Program Specialist, Events and Operations

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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

Program Specialist, Events and Operations

Job Profile Title

Coordinator B

Job Description Summary

The Program Specialist supports the Mack Institute’s mission by planning, coordinating, and executing a portfolio of programs and events proposed by faculty and senior staff, including conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, roundtables, and academic elective courses. The Program Specialist ensures these initiatives are delivered effectively by managing all logistical planning, operational workflows, timelines, and stakeholder coordination. Working closely with institute leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners, they translate program objectives into actionable plans, oversee day-to-day operational needs, and ensure a high-quality experience for participants across all institute activities.

Job Description

Program Specialist, Events and Operations
Mack Institute for Innovation Management — The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

The Mack Institute for Innovation Management is seeking an organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Program Specialist to support the delivery of high-impact programs and events that advance research and learning in innovation. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys coordinating complex activities, working with diverse stakeholders, and ensuring that academic and professional events run smoothly from start to finish.

As a key member of our team, the Program Specialist will oversee the logistical planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of institute activities—including conferences, seminars, workshops, webinars, roundtables, and academic elective courses. The role also supports signature initiatives such as the Y-Prize Competition and the Predoctoral Researchers Program.

The Program Specialist will collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and external partners, translating program goals into executable plans and ensuring an exceptional experience for all participants.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead logistical planning for programs and events, including scheduling, space coordination, vendor management, and technology support.
• Manage the operational execution of events, serving as the on-site point person to ensure smooth delivery.
• Develop project timelines, manage workflows, and track progress across multiple initiatives.
• Coordinate special programs such as the Y-Prize Competition and support the onboarding and engagement of Predoctoral Research Fellows.
• Maintain the institute’s master calendar and schedule meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare event documentation, logistics briefs, and internal communications.
• Coordinate staff, student assistants, and temporary personnel during event prepara