and professional development
• tracking student progress to assure retention, academic achievement and progress toward degree
• enhancing alumni relations
• identifying and organizing professional development and mentoring opportunities for students and alumni
• managing administrative operations including budget maintenance, class scheduling, and related logistics
• assisting in the marketing, social media, and communication strategy for the MBDS program
• working with prospective students and applicants through enrollment services (e.g., interviewing prospective students, track applicants, attend open houses and information sessions)

Qualifications:

A Bachelor of Arts degree and 3-5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. Advanced degrees are strongly preferred. The ideal candidate will possess interdisciplinary training or a demonstrated appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration across academic disciplines, non-profits and industry. The ideal candidate will not only have experience in advising students, but have the ability to promote the program to both internal and external audiences, build relationships and network with key organizations. Must have the ability to work with a diverse group of constituents, including colleagues, faculty, current and prospective students, alumni, external companies, and foundations. This position requires someone with excellent management, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, a solid appreciation for and a deep commitment to the vision and agenda of the MBDS Program and its relationship with the Center for Social Norms and Behavioral Dynamics.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$50,684.00 - $91,232.00

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.