Program Operations Coordinator, Penn Wharton Budget Model

University of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

2d•$55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Penn Wharton Budget Model (PWBM) is a non-partisan, research-based initiative that provides accurate and transparent economic analysis of public policy. PWBM works directly with federal policymakers to provide analysis but does not make policy recommendations. PWBM’s work is widely cited and has been influential in many key recent policy discussions, including tax reform, health care and entitlement reforms, immigration, education, and the federal budget. The Program Operations Coordinator provides critical support for the Penn Wharton Budget Model (PWBM). This role manages a broad range of operational, administrative, and programmatic functions supporting a team of approximately 30 researchers and engineering staff. The incumbent oversees key processes related to HR coordination, immigration support, program administration, and office operations while ensuring efficient day-to-day operations. The position requires strong initiative, ownership of processes, and the ability to proactively identify issues, drive work forward, and escalate matters when necessary to ensure timely resolution and effective program support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years or experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple processes simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgment, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to identify issues, problem-solve, and escalate matters appropriately.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
Comfort working in fast-paced environments with evolving priorities.
Interest in public policy required

Nice To Haves

experience in a public policy, academic, or research environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage staff recruitment and onboarding processes, including coordinating candidate screening, interviews, reference checks, onboarding activities, and administration of student worker hiring and payroll while maintaining strict confidentiality of personnel records.
Serve as a central operational point of contact for PWBM staff and leadership, providing coordination for policy questions, reimbursements, travel preparation, calendar management, and meeting logistics, and ensuring timely follow-through on administrative needs.
Own and coordinate visa and immigration processes for foreign national staff, managing documentation and timelines, monitoring progress, identifying potential risks or delays, and escalating issues to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) or other partners as needed.
Plan and coordinate PWBM events and outreach activities, including seminars, conferences, and panel discussions, independently managing logistics and timelines to ensure successful execution.
Administer the Penn Wharton Public Policy Certificate Program, including supporting cohort preparation, coordinating program logistics and participants, managing course materials and learning platforms, and resolving or escalating operational issues when needed.
Oversee day-to-day office operations, including managing supply and equipment purchases, coordinating facilities maintenance, and ensuring a well-functioning office environment.
Maintain organized operational documentation and track program and event analytics, proactively updating processes, identifying improvements, and providing data to leadership to support planning and reporting.

Benefits

Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.