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
Director of Development and Alumni Relations Human Resources
Job Profile Title
Director, Human Resources, School/Center
Job Description Summary
The Director of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) Human Resources provides leadership, direction and support for human resource operations to create a high-performance, sustainable organization that meets the strategic and operational goals and objectives of the department. Their responsibilities include talent acquisition, employee relations, talent management and workforce planning, performance management and compensation, onboarding and orientation, Workday operations and consultative support for staff and management teams.
The Director works closely and collaboratively with other leaders in the Engagement and Culture unit to create, implement and support DAR’s talent management strategies and objectives.
They serve as a trusted advisor and business partner with DAR’s management team on matters concerning strategic and tactical management decisions and serve as the primary liaison to Core University Human Resources and all the various units of core HR services particularly Compensation, Staff Relations, Benefits, and Talent Acquisition. They participate in all aspect of the University’s Human Resources Advisory Group (HRA) as a representative of DAR.
The Director of Human Resources reports directly to the DAR Chief Engagement and Culture Officer. They manage a staff of three that provide generalist, talent acquisition and HR/Workday operational support for DAR.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
Management: Manage, coach, develop and inspire a team of professionals responsible for the day to day HR Operations of DAR – employee relations, performance management, Workday operations, HR metrics, talent acquisition, compensation management, workforce planning, onboarding and offboarding staff.
Consultative efforts: Work directly with senior management members and area directors to provide consultative guidance for staff planning and development issues including all aspects of performance management, evaluating staffing, position review, organizational structures and operational plans to assure effective and equitable staffing patterns exist throughout the Department. Support managers through the HR related processes related to any changes in staff roles and unit structures.
Collaboration partners: Develop and manage the full employee life cycle in collaboration with peer leaders reporting into the CECO (engagement, learning, wellness, DEIB, etc).
Compensation: Manage the DAR compensation process. Under the Vice President’s and SAVP’s direction, and working closely with support and manage all salary and compensation related adjustments, including annual salary review as well as adjustments as a result of position changes and other strategic needs.
University citizenship and collaboration: Represent Development and Alumni Relations on University committees and task forces, i.e., HR Council, Affirmative Action, Staff and Labor, HRA, and other related committees.
Strategic partnership within the Office of the Chief Engagement and Culture Officer and SAVP Strategic Planning and Services: Serve as an integral member of the broader team, and an active participant on administrative matters related to department-wide strategic planning and management. Work with CECO and SAVP leadership to develop staffing models that support strategic and programmatic goals of Development and Alumni Relations, including formulation of budget, forecasting, analysis, and reporting.
Staff Transitions: Partner with leaders on departmental restructurings under direction of the Chief Engagement and Culture Officer. Manage outgoing employees including exit interview discussions, benefits and outplacement transition and other related processes. When necessary, work with Office of General Counsel, Core HR Staff and Labor Relations and other appropriate areas to prepare and facilitate separation agreements, including negotiating terms of separation and exit plans.
Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of the application prior to submitting.
Skill set and Requirements:
Bachelor of Science and 7 to 10 years of experience in Human Resources or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Staff management experience required. Creative and strategic problem solver, strong listener and critical thinker able to work in a fast paced and dynamic organization. Strong communication and relationship and trust building skills with people at all levels in an organization along with an ability to exercise sensitivity and discretion in handling complex HR issues. Demonstrated experience in assessing, developing and implementing programs in response to staff and organizational needs. A self starter with a sense of urgency, ability to focus on priorities and the ability to rapidly adapt to changing circumstances in an environment where working across boundaries and leveraging strengths are necessary. Ability to be persuasive and motivate people to a desire outcome. A high level of energy, self-confidence, and a contributor to a positive work environment where all staff are treated with respect and a sense of belonging. Exhibit a strong service orientation contributing to a total team effort.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Development and Alumni Relations
Pay Range
$61,046.00 - $140,000.00 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.