Temporary Capacity Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers.
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.
Posted Job Title
Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt
Job Profile Title
Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt
Job Description Summary
The Penn Center for Public Health program coordinator provide administrative, and programmatic support for the Community Health Capacity Initiative (CHCI), a statewide capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen the organizational health, sustainability, and resilience of community-based harm reduction organizations throughout Pennsylvania. Working within the Public Health Impact Hub at the Penn Center for Public Health, the Program Coordinator will support project implementation, participant engagement, technical assistance coordination, learning activities, and evaluation efforts.
Job Description
The Program Coordinator will provide administrative, operational, and programmatic support for the Community Health Capacity Initiative (CHCI), a statewide capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen the organizational health, sustainability, and resilience of community-based harm reduction organizations throughout Pennsylvania. Working within the Public Health Impact Hub at the Penn Center for Public Health, the Program Coordinator will support project implementation, participant engagement, technical assistance coordination, learning activities, and evaluation efforts.
This position offers an opportunity for a graduate or advanced undergraduate student interested in public health, community engagement, nonprofit capacity building, behavioral health, harm reduction, program management, and workforce development to gain hands-on experience supporting a statewide initiative that serves community-based organizations.
The Program Coordinator will report to the Penn Center for Public Health Senior Manager (Emily Paterson, MPH) and work closely with the Project Director (Samantha Matlin, PhD), participating organizations, consultants, and external partners.
Key Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day project planning, scheduling, and coordination of activities across participating organizations for the Community Health Capacity Initiative
• Maintain project calendars, timelines, and tracking systems to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Support the development and organization of project materials, toolkits, and resources.
• Coordinate communications with participating organizations, consultants, and project partners.
• Schedule and support organizational assessment consultations, coaching sessions, and technical assistance meetings.
• Support planning and implementation of virtual, hybrid, and in-person learning institutes and peer exchange sessions.
• Coordinate event logistics including registration, technology platforms, meeting materials, and participant communications.
• Assist with facilitation, note-taking, and follow-up activities for learning events.
• Track technical assistance activities, deliverables, and progress toward organizational goals.
• Contribute to the development of final reports, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current undergraduate junior/senior, graduate student, or recent graduate in Public Health, Social Work, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Behavioral Health, Community Development, or a related field
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Google Workspace)
• Experience working with community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, or public health programs
• Interest in harm reduction, behavioral health, substance use prevention, health equity, or community capacity building

Time Commitment
This is a part-time position (approximately 20 hours per week, depending on project needs and academic schedule) for the period of July 2026-June 2027.
Location
Hybrid position based at the Penn Center for Public Health with opportunities for virtual engagement and occasional travel to meetings, learning events, and partner organizations as needed.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine
Pay Range
$7.25 - $25.00 Hourly 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
A background check 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 and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare.
• 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.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.