Job Information
University of Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, Middle Eastern and Arab Student Communities 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
Program Coordinator, Middle Eastern and Arab Student Communities
Job Profile Title
Coordinator A
Job Description Summary
The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a dynamic Program Coordinator to focus on the needs and experiences of Middle Eastern and Arab student communities. This position will sit jointly in University Life and Social Equity and Community at Penn. This role will involve analyzing existing university structures and programs to identify opportunities for supporting these communities, fostering connections between students, and collaborating with various offices and student groups. The ideal candidate will be able to bridge the gap between administration and student experiences, advocating for changes that enhance the lives of students and promote inclusivity. The Program Coordinator will be responsible for facilitating communication, outreach, and logistical support for our programs, with a particular focus on initiatives targeting underserved communities.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
Needs Assessment and Analysis:
Conduct ongoing assessments of the needs, challenges, and experiences of Middle Eastern and Arab students at the University of Pennsylvania.
Analyze existing university structures, policies, and programs to identify areas for improvement and support for these communities.
Program Development and Implementation:
Develop and implement programs and initiatives that address the unique needs and interests of Arab and Middle Eastern students.
Collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to create inclusive spaces and events that promote cultural awareness, community building, and academic success.
Student Engagement and Support:
Foster a sense of belonging and connection among Arab and Middle Eastern students through outreach, mentorship, and peer support initiatives.
Provide individualized support and resources to students facing academic, cultural, or personal challenges.
Advocacy and Collaboration:
Advocate for changes to university policies, practices, and structures that impact Arab and Middle Eastern student communities.
Build partnerships with other university offices, departments, and student organizations to address shared goals and interests.
Community Building and Networking:
Facilitate networking opportunities and collaborations among Arab and Middle Eastern students, alumni, faculty, and professionals.
Organize cultural events, workshops, and discussions to promote dialogue and understanding within the university community.
Communication and Outreach:
Coordinate communication strategies to promote programs and engage with stakeholders.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance program visibility and participation.
Logistical Support:
Oversee program logistics including scheduling, venue coordination, and materials preparation.
Ensure smooth execution of program activities, troubleshooting any issues as they arise.
Participant Engagement:
Develop and maintain relationships with program participants, providing ongoing support and assistance.
Conduct outreach to ensure program inclusivity and accessibility to diverse populations.
Administrative Duties:
Manage program documentation, including attendance records, participant profiles, and program evaluations.
Assist in budget management, expense tracking, and grant reporting as needed.
Collaboration and Teamwork:
Work closely with program staff, volunteers, and partner organizations to achieve program goals.
Contribute to team meetings, planning sessions, and collaborative initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree and 1 to 2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Knowledge of issues facing Arab and Middle Eastern student communities, both domestically and internationally.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.
Experience in program development, event planning, or community organizing. Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make evidence-based recommendations for change.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Experience working with student communities in a higher education setting.
Familiarity with university structures, policies, and resources related to student support and diversity.
Demonstrated commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
Ability to navigate complex institutional environments and build consensus among stakeholders.
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.
**Please note this a one year term position with a target end date of 7/1/2025
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Student Services
Pay Range
$37,221.00 - $55,000.00 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 grade profile.
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.
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 diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on 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.