Senior IT Director, Innovation & AI, Wharton Computing

Senior IT Director, Innovation & AI, Wharton Computing

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.

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education's individual, company-customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic community of staff, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives.

The Wharton School is seeking a Senior IT Director for Innovation & AI to advance the future of academic computing across teaching, research, learning, and operations. Based in Wharton Computing's Research & Analytics team, this role leads the IT agenda for innovation and AI, enabling school-wide impact. The Senior Director will identify opportunities, establish governance, and drive structured experimentation to support Wharton's mission.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead Wharton Computing's approach to AI and emerging technologies in support of School priorities.
• Establish AI governance and responsible-use guardrails for ethical, scalable adoption.
• Design and manage structured experimentationpilots that test, validate, and scale new technologies.
• Share outcomes and lessons learned to build momentum and demonstrate value.
• Partner across faculty, staff, and students to ensure efforts are aligned, supported, and sustainable.

This position works closely with the IT Technical Director for Research Programming & Advanced Technologies, ensuring initiatives are technically sound and strategically aligned. While the role begins without direct reports, there is opportunity to build and lead a team as Wharton's innovation and AI capacity expands. The ideal candidate is a clear communicator, consensus builder, and visible leadercomfortable navigating complex priorities and representing Wharton Computing in University-wide initiatives and industry partnerships.

This is a high-impact leadership role within IT that enables Wharton to remain at the forefront of innovation and AI while sustaining excellence in its core services.

Qualifications

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$146,500.00 - $180,000.00 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, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

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.

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

Penn offers comprehensive benefits to support the health, life, and work-life balance of faculty and staff. Benefits include health, life, and flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, retirement plans, time-away benefits, long-term care insurance, wellness and work-life resources, professional and personal development opportunities, university resources, discounts, flexible work options, and adoption assistance.