Job Information
University of Pennsylvania Assistant Director, Landscape Architecture in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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
Assistant Director, Landscape Architecture
Job Profile Title
Coordinator B
Job Description Summary
The Assistant Director of Administration manages the daily administrative operations of the Department of Landscape Architecture in direct collaboration with the Department Chair to chart the strategic direction of the Department, implementing strategy while identifying areas of need and developing solutions, systems, and protocols.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
With the support of an Administrative Assistant and a Department Financial Coordinator who report directly to this position, manage the daily administrative operations of the Department of Landscape Architecture. Collaborate directly with the Department Chair to support the achievement of departmental goals and priorities, including oversight and coordination of all aspects of the MLA program.
Fiscal Management: In collaboration with the Chair, plan and manage the Adjunct Faculty and Lecturer Teaching budget, the department's Current Expense budget, the department's Student Teaching Assistant/Research Assistant budgets; including course and studio travel budgets; the McHarg Center faculty research funding accounts and event budgets; and reimbursements and limited engagement fee payments.
Course Planning: In collaboration with the Chair and the Registrar, plan and schedule the 3-4 week Summer Institute, all fall and spring courses and studios. Oversee and coordinate advanced registration, open registration, enrollment, and independent study/studio proposals. Coordinate course and studio instructional space requests/issues with registrar, operations, academic departments, and IT staff.
Student Affairs: Oversee and coordinate the admissions process; manage course registration, student advising, dual-degree and certificate study plans, student academic progress, student performance issues, student support, and academic probation. Oversee and coordinate the teaching assistant application and assignment process. Oversee and coordinate the student award nomination/selection process and the faculty advising system.
Faculty Affairs: Coordinate faculty searches, appointments, promotions, reappointments, the hiring of part-time faculty, agendas and minutes for faculty meetings, teaching assignments, and part-time faculty payroll. Assist full and part-time faculty with the request, setup, and use of the university’s Canvas course management system, classroom selection, grade submission, and grade changes as needed.
Lectures and Events: In collaboration with the Chair and other department/school administrators, plan and oversee the department lecture series, McHarg Center events, symposia, exhibitions, and other special events.
External: Serve as the administrative liaison between the department and the ASLA, CLARB, ASEH, CELA, and LAF regarding annual reports, annual dues, annual meetings, accreditation visits, and other events. Coordinate J-1, J-2, H1-B visiting scholar/faculty visas in conjunction with school and university support services.
Promotion and Communications: In collaboration with the Chair and other department/school administrators, plan and oversee the production of department publications, website pages, listservs, and social media. In conjunction with Chair, manage interface, meeting agendas, and notes for scheduled department and school meetings.
Oversee and coordinate the planning, development, and management of dual-degree and certificate programs involving the MLA program with the other stakeholders. In conjunction with Dean's Office and university ISSS office, coordinate J-1, J-2, H1-B visa process for visiting scholars/faculty. Coordinate visitor access to PennKey, PennCard, Workday, library, and other related university services with school finance staff. Coordinate course and studio instructional space requests, and assist in upgrades to studio and instructional spaces.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's Degree with 2 to 3 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work independently and to effectively supervise other staff.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work as a team.
Attention to detail and exceptional organizational, communication, and writing skills.
Excellent communication skills and appropriate confidentiality across a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students.
Proficiency with Pennant Reports, Curriculum Manager, and other university student data management systems or similar systems.
Proficiency with Zoom and Teams communications platforms and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
Preferred
3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (PhotoShop, InDesign).
Graphic arts, arts education, and program management background.
Knowledge of university faculty affairs processes and Workday platform.
Familiarity with Canvas course management system.
Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload documents in the “Resume/CV” section of the application prior to submitting.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
School of Design
Pay Range
$43,919.00 - $77,000.00 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, as well as internal and market factors and
the pay range assigned to the job profile.
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
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.
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.
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.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay
The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. 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.