Managing Director, Penn AI

Managing Director, Penn AI

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, with its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres.

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a highly skilled Managing Director to lead the execution of PennAI's strategic vision and ensure operational excellence across this large-scale, high-profile, and highly complex initiative. Reporting to the Co-Chairs of the Penn AI Council, the Managing Director will work in close partnership with Council members, who serve as the strategic leaders of the initiative, as well as with senior faculty, university leadership, and external partners. The Managing Director is responsible for translating the Council's strategic direction into action and managing the initiative's daily operations, long-term planning, and stakeholder engagement. This is a rare opportunity to shape the trajectory of a major interdisciplinary research and education initiative that spans Penn's twelve schools.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with experience managing large, multi-stakeholder initiatives within complex institutions and is comfortable operating at the intersection of academia, philanthropy, and innovation.

Job Responsibilities

• Oversee execution of a high-profile university initiative, translating Council-defined strategic goals into actionable programs and infrastructure.
• Serve as the chief administrative officer of PennAI, providing cross-functional oversight of finance, operations, HR, and external engagement.
• Serve as a trusted partner to the Penn AI Council and its Co-Chairs, facilitating governance and enabling strategic decision-making across the initiative.
• Facilitate relationships between the Council and high-profile alumni, donors, corporate partners, and institutional stakeholders.
• Partner with Penn's central development office to support fundraising efforts, major gift cultivation, and donor stewardship.
• Represent PennAI in internal and external forums; prepare high-level briefings and presentations for senior leadership and advisory groups.
• Oversee signature programs and initiatives that advance Penn's AI mission in research, education, and societal impact.
• Guide the planning and execution of major events, including symposia, public lectures, workshops, and academic convenings.
• Ensure coordination and alignment with academic and administrative units across the university's decentralized environment.
• Supervise research communications staff to ensure consistent, high-impact messaging about PennAI.
• Oversee all outward-facing communication strategies, including press releases, reports, web and social content, and thought leadership.
• Ensure that the Penn AI website continuously evolves and effectively reflects the initiative's impact.

Qualifications

Application Requirement

A Cover Letter and Resume / CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume / CV; multiple documents are allowed.

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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, 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.