Assistant Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, Penn GSE
NAFSA: Association of International Educators, East William Penn, PA, United States
Assistant Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, Penn GSE
Employer: University of Pennsylvania
Location: William Penn Annex East, PA
Closing date: Apr 3, 2026
Specialty: Admissions
Position Type: Assistant Director
Hours: Full‑time
Employment Type: Permanent
Organization Type: College / University, Non‑profit
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.
Job Description Summary Reporting to the Director of Recruitment and Financial Aid, alongside the Senior Assistant Director, the Assistant Director of Admissions & Financial Aid will be an integral part of the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid and contribute to a variety of key functions within the Office. The incumbent will assist with organizing and executing on‑campus, off‑campus, and virtual events. The Assistant Director will also participate in these various recruitment and yield events. The tracking of event attendance numbers, budget expenditures, and pre‑and post‑event communications and set‑up will be a critical component of the role. Finally, the Assistant Director will work closely with other members of the Admissions team and GSE faculty to review applications for admission consideration to GSE's graduate programs.
Requirements: A valid U.S. driver’s license, ability to secure a U.S. passport, openness to travel domestically and internationally, and ability to work some nights & weekends.
Key Duties
Help plan on‑campus and virtual events: secure event space
Negotiate contracts with caterers
Coordinate logistics
Coordinate participation from students, alumni, faculty speakers and program staff
Summarize attendance records, set up registration forms, event communication, and post events in both CRM and on the web. Manage post‑event activity, including attendance tracking, communications, and comparative data reports.
Attend recruitment and yield events representing Penn GSE both on and off‑campus, including domestic and/or international travel. Deliver admissions and financial aid presentations to prospective and admitted students. Assist the Director of Recruitment & Financial Aid with the development of future recruitment strategies.
Review and evaluate admission applications of graduate students for the purpose of making admission recommendations or decisions. Work closely with other members of the Admissions team, GSE program managers and faculty to select candidates for admission.
Provide financial aid information to prospective and current students. Counsel students on their overall financial aid offer, loan acquisition and repayment options, and the tuition and billing process. Answer student inquiries related to their personal financial situation and aid. Assist in applying scholarship funds to students' accounts and resolving billing issues.
Assist prospective students, applicants, and admitted students by responding to their inquiries by email, phone, and in‑person.
Perform additional duties as needed.
Qualifications Essential
A Bachelor's degree and 2‑3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education & experience required.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to represent the school with credibility and professionalism & exhibit a high level of customer service.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to long‑term planning, set priorities, and align operations with institutional or departmental goals.
Leads or oversees complex projects, often involving multiple partners and timelines.
Must be able to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Skilled at managing services, systems, or processes with measurable impact.
Ability to identify and respond to challenges proactively and constructively.
Preferred
Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or large organizational setting.
Familiarity with compliance requirements and institutional policies.
Experience working in student recruitment and/or school admissions.
Experience planning in‑person and virtual events.
Budget oversight experience, including forecasting, tracking, and financial stewardship.
Expected Salary Range $65,000 – $67,000, commensurate with experience.
Application Requirements All applicants must submit a cover letter along with their resume/CV. Cover letters may be uploaded to the same section as the resume/CV section.
Special Requirements Background checks may be 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 ...
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance …
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.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year.
Long‑Term Care Insurance: ...
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.
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.
Discounts and Special Services: …
Flexible Work Hours: …
Penn Home Ownership Services: …
Adoption Assistance: …
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, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Learning More To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
Job Description Summary Reporting to the Director of Recruitment and Financial Aid, alongside the Senior Assistant Director, the Assistant Director of Admissions & Financial Aid will be an integral part of the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid and contribute to a variety of key functions within the Office. The incumbent will assist with organizing and executing on‑campus, off‑campus, and virtual events. The Assistant Director will also participate in these various recruitment and yield events. The tracking of event attendance numbers, budget expenditures, and pre‑and post‑event communications and set‑up will be a critical component of the role. Finally, the Assistant Director will work closely with other members of the Admissions team and GSE faculty to review applications for admission consideration to GSE's graduate programs.
Requirements: A valid U.S. driver’s license, ability to secure a U.S. passport, openness to travel domestically and internationally, and ability to work some nights & weekends.
Key Duties
Help plan on‑campus and virtual events: secure event space
Negotiate contracts with caterers
Coordinate logistics
Coordinate participation from students, alumni, faculty speakers and program staff
Summarize attendance records, set up registration forms, event communication, and post events in both CRM and on the web. Manage post‑event activity, including attendance tracking, communications, and comparative data reports.
Attend recruitment and yield events representing Penn GSE both on and off‑campus, including domestic and/or international travel. Deliver admissions and financial aid presentations to prospective and admitted students. Assist the Director of Recruitment & Financial Aid with the development of future recruitment strategies.
Review and evaluate admission applications of graduate students for the purpose of making admission recommendations or decisions. Work closely with other members of the Admissions team, GSE program managers and faculty to select candidates for admission.
Provide financial aid information to prospective and current students. Counsel students on their overall financial aid offer, loan acquisition and repayment options, and the tuition and billing process. Answer student inquiries related to their personal financial situation and aid. Assist in applying scholarship funds to students' accounts and resolving billing issues.
Assist prospective students, applicants, and admitted students by responding to their inquiries by email, phone, and in‑person.
Perform additional duties as needed.
Qualifications Essential
A Bachelor's degree and 2‑3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education & experience required.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to represent the school with credibility and professionalism & exhibit a high level of customer service.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to long‑term planning, set priorities, and align operations with institutional or departmental goals.
Leads or oversees complex projects, often involving multiple partners and timelines.
Must be able to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Skilled at managing services, systems, or processes with measurable impact.
Ability to identify and respond to challenges proactively and constructively.
Preferred
Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or large organizational setting.
Familiarity with compliance requirements and institutional policies.
Experience working in student recruitment and/or school admissions.
Experience planning in‑person and virtual events.
Budget oversight experience, including forecasting, tracking, and financial stewardship.
Expected Salary Range $65,000 – $67,000, commensurate with experience.
Application Requirements All applicants must submit a cover letter along with their resume/CV. Cover letters may be uploaded to the same section as the resume/CV section.
Special Requirements Background checks may be 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 ...
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance …
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.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year.
Long‑Term Care Insurance: ...
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.
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.
Discounts and Special Services: …
Flexible Work Hours: …
Penn Home Ownership Services: …
Adoption Assistance: …
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, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Learning More To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay
#J-18808-Ljbffr