Family Fellows

Fellows work as part of the Family Center team to develop programs for students and postdocs with children and their families. Fellows actively contribute to the Family Center’s mission to serve as hub for information, resources, activities and support students from across the university.

Participation as a Family Center Fellow is a great opportunity to gain useful professional and leadership experience, meet new people, explore topics of interests, and contribute to the broader Penn experience. Fellows work closely with Center staff and fellows, and collaborate with other offices and groups across Penn. We welcome your application.

General Responsibilities

Family Fellows work with Family Center professional staff in programming or operational roles, and collaborate with other staff and campus centers as appropriate. Fellows will develop and coordinate in-person and virtual programming and resources. Fellows are also responsible for staffing the Family Center desk -- checking in families, enforcing safety policies, keeping the area tidy, answering phones and questions from guests.

Fellows work on an hourly basis and are expected to work 8-10 hours per week. The time commitment is generally flexible enough to accommodate various lab, coursework, clinical, research, and teaching schedules. However, some evening and weekend hours will be required, depending on the programming area and Center needs.

Focus Areas: 

Family Wellness 

  • Plan and host events and activities* for families and children: 
    • Family Meet-ups (Morris Arboretum) 
    • Weekly play & learn activities, celebrations (Sensory Play series) 
    • Themed Parties (Halloween Party, Winter Holidays, etc.) 
    • Local outings (Free Library of Philadelphia, Clark Park) 
    • Ticket sales (museums, shows, concerts) 
  • Promote fun, supportive, or family health resources relevant to our members via social media 
  • Partner with other family fellows and campus centers to offer or promote family friendly events and resources 

Education 

  • Manage English Lessons program, including support and communications with the TESOL students who serve as instructors 
  • Host events and workshops for parents and children that promote education and translingual opportunities; topics include: 
    • English language development  
    • Child literacy development and promotion 
    • School readiness, resources, and enrollment  
  • Promote education and school resources relevant to our members 
  • Partner with other family fellows and campus centers to offer or promote education events and resources 

Administrative/Communications 

  • Create and post social media content supportive of Family Center programming and resources 
  • Work with full-time staff on strategic outreach and partner communications
  • Help monitor and develop partner and member engagement methods in social media platforms 
  • Support the general family programming and assist with Family Center events 

Family Fellow Qualifications

Preferred Family Fellow candidates have event planning experience and a background working with families and children and are comfortable using various social media platforms to further engage our audience. Organization, time management and a willingness to learn are expected; general knowledge of the University and support services; customer service skills are also preferred. Family Fellows are required to occasionally work events in the evenings and on the weekends. Any newly hired Family Fellow will be subject to a background check and must complete mandated reporter training. 

Eligibility 

  • All full-time degree-seeking Penn graduate & professional students preferred, registered and in good standing for the 2023-24 academic year, with a graduation date of May 2024 or later required.
  • Fellows must be in residence in the Philadelphia area.
  • Family Fellows may serve multiple years. Current or previous Fellows can apply separately for a position renewal each year. A Fellow can be dismissed prior to the end of the appointment for failing to meet performance expectations.
  • 2023-24 Fellows must be available for training and planning in Spring/Summer 2023.

Compensation

Fellows receive $20 per hour. Please be aware that if you are employed at more than one campus job, you cannot work more than 20 hours per week in total if you are currently enrolled in classes per University policy. 

Application Process

Any student who is currently and will be registered as a University of Pennsylvania graduate or professional student during the current academic year is eligible to apply for a Fellow position.

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The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam Era Veteran or disabled veteran in the administration of educational policies, programs or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan awards; athletic, or other University administered programs or employment. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to: Executive Director, Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106 or by phone at (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).