Director, Custom Programs - Wharton Executive Education

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

Director, Custom Programs - Wharton Executive Education

Job Profile Title

Director D, Student Services, Executive Education

Job Description Summary

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

The Director of Custom Programs plays a central role in managing and growing client relationships, designing high-impact executive development experiences, and ensuring the overall success and profitability of Wharton Executive Education’s custom engagements. This role is both strategic and hands-on, with accountability for the end-to-end delivery of executive education programs tailored to the unique needs of leading organizations around the world.

As the primary client relationship manager for an assigned portfolio of clients, the Director is responsible for cultivating and deepening long-term partnerships with global clients across industries. This includes understanding client goals, anticipating needs, proactively addressing issues, and ensuring high levels of satisfaction. The Director regularly collaborates with senior leaders, including Wharton/Penn faculty and client stakeholders, to co-create learning journeys that integrate in-person, virtual, online, and experiential elements.

The Director works closely with faculty and clients to design and deliver customized curricula, selecting appropriate instructors and incorporating post-program follow-up to reinforce learning outcomes. A strong understanding of executive audiences and adult learning principles is essential, along with the ability to translate organizational challenges into actionable program content. Assessing the success of programs—both through formal feedback and client conversations—is a key responsibility, as is the integration of innovative learning formats and approaches that reflect Wharton’s latest thinking.

This role is also accountable for program financials, including managing both revenue and expenses, ensur