Program Specialist, Student Accessibility and Academic Operations, Wharton

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. The Wharton School, founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, shapes the future of business through leadership, innovation, and a global network of over 104,000 alumni.

About the Role

The Program Specialist, Student Accessibility & Academic Operations, oversees the operational implementation and management of academic accommodations and related student support services within the Wharton MBA Program. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, this role ensures approved accommodations are implemented accurately, consistently, and confidentially in compliance with University policies, ADA guidelines, and Section 504 requirements. The position collaborates with the Weingarten Center, Wharton Faculty, Wharton Operations, Wharton Computing, Academic Affairs, and the Office of the Vice Dean to support equitable student access and a high-quality academic experience.

The accommodated student population has grown to roughly 10% of the MBA population, with continued growth anticipated. This role manages complex exam logistics and proctoring operations, including oversight of accommodation scheduling, exam administration workflows, and a team of proctors. It also involves onboarding support for incoming MBA students, maintaining operational documentation, and evaluating service effectiveness through data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage the operational implementation and administration of academic accommodations for MBA students with approved temporary and permanent accommodations, ensuring compliance with University policies, ADA guidelines, and Section 504 requirements.
• Oversee accommodation-related exam administration, including scheduling, logistics, proctoring operations, testing support, and resolution of complex accommodation and testing issues.
• Serve as a primary resource for students, faculty, and campus partners regarding accommodation processes, implementation, and student support services.
• Develop and coordinate programs, events, and engagement initiatives that promote student belonging, accessibility, and inclusion within the MBA Program.
• Lead operational planning and execution for MBA Program onboarding and Pre-Term activities, including coordination of logistics, facilities, technology, and event support.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate exam proctors, ensuring adherence to testing procedures, confidentiality standards, and academic integrity requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve operational processes, communications, documentation, and tracking systems related to accommodations, exam administration, and student support services.
• Monitor service delivery, accommodation utilization, operational metrics, and student feedback to identify trends and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, and the student experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Arts and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Some familiarity with Section 504 requirements and ADA guidelines.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong operational judgment and ability to manage multiple high-volume processes simultaneously in a fast-paced academic environment.
• Discretion in handling confidential student information.
• Regular evening or weekend work may be required during peak academic periods, onboarding activities, or exam administration.

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 you, your spouse, 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 family needs.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Coverage for long-term care services at home, in the community, or in a nursing facility, 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: Resources to advance 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 and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cellular phone 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.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses, including travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions per household.

Pay

Salary offers range from $55,962.00 to $65,000.00 annually, based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they relate to the position. Salary ranges are aligned with external market data and internal peer data at Penn.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania