Special Advisor Program
The Provost’s Office Special Advisor Program provides an immersive leadership-development opportunity for faculty interested in academic administration and service to the Penn community. Selected faculty will spend one year embedded within the Provost’s Office, contributing to strategic projects while gaining exposure to academic decision making, program design, and cross-unit collaboration.
This program advances Penn’s strategic commitment to fostering leadership, service, and institutional stewardship by offering experiential learning for faculty who demonstrate strong leadership potential and an interest in administrative roles. Special Advisors will engage directly with senior leaders, participate in key meetings, take on unit-specific initiatives, and broaden their understanding of university operations and strategy.
Selected faculty will:
- Contribute to strategic projects that enhance programs, policies, or operations within the Provost’s Office;
- Strengthen leadership capacity through mentorship, guided learning, and hands-on administrative experience; and
- Advance Penn’s goals related to faculty excellence, innovation, and leadership development.
Eligibility
Advanced Associate Professors or Full Professors in the Standing Faculty are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate leadership engagement and potential, as well as support from their department chair and/or dean.
Appointment Details
- Length of Appointment: 9 – 12 months
- Level of Effort: The time commitment will vary based on the scope of assigned projects and the Special Advisor’s availability.
- Activities: Special Advisors may participate in staff and other meetings; lead or support strategic projects; and engage in activities that build fluency in program design, leadership approaches, management, financial stewardship, and cross-unit collaboration. Mentorship: Meet regularly with the leadership of the assigned unit and engage with other colleagues in the Provost’s Office.
Compensation
To be determined based on the scope of the engagement and established through consultation among the candidate, school/department, and Provost’s Office. Support may include a modest administrative stipend, course release time, and/or professional development resources (e.g., conference attendance, executive coaching, leadership programs).
APPLICATION PACKET CHECKLIST
A complete application includes:
- Letter of interest from the faculty member outlining the motivation for applying; relevant leadership experience; proposed goals for the appointment; and description of how participating in a Special Advisor role aligns with longer-term professional contributions;
- Letter of support from the dean or department chair that describes the candidate’s leadership engagement and potential, and affirms the school/department’s support for the faculty member’s participation; and
- Faculty member’s curriculum vitae.
Request for Applications
Applications should be submitted to provost-fac@upenn.edu by February 25, 2026. Direct questions to Kristen Barnes at kabarnes@upenn.edu.
Applicants will be notified by early April.