Associate Director of Advising, School of Nursing Office of Academic Advising

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

Associate Director of Advising, School of Nursing Office of Academic Advising

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C, Student Services, Advising

Job Description Summary

Penn Nursing (https://www.nursing.upenn.edu/) is one of the world's premier nursing schools. With the only Ivy-League undergraduate nursing program in the country and multiple top-rated graduate programs, our experts and leaders have been leading to a healthier, more equitable future by advancing science, shaping policy, promoting equity, demonstrating practice excellence, and preparing leaders in the discipline of nursing for over a century. Our community is committed to creating a culture that values integrity, social justice, innovation, inclusion and impact, with the school’s Guiding Principles serving as a beacon for how we learn and work together. 

The Office of Academic Affairs is committed to providing support to a diverse student body.

This Associate Director of Advising position will manage all Student Affairs functions for entry-to-practice students including the design, development, implementation and evaluation of New Student Orientation and Family Weekend and related activities. This position will also manage Academic Affairs functions for entry-to-practice students including developing complex plans of study, tracking the retention of students, and participating in advising hours. The Associate Director of Advising analyzes undergraduate issues, determines appropriate follow-up and manages cases for students in crisis, contacting key university resources as needed. This position represents Penn Nursing at key school and university meetings regarding entry-to-practice students. This position will also maintain a general knowledge of the Penn Nursing graduate curriculum to assist the advising team in addressing student questions.

Job Description

Principal Position Responsibilities/Duties

Manage Student Affairs functions for entry-to-practice students

• Manage all Student Affairs functions for entry-to-practice students including the design, development, implementation and evaluation of New Student Orientation and Family Weekend and related activities.
• Attend regular meetings with and provide support for key student organizations (e.g. SNAP, MNO, APANSA, PUSH) to understand and address their needs and views.
• Develop effective systems and procedures to leverage resources for optimal results; spot trends, recommend and initiate action plans.
• Cultivate relationships with constituents within Penn Nursing and the greater University (e.g. Weingarten Learning Resources Center, Career Services, Pre-freshmen Program, Counseling, Tutoring, Penn Global, Cultural Centers) to develop relevant support programs, leadership development opportunities, culturally diverse experiences, and community-building activities for entry-to-practice students.
• Oversee key communication functions including Canvas orientation sites for all entry-to-practice students, editing of graduation program, Academic Progressions letters, etc.
• Meet monthly with all student organizations and organize the semester meetings between the Dean and the student organization leaders.

Manage Academic Affairs functions for entry-to-practice students

• Manage Academic Affairs functions for entry-to-practice students including independently developing complex plans of study, maintaining knowledge of entry-to-practice curriculum, tracking the retention of students and participating in advising hours.
• Monitor student academic performance and identify and present cases to the Academic Progressions and Standards Committee; write academic progressions letters for the Committee Chair and Associate Dean.
• Update and maintain the entry-to-practice student handbooks with website access for students.
• Develop registration materials for entry-to-practice students; upload materials on the Penn Nursing website/Canvas site at appropriate registration intervals; develop and write welcome information for new students.
• Analyze entry-to-practice academic issues and determine appropriate follow-up with a variety of constituents, including students, families of students, faculty, staff, and liaisons external to the University; work in collaboration with the Director of Advising and Student Affairs, Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, and Registrar.
• Work with the Registrar/Associate Registrar to track students through degree requirements.

Manage cases for students in crisis

• Meet with a subset of entry-to-practice students who are in crisis regarding academic and personal concerns. Track leave of absence requests.
• Refer students to appropriate resources as needed – Student Counseling, Student Health, Weingarten Learning Resources Center, Tutoring, Disabilities Services, etc.
• Follow-up with students, advisors, and university resources to meet students’ needs. 
• Consult with Director of Advising and Student Affairs as needed; provide back-up on any complex student cases.

Manage the study abroad programs for entry-to-practice students

• Collaborate with the Penn Global office, the Penn Nursing Office of Global Health Affairs, and the faculty program directors to develop new study abroad opportunities for Nursing students.
• In conjunction with faculty directors, interview and select students to participate in study abroad programs.
• Coordinate yearly information sessions for the various study abroad programs.  Conduct re-entry meetings upon return of students to Penn Nursing.
• Liaison with Student Health to monitor protocols for travel aboard health requirements for students.
• Provide orientation sessions for exchange students coming from various countries to Penn Nursing.

Manage the financial resources for several Penn Nursing budgets

• Oversee the school budgets for the student organizations. Meet with student organization leaders each semester to discuss budget requests. 
• Monitor financial statements each month to ensure budgets are balanced.
• Meet with students to process reimbursements and plan for future needs.

Represent the School of Nursing at school and university meetings

• Serve as the school representative to: New Student Orientation, Second Year events, Penn Global study abroad, etc.

Perform additional duties as assigned

Targeted Pay Range:  65,000.00 - 72,000.00 

This Targeted Pay Range is only applicable to this job posting. All 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. 

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree required, and minimum of 3-5 years of related experience, preferably in a university setting.  Master’s degree (in Higher Education, counseling, student personnel) preferred.  Experience in student counseling or academic advising highly desirable.  Proven ability to plan, implement, and manage programs and activities.  Must be able to effectively manage multiple projects and work in a team environment.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.  Must work well with students, faculty, parents, and other constituencies.  Proficiency in desktop computing necessary (including word processing, spreadsheet and database management, Canvas platform, and desktop publishing). 

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hybrid Eligible - This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a work week divided between 3 days working onsite and 2 days working remotely. 

Department / School

School of Nursing

Pay Range

$51,824.00 - $72,000.00 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.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay 

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