Program Director, Professional Programs in Earth & Environmental Science

Summary

Overview of LPS

The University of Pennsylvania’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies (Penn LPS) seeks to lead the field of higher education in the creation of unique and innovative opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds. These highly accessible academic opportunities are distinguished by their academic rigor and world-class instructional staff, while the support offered to students by Penn LPS is distinguished by its comprehensive and holistic quality. LPS programs are designed to empower individuals and enhance their personal and professional lives. Our graduates are global citizens committed to creating a better, more inclusive world.

The College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS) in the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to extending learning beyond traditional borders and engages a richly diverse population of intellectually capable students at many points in their lives. The Program Director of Professional Masters Programs in Earth & Environmental Science (EES Program Director) supports the School of Arts and Sciences’ strategic goal to deliver excellent, innovative academic programs that align Penn’s strengths in the Earth & Environmental Sciences with the needs of professional audiences seeking to advance their knowledge and careers in applied geosciences, sustainability, resource management or environmental studies. Primary outcomes include academic excellence, curricular and programmatic innovation, flexible delivery and smooth program operations, student achievement and satisfaction, increased enrollments and revenues.

Job Summary

The Director of Professional Masters Programs in Earth & Environmental Science (EES Director) supports the College of Liberal & Professional Studies’ (LPS) mission to deliver innovative education programs that meet the highest standards of excellence. The EES Director has responsibility for oversight and operations of the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) and Applied Geosciences (AG) programs. They structure and run the programs to yield highly satisfied and successful graduates while maintaining a robust and increasing enrollment of outstanding students. The EES Director helps shape the vision for and recommends strategic goals, cultivates external partnerships, and supports student recruitment, admissions, and program assessment. They work closely with other LPS staff members in academic programs, enrollment services, recruitment, and admissions, as well as with the Department of Earth & Environmental Science faculty and other offices and departments of the University. The position involves teaching in one of the masters programs and supervising administrative and instructional staff. Candidates should have a strong background in Environmental Studies or Professional Geosciences.

Job Description

The EES Program Director supports LPS’ mission to deliver innovative education programs that meet the highest standards of excellence. They shape the vision for and recommend strategic goals for the program, including new entrepreneurial programming to meet emerging workforce and student needs. The EES Program Director cultivates external partnerships with corporate, government, and NGO organizations and develops and works with an External Advisory Board to identify strategic growth opportunities. They recruit and collaborate with faculty, from within and outside the School of Arts and Sciences’ tenured faculty, to develop innovative curriculum that meets industry needs and Penn’s high standards of academic excellence. They structure and run the programs to yield highly satisfied and successful participants while maintaining a robust and increasing enrollment of outstanding students, adhering to the high-quality standards demanded by programs in the School of Arts and Sciences. In collaboration with the LPS Director of Graduate Programs, LPS Enrollment Management, and the Department of Earth and Environmental Science, the EES Program Director develops and implements curriculum to support strategic recruitment, prospect management activities, and admissions for the Masters of Environmental Studies (MES) and Applied Geosciences programs. They oversee assessment of academic and financial outcomes and work collaboratively with program and LPS staff, enrollment services, recruitment, admissions, the Faculty Advisory Committee, program teaching faculty, and other offices and departments in the University. They teach in the MES or MSAG program according to academic focus. The position supervises an Administrative Director, an Administrative Coordinator, three academic advisers, a Lecturer A, and oversees the instructional staff for the program.

Job Responsibilities

• Curriculum & Instruction: Maintain, develop, and deliver distinctive and innovative curriculum for the Master of Environmental Studies (MES) and Applied Geosciences programs; determine annual course rosters; recruit faculty to deliver an academically rigorous curriculum each semester. Orient and mentor instructors; work with them to address student concerns, course delivery issues, and access to resources. Oversee and coordinate the capstone process; facilitate engagement between students and faculty; teach ENVS 5100 Proseminar: Contemporary Issues in Environmental Studies in the Fall semester or equivalent course in MSAG based on academic background. Convene the Faculty Advisory Committees to provide ongoing review of programs, student performance, curriculum, and course evaluations. Develop and maintain active relationships with the Earth and Environmental Science Department Chair and Faculty.
• Academic Operations: Organize, coordinate, and manage daily operations of the MES/MSAG programs. Track students’ progress to assure retention, academic achievement, and progress toward degree. Engage students in the formation of a vibrant professional community. Oversee preparation and execution of programmatic events including: the New Student Orientation, Second Year Retreat, Alumni Panel, All Ivy Career Fair, and professional development opportunities. Oversee academic advisers who work with enrolled students regarding career options, course selections, course performance, research opportunities, and capstone preparation. Conduct graduation audits. Conduct exit surveys and interviews to obtain feedback about program expectations, satisfaction, career plans, and foster relationships with future alumni.
• Enrollment Services: With LPS Enrollment Management and Marketing, implement marketing and recruitment strategies to seek and enroll the most highly qualified students and meet enrollment targets. Reach out to prospective students, convert accepted students, and manage the admissions process. Organize and serve on the Admissions Committee to make decisions regarding the admissibility of applicants into the programs. Monitor applications, admissions, and retention via existing LPS systems.
• ​Budget and Financial Oversight: Together with LPS senior staff, establish financial performance goals and manage annual operations and budgets to achieve goals. Identify new programming opportunities and work with the LPS team to develop, launch and support entrepreneurial programming associated with Earth & Environmental Science.
• Employer Outreach and Engagement: Cultivate external partnerships with corporate and non-profit organizations to support program and student career outcomes. Develop and work with an External Advisory Board to identify growth opportunities and ensure relevance of program curriculum to employer needs.
• Student and Alumni Relations: Develop alumni relations and databases for both programs. Develop and implement plans for establishing and maintaining alumni relations. Strengthen alumni engagement with current and prospective students via programmatic events.
• Supervision: Supervise Administrative Director, Administrative Coordinator, three Limited-Service Academic Advisers, and a Lecturer A.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A masters in environmental science, geosciences, or equivalent (Ph.D. preferred) and a minimum of 3-5 years experience.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in academic administration in a university setting or equivalent in positions of increasing responsibility, a proven record designing and delivering successful, rigorous continuing education or graduate programs as measured by multiple criteria (academic excellence, student success and satisfaction, enrollment, and revenue growth).
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, demonstrated ability to interact with professional students, and ability to work successfully as part of a team.
• Familiarity with trends in the fields of environmental studies and applied geosciences and goal oriented.
• Able to work some evenings and weekends.
• Preferred: knowledge of current trends in continuing and professional education.

For consideration, both a cover letter and resume are required at time of application. You can upload multiple documents to the "Resume/CV" section of the application.

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.

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