University of Pennsylvania

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, Academic Advisor, and Student Accommodations (AD-SA), Wharton MBA Program

Job Profile Title

Associate Director E, Student Services, Academic 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.

Job Description

Reporting to the Deputy Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, the Associate Director, Academic Advisor, and Student Accommodations (AD-SA) leads the MBA Academic Affairs Office’s strategy for student accommodations and disability services, ensuring compliance with legal and institutional standards. This role oversees all aspects of accommodations for Full-Time and Executive MBA students, collaborating closely with faculty, administration, and University offices. The AD-SA provides strategic oversight of policies, processes, and technologies to enhance accessibility, streamline service delivery, and support Wharton’s commitment to student success.

As the Wharton Graduate Division’s disability specialist, the AD-SA serves as the primary liaison to Penn’s Office of Disability Services and an active member of the University’s Disability Coordinator Team. This role involves meeting with individual students to assess accommodation needs, reviewing and processing documentation, and coordinating services in partnership with Penn’s Office of Disability Services. The AD-SA works closely with administration, faculty, and students to ensure accommodations align with institutional policies and legal requirements. Additionally, this role leads efforts to enhance accessibility by overseeing the development and implementation of accommodation-related policies, technologies, and service improvements. Responsibilities also include managing academic accommodations, supervising staff, and ensuring continuous enhancements in service delivery for both students and faculty.

In addition to overseeing student accommodations, the AD-SA serves as an academic advisor, providing direct guidance to students. This includes independently assessing student needs, developing advising strategies, and contributing to initiatives that enhance the effectiveness of academic advising.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in student accommodations and disability services, with expertise in disability laws, compliance requirements, and related technologies. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential, as is proficiency in data-driven analysis and reporting. The ability to collaborate effectively across teams is critical. Preferred qualifications include an MBA, JD, or a Master's degree in Education, psychology or related fields. Mental health license is a plus.

Job Responsibilities

• Act as the Wharton Graduate Division’s disability specialist and serve as an active member of the university's disability coordinator team. Meet with individual students to assess needs, review documentation, and coordinate accommodations in partnership with Penn’s Office of Disability Services. Serve as the primary liaison to Penn’s Office of Disability Services, ensuring compliance with legal and institutional standards. Lead the MBA Academic Affairs Office’s strategy for student accommodations, overseeing policies, processes, and technologies to enhance accessibility and streamline service delivery.
• Support the successful delivery of the Wharton Full-Time MBA program by providing direct academic advising to students. Serve as a key liaison between students, faculty, and administration. Independently assess student needs, provide academic guidance, and develop advising strategies. Contribute to identifying challenges, designing solutions, and implementing initiatives that enhance academic advising.
• Manage accommodations and disability services for the Executive MBA program in close collaboration with its administration, advising team, students, and faculty. This includes the East Coast (Philadelphia), West Coast (San Francisco), and Global WEMBA programs.
• Supervise the MBA Academic Affairs office's Student Experience Coordinator and other staff as needed.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and 7-10 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience required. An MBA, JD, or a Master's degree in Education, psychology or related fields is strongly preferred. Mental health license is a plus.
• Experience with advising students and briefing senior management. Operate effectively and manage ambiguity.
• Extensive experience in managing student accommodations and disability services, with expertise in disability laws, compliance requirements, and related technologies.
• Proven record managing academic programs and offerings. Familiarity with academic platforms and data applications.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, organizational, presentation, and communication skills, as is proficiency in data-driven analysis and reporting. The ability to collaborate across diverse teams is essential.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Wharton School

Pay Range

$93,500.00 - $115,000.00 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 to 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