Wieler Family Professor Position

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Academic Writing, College Level Faculty, Communication Skills, Data Analysis, Economics, Funding, Leadership, Mentoring, Nonprofit, Publications, Scholarship, Social Sciences, Social Work, Thought Leadership, Training/Teaching
LOCATION
Philadelphia, PA
POSTED
12 days ago


The School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) of the University of Pennsylvania welcomes applications and nominations for a tenured faculty position as the inaugural Wieler Family Professor. We are seeking an exceptional scholar whose research, teaching, and service advance the field of philanthropy at the intersection of social innovation, impact, business, and civic engagement. The Wieler Family Professor will also hold a secondary appointment at the Wharton School. The goal of the Professorship is to marry SP2’s social impact mission with Wharton’s capacity to innovate and inspire leaders who have a passion to do good through philanthropy. The ideal candidate will bring visionary leadership and a record of rigorous interdisciplinary scholarship. Additionally, the successful candidate will be able to articulate a clear vision for how philanthropy can address pressing social challenges, advance equity, and inspire civic engagement on a global scale. We are especially interested in candidates whose work interrogates philanthropy’s role in both reproducing and addressing social inequities, and who bring perspectives grounded in critical theoretical and intellectual perspectives.



The Wieler Family Professor will:





+ Leverage the strengths and expertise of both schools to enable the University to become a leader in philanthropy education and to empower University students and alumni to be engaged philanthropic leaders and promote positive change in their communities and around the world.



+ Advance pioneering research that reimagines and expands the field of philanthropy with an emphasis on addressing social inequities and promoting positive social change.



+ Deepen understanding of how philanthropy interacts with structures of power and inequality and how it can be transformed to serve as a catalyst for equity and social impact, particularly in marginalized or historically underserved communities.



+ Serve as a thought leader at the national and international level, advancing critical conversations that challenge dominant paradigms in philanthropy, social policy, and business innovation.





SP2 offers six degree programs: Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP/MSSP+Data Analytics), Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL), Doctorate in Non-Profit Administration, Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW), and PhD in Social Welfare.



Information on The Wharton School and its programs may be found here: https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/ and https://www.wharton.upenn.edu/academic-programs/









+ A Ph.D. in a field relevant to philanthropy, broadly defined.



+ Internationally distinguished record of scholarship, including a substantial publication record in high-impact academic outlets and demonstrated engagement with critical, interdisciplinary, and justice-oriented perspectives.



+ Evidence of theoretical, applied, or critical contributions to philanthropy, nonprofit studies, social policy, social work, economics, or related fields.



+ A career history of excellence in teaching, mentorship, service, and leadership appropriate to a tenured appointment at the rank of full professor at the University of Pennsylvania.



+ A progressive track record of securing external funding is preferred.







+ Curriculum Vitae



+ Cover letter describing your interest in SP2 and Wharton and your fit for the position



+ Three samples of scholarly writing



+ Names of three references





Materials should be submitted by February 27, 2026 through our online application system. Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and any inquiries or requests for additional information should be directed to Dr. Jacqueline Corcoran at cojacq@upenn.edu, Chair of the SP2 Personnel Committee.




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.

About the Company

U

University of Pennsylvania

Penn's beautiful urban campus provides easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. We offer excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for you and your family, as well as generous retirement benefits, professional development opportunities and flexible work options. Penn is a diverse, multicultural learning community at the cutting edge of research and information technology. Click here to read more about why we're a Best Employer. Not only does Penn offer a unique environment within the city of Philadelphia to work, we also provide a wide array of employee benefits. From a competitive retirement program and comprehensive health care options to health promotion and wellness services and tuition assistance, there's a wealth of opportunities and resources available to you at Penn.

Penn is frequently cited as an outstanding employer:

  • Recipient of the 2010 Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation Corporate Leadership Award for commitment to supporting worklife balance programs.
  • Selected as a recipient of the 2010 Healthy Workplace Award by the Philadelphia Business Journal and presenting sponsor UnitedHealthcare
  • Recognized as a 2010 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer/Daily News.
  • Recipient of the 2009 Vision Award for commitment to workforce diversity and economic inclusion.
  • Selected for Computerworld's 100 Best Places to Work in IT six years in a row!
  • Recognized by the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children as a 2006 Best Employer for Working Parents
  • Named a Best Place to Work in the November 2007 issue of Philadelphia Magazine.
  • Designated a Best Workplace for Commuters by the National Center for Transit Research
COMPANY SIZE
100 to 499 employees
INDUSTRY
Advertising and PR Services
FOUNDED
1990
WEBSITE
http://www.cmimedia.com/