Senior Communications Specialist, Wharton AI & Analytics

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

Senior Communications Specialist, Wharton AI & Analytics

Job Profile Title
Communications Specialist Senior

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.

The Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative (WAIAI) advances cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence and data science in business through innovative research, educational programming, and engagement with industry leaders. WAIAI supports faculty research, student learning, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships exploring AI’s impact on business and society.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing & Communications, the Senior Communications Specialist will serve as a senior content producer and communications generalist, helping to execute WAIAI’s marketing and communications strategy and address strategic and creative needs across the team. Working in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment, this individual will translate WAIAI’s research, programs, events, and thought leadership into compelling, accessible content for industry leaders, students, alumni, business professionals, and other priority audiences. The successful candidate will bring strong editorial judgment, digital expertise, and creative problem-solving skills while partnering with faculty, staff, affiliated centers, and communications colleagues across Wharton to manage multiple projects from concept through delivery.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Develop compelling, audience-focused content that translates complex faculty and student research, programs, and thought leadership into clear and engaging narratives. Produce and adapt content across formats, including articles, interviews, newsletters, web and landing-page copy, email campaigns, graphics, social media, video, and print materials.

• Lead content strategy and production for the web presence of WAIAI and its affiliated centers, improving content organization, design quality, user experience, accessibility, and alignment with strategic priorities. Create, edit, publish, and maintain accurate and timely website content using WordPress and related tools.

• Apply search engine optimization, analytics, and AI content optimization practices to increase the visibility and discoverability of WAIAI’s research, programs, events, and thought leadership across traditional and emerging search platforms. Use performance data and audience insights to recommend and implement improvements.

• Develop and execute strategic social media and digital amplification efforts that engage priority audiences and extend the reach of WAIAI’s work. Identify opportunities to adapt and repurpose research, event, and program content across channels to maximize its reach, relevance, and useful life.

• Uphold and refine WAIAI’s editorial standards, narrative storytelling, and brand voice, ensuring that communications are consistent, accessible, and aligned with Wharton brand guidelines. Contribute creative ideas and sound editorial judgment to strengthen the quality and impact of WAIAI’s communications.

• Collaborate closely with the WAIAI marketing team and a diverse network of faculty, staff, students, affiliated centers, and communications colleagues across Wharton. Manage multiple communications projects from concept through delivery, coordinating stakeholders, timelines, reviews, and deliverables in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree and 5-7 years of experience are required or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience producing high-quality content across web, email, social media, video, print, and other digital channels.

• Exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to make complex or technical subject matter accessible and engaging.

• Experience with web content strategy, content management systems, search engine optimization, digital accessibility, and user-centered content design.

• Strong understanding of social media strategy, audience engagement, content amplification, and digital marketing practices.

• Experience using analytics and performance data to evaluate content effectiveness and inform communications decisions.

• Strong editorial judgment and the ability to maintain a consistent narrative voice while working within established institutional brand standards.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines with attention to detail, responsiveness, and sound judgment.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with senior leaders, faculty, communications professionals, and other internal and external stakeholders.

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Proficiency with WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, email marketing platforms, and social media management tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with AI-enabled content, research, and optimization tools is preferred.

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Experience communicating academic research, emerging technologies, business topics, or other complex subject matter is preferred.

Important Information:

Applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this role.

The anticipated salary range for this position is between: $77,500 - $85,000.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Wharton School

Pay Range
$77,330.00 - $82,000.00 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 St