Associate Director, Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences

University Overview

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Job Description Summary

The Associate Director of the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) Program is a senior administrative role responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the program's operations, student services, recruitment, academic affairs, financial management, and strategic initiatives. The Associate Director works closely with the Faculty Director, affiliated faculty, College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS), and other University offices to ensure the success and growth of the MBDS program. This position combines leadership, strategic oversight, and hands-on management to provide a high level of service to students, faculty, and stakeholders.

Housed in the School of Arts and Sciences, the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) program combines behavioral economics, decision sciences, network analysis, and public policy to equip students with the tools to address real-world challenges. This interdisciplinary program focuses on understanding and influencing decision-making to create meaningful, sustainable impact. Rooted in the social sciences, MBDS prepares students to apply these skills across industries, and your role will help support a dynamic learning environment that empowers their success.

Job Description

The Associate Director of the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) program oversees daily operations, student services, and strategic initiatives to ensure the program’s success and growth. Serving as the primary academic advisor, the Associate Director monitors student progress, certifies graduation, and updates the program handbook in collaboration with the Faculty Director and College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS).

The role manages recruitment and admissions, including planning events, assessing applications, coordinating with the admissions committee, and implementing strategies to yield a qualified cohort. The Associate Director enhances the student experience by organizing events, networking opportunities, and milestone activities like orientation and graduation.

In partnership with LPS, the Associate Director contributes to marketing efforts, including content creation, program promotion, and outreach to key networks. The position oversees course rostering, faculty appointments, and budget management while supervising the Administrative Coordinator and temporary staff. This role reports to the Faculty Director to implement strategic plans, analyze program data, and support program operations effectively.

Job Responsibilities:

Academic Advising and Administrative Course Management:

• Serve as the primary academic advisor for all MBDS students, providing guidance on course selection, degree progress, and academic requirements and policies.
• Monitor student progress and performance; conduct audits and certify students for graduation in collaboration with LPS Student Records and central Penn offices.
• Troubleshoot academic or administrative issues, ensuring timely and effective resolutions for students.
• Update and maintain the MBDS program handbook to reflect changes to degree requirements and academic policies approved by the Faculty Director.
• Oversee the rostering of program courses and appointment processes for lecturers and teaching assistants.
• Maintain an updated list of approved elective courses that students may take outside the program.
• Collaborate with faculty to address course-related needs, scheduling, and support.
• Help with the running of the Capstone course and Design Challenge.

Recruitment and Admissions:

• Create and implement a plan to support applicants during their evaluation and application phase to produce a higher percentage of well qualified students that apply and once admitted, confirm their participation in the MBDS.
• Assist the work of the MBDS Admissions committee in coordination with the Faculty Director to define the criteria adopted by the committee for student admission.
• Standardize evaluation processes for tracking admissions.
• Manage the admissions process, including helping the admissions committee, assessing applications, interviewing candidates, and implementing strategies to optimize yield.

Student Services and Event Management

• Organize and manage events that enhance the student and alumni experience, including networking events, summer programming, and career services initiatives.
• Lead milestone program events in collaboration with LPS, such as new student orientation, graduation ceremonies, and program receptions.
• Foster a supportive and engaging environment to ensure student satisfaction and program excellence.
• Organize remote and in-person events, information materials, one-to-one calls, inviting prospective students to join already scheduled MBDS events.
• Coordinate with MBDS Alumni on ideas for soliciting students who have expressed interest in MBDS.

Program Marketing and Student Outreach

• Assess, evaluate and devise regular outreach initiatives to attract ideal prospective candidates for program admission.
• Seek opportunities to engage and partner with potential corporate sponsors and external high-level stakeholders that would enhance the MBDS program and benefit its current students and graduates.
• Plan and host recruitment events and open houses to attract a highly qualified applicant pool.
• Provide content for marketing materials, including identifying students, alumni, faculty, and projects for marketing profiles.
• Review and update web content and promotional text, and identify networks, influencers, and opportunities to market the program effectively.

Financial and Budget Management

• Advise the Faculty Director on annual expense needs to support recruitment, admissions, student events, and programming.
• Manage and monitor the program’s current expense budget; meet monthly with the business office to review expenses and update projections.

Supervision and Operations Management

• Supervise the full-time Administrative Coordinator, ensuring effective management of administrative tasks and processes.
• Hire, train, and oversee temporary staff and student workers, delegating responsibilities to support program operations.
• Manage the program’s daily operations, identifying opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies.

Strategic Initiatives and Reporting

• Collaborate with the Faculty Director to develop and implement strategic plans for program growth and improvement.
• Identify high potential students and/or graduates to support outreach in expanding MBDS to the professional world.
• Provide reports, data, and analyses to support program decision-making, recruitment trends, and student success initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of experience in higher education administration or program management is required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.; Master's or PhD preferred in a related field (behavioral science, social science, higher education administration, etc.) is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
• Experience in student advising, admissions, event planning, and budget management.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and familiarity with higher education systems such as Slate, Canvas, Interfolio, and Banner a plus.

REQUIREMENT.

• The job is 100% on campus

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

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