University of Pennsylvania · 3 months ago
Managing Director, Penn AI
The University of Pennsylvania is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. They are seeking a highly skilled Managing Director to lead the execution of Penn AI’s strategic vision and ensure operational excellence across this large-scale initiative.
Continuing EducationEdTechEducationSTEM EducationUniversities
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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required and 7-10 years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, strategy, or academic administration; preferably at a research university, foundation, or nonprofit
Demonstrated experience managing budgets involving cross-functional teams
Exceptional leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with experience building and managing teams
Sophisticated verbal and written communication skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders and donors
Preferred
Master's or PhD in a relevant field (e.g., AI, data science, higher education leadership) strongly preferred
Strong knowledge of artificial intelligence and its research, educational, and societal dimensions; while deep technical expertise is not required, the ability to fluently engage with experts and translate between technical and non-technical audiences is preferred
Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts
Tuition
Retirement
Time Away from Work
Long-Term Care Insurance
Wellness and Work-life Resources
Professional and Personal Development
University Resources
Discounts and Special Services
Flexible Work Hours
Penn Home Ownership Services
Adoption Assistance
Company
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is an American private Ivy League Research University that excels in producing future leaders.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$81.46MKey Investors
National Science FoundationUS Department of EnergyParent Project Muscular Dystrophy
2024-08-28Grant
2023-06-26Grant· $18M
2022-09-15Grant· $55M
Leadership Team
Recent News
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2026-01-22
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2026-01-16
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