Executive Director, Communications: Wharton External Affairs

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

Executive Director, Communications: Wharton External Affairs

Job Profile Title

Director D, Arts and Media, Communications and Marketing

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 diverse population of staff, representing a rich array of backgrounds, expertise, and cultures. To learn more, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.

The Executive Director, Communications is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies that drive philanthropic support for the School's priorities and lead to a more informed, inspired, and engaged alumni community. The position leads multiple teams with a range of functions, from mass and digital communications to the production of Wharton Magazine. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Executive Director is a key member of the executive team for External Affairs and is a forward-thinking, creative leader who builds, evaluates, and renews programming while ensuring close alignment with Wharton's overall communications strategies and schedules. From identification through stewardship, The Executive Director's portfolio touches all phases of the donor cycle. As such, a close understanding of and partnership with the fundraising, alumni relations and operations functions in the office is essential.

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