Associate Director of Admissions, Wharton MBA Program

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

Associate Director of Admissions, Wharton MBA Program

Job Profile Title

Associate Director C, Student Services, Graduate Programs

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 Associate Director of Admissions serves a dual role on the 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 enjoys collaborating across teams, engaging with prospective students and alumni, and contributing to a dynamic admissions environment.

The Admissions Marketing & Communications team executes marketing initiatives that support recruitment, yield, and matriculation across the full-time MBA Program. Working under the direction of the Senior Associate Director, the Associate Director manages the MBA Admissions alumni yield program and other yield initiatives designed to strengthen engagement with admitted students. This role oversees alumni outreach, communications, programming, and process improvement while identifying opportunities to enhance the admitted student experience and maximize program impact. The Associate Director also supports marketing and communications efforts throughout the admissions cycle, executing initiatives that promote recruitment, engage prospective and admitted students, and support matriculation while maintaining consistency with Wharton brand standards and messaging.

As a member of the Admissions Committee, the Associate Director evaluates applications for admission, conducts applicant interviews, participates in committee discussions and admissions decisions, and represents the MBA Program through recruitment and yield activities. The position also serves as an ambassador for the program through presentations, webinars, information sessions, and domestic and international recruitment travel.

Job Description

Job 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.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• •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.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$67,155.00 - $80,000.00 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 yo