Associate Director, CMU Online - Office of the Provost

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision

Retirement plan with employer-contriub

Tuition benefits

Paid time off & holidays

Pittsburgh transit bus pass

Family Concierge support

Job summary

CMU Online seeks an Associate Director to support the operation, management and day-to-day operations of CMU Online's portfolio of graduate and professional education programs, under the direction of the Senior Director.

Working across marketing, recruiting/enrollment, and program management, the role ensures effective operations, successful program launches, and continued growth by aligning systems, processes, and resources with the unit's objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in management, higher education administration, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, program operations, project management, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating complex operations, cross-functional initiatives, and organizational projects.
• Experience in online education, continuing education, or professional education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support CMU Online's strategic priorities, operational plans, and growth initiatives.
• Coordinate day-to-day operations across marketing, recruiting, enrollment, and program management.
• Monitor enrollment and KPIs; prepare reports and analyses to support planning and decision-making.
• Identify operational challenges and opportunities; develop recommendations and implement changes.
• Track major initiatives, deadlines, and deliverables with escalation as needed.
• Coordinate with functional directors to support collaboration and program growth.
• Assist with evaluating program opportunities and portfolio adjustments.
• Develop policies, procedures, workflows, and systems to enable scalable operations.
• Prepare presentations and materials for university leadership and stakeholders.
• Represent the Senior Director in meetings and ensure follow-up on action items.

Skills

Strategy

Operations management

Cross-functional coordination

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

CMU Online is experiencing significant growth and seeks an Associate Director to support the operation, management and day-to-day operations of CMU Online's portfolio of graduate and professional education programs.

Working under the direction of the Senior Director, the Associate Director assists in leading activities across marketing, recruiting/enrollment, and program management to ensure effective operations, successful program launches, and continued growth.

The position supports the implementation of strategic priorities, monitors organizational performance, coordinates cross-functional initiatives, and helps ensure that systems, processes, and resources are aligned with the unit's objectives.

The Associate Director serves as a key operational partner to the Senior Director, helping manage the complexity of a growing organization, maintain continuity of operations, and ensure that priorities and initiatives are executed effectively.

Core Responsibilities include:

Strategy & Operational Management

Support the Senior Director in implementing CMU Online's strategic priorities, operational plans, and growth initiatives.

Coordinate day-to-day operations across marketing, recruiting, enrollment, and program management, ensuring activities are aligned and priorities are executed.

Monitor enrollment and other key performance indicators; prepare reports and analyses to support planning and decision-making.

Identify operational challenges, process gaps, and opportunities for improvement; develop recommendations and implement approved changes.

Track major initiatives, deadlines, and deliverables, ensuring appropriate follow-up and escalation of issues to the Senior Director.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Program Growth

Work with CMU Online's functional directors to coordinate activities, resolve operational issues, and support effective collaboration across the unit.

Support new program development and launches by coordinating timelines, operational requirements, resources, and implementation activities.

Assist with evaluating potential program opportunities, portfolio adjustments, and business growth initiatives.

Coordinate with academic departments and university administrative offices to support program operations and implementation.

Support collaboration with online learning design and technology teams to ensure alignment between academic delivery and business operations.

Organizational Administration & Continuous Improvement

Support the development, documentation, and implementation of policies, procedures, workflows, and systems that enable efficient and scalable operations.

Maintain visibility into key organizational activities, identify dependencies and risks, and ensure timely follow-up.

Coordinate special projects and cross-functional initiatives assigned by the Senior Director.

Assist with preparing presentations, reports, proposals, and other materials for university leadership and stakeholders.

Represent the Senior Director in meetings and operational discussions as delegated, communicating decisions, coordinating follow-up, and escalating matters requiring senior leadership attention.

Help maintain continuity of operations through comprehensive documentation, cross-functional knowledge, and familiarity with the unit's key activities and processes.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University.

We are searching for a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity.

We are looking for someone who shares our values and will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate: Strong organizational and operational management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives, priorities, and stakeholders.

Ability to translate strategic direction into actionable plans and effective execution.

Strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and ability to interpret performance data to inform decisions.

Excellent judgment, including the ability to independently address routine operational matters and recognize when decisions or issues require escalation.

Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying operational challenges and recommending solutions.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Ability to build productive working relationships across academic and administrative units.

Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to ensure timely completion of deliverables.

Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in a complex university environment.

Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and ability to handle sensitive organizational information.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in management, higher education administration, business administration, or a related field preferred.

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, program operations, project management, or a related field.

Experience coordinating complex operations, cross-functional initiatives, and organizational projects.

Experience in online education, continuing education, or professional education preferred.

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements: Successful pre-employment background check

Additional Information: Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.

Benefits:

• Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Location Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function Academic Program Administration

Position Type Staff - Regular Full Time/Part time Full time Pay Basis Salary

More Information: Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

Click here to view a listing of employee benefits Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

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If your heart is in your work, come work with us.

Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world's most renowned educational institutions - it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet.

When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all.

No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues - and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve.

In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what's next.

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For technical assistance, email HR Services or call 412-268-4600. We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process.

If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-5072.