Program Specialist, Student Accessibility and Academic Operations, Wharton

Program Specialist, Student Accessibility and Academic Operations, Wharton

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.

The MBA Program Office (MBAPO) serves as the central hub for academic advising, student support, and academic operations for more than 1,700 full-time MBA students. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director, the Program Specialist, Student Accessibility & Academic Operations, oversees the operational implementation and management of academic accommodations and related student support services within the MBA Program.

This role is responsible for accommodation-related academic operations, ensuring approved accommodations are implemented accurately, consistently, confidentially, and in compliance with University policies, ADA guidelines, and Section 504 requirements. The position collaborates extensively 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 in the last year, with continued growth anticipated.

The Program Specialist, Student Accessibility and Academic Operations manages complex exam logistics and proctoring operations for students with approved accommodations, including oversight of accommodation scheduling processes, exam administration workflows, operational communications, and a team of proctors. The role is also involved in onboarding and transition support for incoming MBA students, maintaining operational documentation and systems, and evaluating service effectiveness through the collection and analysis of operational and student service data.

This includes monitoring key metrics such as exam scheduling volume, accommodation utilization, service response times, operational accuracy, and student feedback; identifying trends and areas for improvement; and recommending process enhancements to support data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement across MBA student services. The position also contributes to broader student experience initiatives across the MBA Program.

This position requires strong operational judgment, exceptional attention to detail, discretion in handling confidential student information, and the ability to manage multiple high-volume processes simultaneously in a fast-paced academic environment. Regular evening or weekend work may be required during peak academic periods, onboarding activities, or exam administration.

Job 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Some familiarity with…