Student Program Specialist Lauder Institute, Wharton School

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 55,962 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School seeks a Student Programs Specialist for the Lauder Institute. The role supports international studies courses, faculty, and data-driven program evaluation in a fast-paced academic setting.

You will assist in designing and improving academic operations, manage datasets, and coordinate thesis activities while ensuring alignment with institutional standards and strategic objectives. Evening and weekend events may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2-3 years of experience in an academic programming environment is required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines.
• Ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Attention to detail and interest in data/contact management.
• Strong client-focused orientation and ability to lead event planning, implementation, and debriefings.
• Availability to staff evening and weekend events as needed.
• Background in events and/or project management; Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to compose, proofread, format, and research copy and reports is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple work-streams simultaneously.
• High degree of competency with computer software programs including database management skills and Microsoft Office suite; capacity to learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily academic program operations, including course setup with learning management systems, supporting faculty with communication with students in coordination with faculty, and maintaining centralized repositories of syllabi and course materials.
• Manage and develop datasets related to enrollment, course utilization, and student pathways; generate reports to support program evaluation and decision-making.
• Coordinate thesis program activities, including tracking student progress, supporting milestone completion, and organizing related academic events.
• Support Associate Director in responding to inquiries and supporting academic processes and policies with faculty and students.
• Manage priorities, timelines, and deliverables in support of logistics of immersion programs and stakeholder communication, as needed
• Support cross-functional academic initiatives and ensure alignment with institutional standards and program requirements

Skills

Project management

Discretion

Attention to detail

Data management

Event planning

Client focus

Communication skills

Editing/writing

Multi-tasking

MS Office

Database management

Learning new technologies

Education

Bachelor's degree and 2-3 years of experience in an academic programming environment

Job description

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 ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.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.The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Student Program Specialist Lauder Institute, Wharton School

Job Profile Title

Coordinator B

Job Description Summary

Wharton School Overview

Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With campuses in both Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton has over 850 staff, a faculty population of more than 235 renowned professors, and 5,000 undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 13,000 professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company‑customized, and online programs. More than 104,000 Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. Wharton is home to a dynamic community of staff, bringing a wide range of skills, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

The Lauder Institute: The Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies was founded in 1983 at the University of Pennsylvania by brothers Leonard and Ronald Lauder, in honor of their father Joseph Lauder. The Institute houses a 24‑month joint degree MA degree program in International Studies for incoming cohorts of approximately 75 students each year. The degree is awarded by the School of Arts and Sciences and is offered as a joint program with the Wharton MBA or the JD Program at Penn Carey Law School.

The Student Programs Specialist will report to the Associate Director for Academic Administration and assist in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic program operations, with responsibility for daily operations for international studies courses, supporting faculty, and managing and analyzing data on courses for program evaluation and improvement. The Program Manager will support the Associate Director for Academic Administration to ensure alignment of academic offerings with institutional standards and strategic objectives while working on cross‑functional initiatives including thesis administration and supporting international immersion programs. This position is responsible for managing and creating databases/datasets of Lauder programs and initiatives.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Manage daily academic program operations, including course setup with learning management systems, supporting faculty with communication with students in coordination with faculty, and maintaining centralized repositories of syllabi and course materials.
• Manage and develop datasets related to enrollment, course utilization, and student pathways; generate reports to support program evaluation and decision‑making.
• Coordinate thesis program activities, including tracking student progress, supporting milestone completion, and organizing related academic events.
• Support Associate Director in responding to inquiries and supporting academic processes and policies with faculty and students.
• Manage priorities, timelines, and deliverables in support of logistics of immersion programs and stakeholder communication, as needed
• Support cross‑functional academic initiatives and ensure alignment with institutional standards and program requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2-3 years of experience in an academic programming environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines.
• Ability to handle sensitive, confidential, and challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Attention to detail and interest in data/contact management.
• Strong client‑focused orientation and ability to lead event planning, implementation, and debriefings.
• Availability to staff evening and weekend events as needed.
• Background in events and/or project managementExcellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to compose, proofread, format, and research copy and reports is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple work‑streams simultaneously
• High degree of competency with computer software programs including database management skills and Microsoft office suite. Capacity to learn and apply new technologies and efficiencies as needed.

Preferred qualifications

• Background in events and/or project management
• Ability to use graphic design tools such such as Canva for social media postings
• Demonstrated interest in world affairs, geopolitics, and/or international business.
• Knowledge of Qualtrics, learning management systems (Canvas).

Applicants must submit a cover letter. Position is contingent upon funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$55,962.00 - $60,000.00 Annual 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

Background checks 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, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre‑tax dollars.
• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• 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.
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
• Long‑Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long‑term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long‑term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work‑life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work‑life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non‑traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay