Student Program Specialist Lauder Institute, Wharton School

Summary of the Role

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 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 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 and apply new technologies and efficiencies as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Pay

$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.

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 with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Exceptional tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependent children, including tuition assistance at other institutions for dependent children.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) on a pre-tax or Roth basis with a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial time away from work during the course of the year for vacations, personal affairs, illness, family time, etc.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, long-term care insurance for employees and eligible family members.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Wide variety of programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Array of resources to advance yourself personally and professionally.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and free activities at the Penn Museum, Annenberg Center, Penn Relays at Franklin Field, and more.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, new cars, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, theme park admission, and more.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options promoting balance between work and personal commitments.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia, for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, for up to two adoptions in your household.