Job Description

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/

Qualifications

• 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.

Application Instructions

• 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.

Equal Employment 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.