Associate Director of Admissions, Wharton MBA Program

The University of Pennsylvania, a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation, is the largest private employer in Philadelphia. This Ivy League institution consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the U.S. News & World Report survey and offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to scholarship across 12 highly-regarded schools. As an employer, Penn provides a dynamic working environment within the vibrant city of Philadelphia, known for its historical significance, cultural offerings, and recreational activities.

About the Role

The Associate Director of Admissions serves a dual role on the Wharton MBA Admissions team, supporting both Admissions Marketing & Communications and the Admissions Committee. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Admissions, this position executes marketing and communications initiatives that support recruitment, yield, and matriculation while serving as a full member of the Admissions Committee. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator and project manager who collaborates across teams, engages with prospective students and alumni, and contributes to a dynamic admissions environment.

The Wharton School, founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, shapes the future of business through innovation, leadership, and a global network of over 104,000 alumni. With campuses in Philadelphia and San Francisco, Wharton supports over 5,000 students and 13,000 professionals annually through its degree and executive education programs.

Responsibilities

• Manage and continuously enhance the MBA Admissions alumni yield program and related engagement initiatives, including alumni outreach, communications, programming, volunteer management, and process improvement.
• Develop and execute admissions marketing and communications initiatives that support recruitment, yield, and matriculation across digital and print channels.
• Collaborate with Wharton's Central Marketing & Communications department and other University partners to support admissions marketing, communications, and engagement initiatives.
• Evaluate applications for admission, conduct applicant interviews, and participate in Admissions Committee discussions and admissions decisions.
• Represent the Wharton MBA Program through recruitment events, information sessions, webinars, applicant interviews, and domestic and international travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) in admissions, marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience creating digital content and managing social media.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Public speaking experience; ability to present to large in-person and virtual audiences.
• Interest in higher education and the MBA admissions process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with admissions and marketing/design platforms such as Slate, WordPress, Canva, and Pardot.

Applicants must submit a cover letter and a range of writing samples and/or online content, including social media posts, email campaigns, website content, blogs, or similar communications materials.

Pay

$67,155.00 - $80,000.00 Annual Rate. Salary offers are based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they relate to the position, aligned with external market data and internal peer data at Penn.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Tuition Assistance: Exceptional tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions.
• Retirement Plans: Generous retirement plans with pre-tax or Roth options and a variety of investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial paid time off for vacations, personal affairs, illness, or injury.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Coverage for employees and eligible family members, with no underwriting requirements if applied for at hire.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Access to resources for personal and professional growth.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, and cultural/recreational activities, many of which are free for employees and their families.
• Discounts and Special Services: Savings on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cellular plans, movie tickets, theme parks, and new cars from Ford and General Motors.
• Flexible Work Hours: Creative approaches to work hours, locations, and job structures to promote work-life balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loans for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia, applicable to closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified expenses related to the legal adoption of an eligible child, up to two adoptions per household.