Penn AI is a university-wide initiative designed to transform how artificial intelligence is integrated into every corner of campus life — from groundbreaking research to classroom innovation and community engagement. As a cornerstone of Penn’s strategic vision, In Principle and Practice, Penn AI is poised to confront society’s most urgent challenges through bold, transformative AI-driven research, education, and outreach. The Council provides strategic leadership and oversight of the initiative, fosters collaboration across all twelve Penn schools, and drives programs that elevate Penn’s global AI leadership.

The University of Pennsylvania is seeking a highly skilled Managing Director and seasoned administrative professional 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

Strategic and Operational Leadership:

• 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.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advancement:

• 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.

Program Design & Oversight:

• 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.

Communications & Visibility:

• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree required and 7-10 years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience; 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.
• 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.
• 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.