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.

Job Description Summary

University of Pennsylvania Career Services, positioned within the division of the Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL), is seeking an Associate Director to advise undergraduates, Master's students and alumni of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, through one through one-on-one and group settings, regarding all facets of career planning and employment-related activities as well as professional development.

Career Services offers a wonderful opportunity to be at the nexus of Penn students, alumni, employers, and campus partners, and provides an engaging environment to apply your skills in effective communication, relationship building, program/event managing and leadership/supervision.

Job Description

The Associate Director, School of Engineering and Applied Science, will advise undergraduates, Master’s students and alumni of the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), through one-on-one and group settings, regarding all facets of career planning and employment-related activities as well as professional development. Create dynamic, actionable workshops, speaker panels, programs, and events (online and in-person), and present at department orientations, to student groups and in classrooms. Keep up-to-date on career-relevant news, resources, websites, and tools, and develop content for website and blog to communicate this effectively to students. Manage Externship Program for SEAS students in consultation with the Engineering Alumni Society Executive Board. Contribute to the planning and management of career fairs. Establish effective relationships with recruiters, hiring managers, and alumni at employers with potential for hiring SEAS students and graduates. Collaborate closely with administrators across the University, student services and student organizations on program planning and implementation. Participate in the collection and presentation of career plans surveys and data. Develop effective communication approaches targeting engineering population, distributing content as relevant through numerous possible channels including social media. Represent the office at professional meetings and participate in continued professional development. Receive administrative supervision from and report to Senior Associate Director, Career Services.

Principal Position Responsibilities/Duties:

• Provide career advising to graduate students.
• Provide career advising to undergraduate students.
• Play an integral role in producing and distributing career information to students through managing portions of the Career Services website and contributing to other communication channels such as videos, online workshops, blog posts and other social media applications.
• Plan and develop workshops and programs.
• Manage Externship program.
• Connect Penn Engineers to employers through coordination of employer Meet and Greets and career fairs, researching global career opportunities for technical students, and reaching out to employers to encourage them to hire Penn students and graduates.
• Assist in the analysis and preparation of multiple career plans surveys, including employment data on engineering students and recent graduates.
• Other miscellaneous duties as required.

Position Qualifications:

A Master's Degree and 2 years to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Motivation to work in a student service role as part of a positive, high energy, multi-team office. Interest in developing ideas and creating innovative programming reflecting the changing needs of students/graduates and the fast-moving world of engineering and technical work. Demonstrated advising skills applied through work with a diverse range of students, including a significant number of international candidates. Outstanding presentation and writing skills within different formats and adjusted for different audiences. Proven initiative in program planning and implementation, communication and teamwork. Quick learner, with ability to assimilate and retain large volumes of information on career fields; prior knowledge of career fields relevant to SEAS disciplines a plus. Eagerness to learn and apply new technologies and tools, and a comfort with learning by doing. Strong command of technology resources, including Handshake and other advanced career exploration platforms and tools, in addition to Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Collaborative nature with a willingness to work within and across teams. Evidence of prior employer relations, relationship development and networking skills. Experienced in successfully juggling multiple priorities. Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to new systems and responsibilities. Positive, can-do attitude and outlook and sense of humor a plus.

Required Application Materials:

Cover Letter
Resume

Working Conditions:

Office, library, computer room

Physical Effort:

Typically sitting at a desk or table
Occasional lifting 25 lb. or less

School/Center Overview:

Division of the Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL) is Penn’s foremost provider of student services and educational access. VPUL partners and collaborates with diverse organizations across many dimensions including: race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, historical tradition, age, religion, disabilities, veteran status, interests, perspectives and socioeconomic backgrounds. We enhance the ability of nearly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, along with other community participants. University Life programs provide academic and career support, campus and community engagement, health and wellness programs, and much more. Our efforts help to fulfill Penn’s strategic vision of integrating knowledge across campus. VPUL is part of the Office of the Provost and includes numerous campus departments

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Student Services

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.