Academic PhD Program Manager - HCII - School of Computer Science

The Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) is a living laboratory where we investigate the relationship between computer technology, human activity, and society. Founded in 1993, the HCII is a place where we work to understand and craft technology that harmonizes with and improves human capabilities, goals, and social environments through interdisciplinary research and education in design, computer science, and behavioral and social sciences. We research how people work, play, and communicate within groups, organizations, and social structures, then we design, craft, and evaluate technologies and tools to support human and social activities.

This role is responsible for managing the HCII PhD program. You will support and mentor PhD students, ensure compliance and integration with university and SCS policies and processes, and organize and coordinate the activities for the PhD program. In addition, you’ll be responsible for problem-solving issues and partnering with the PhD Program Faculty director to develop the program so that it continues to be the world’s class doctoral program in HCI.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Manages day-to-day program requirements and directs administrative activities which support the program.

• Coordinates Spring and Fall PhD student evaluation meetings and monitors student academic progress.

• Coordinates annual events: Open House, Orientation, Comm Talks, Town Halls, Appreciation Week, graduation.

• Organizes recruiting activities, collects admissions materials, assists with the admissions process. Communicate final decisions to program applicants.

• Certifies PhD degrees, MS degrees, and manages graduation functions. Coordinates declaration of majors with other college or central staff student service departments and updates associated databases.

• Oversees: gsaudit, student registration, student status updates, ICC issues and requests. Consistently monitors and updates gsaudit and S3 for PhD students.

• Maintains program materials, reports, associated databases, and external communications. Gathers and prepares material for program and faculty review/action.

• Guides students through the thesis proposal and dissertation defense processes, including university requirements, meeting spaces, final paperwork, etc.

• Supports PhD student-advisor matching.

• Serves as a first line resource for prospective student inquiries during the application process.

• Serves as a resource to students, faculty, business managers, department heads and other college or central staff student service departments.

• Answers student questions regarding registration, curriculum and related issues and/or directs students to appropriate contacts or resources. Maintains program records, reports, student records and associated databases.

• Prepares reporting and provides information to faculty, advisor or other departments (i.e. student status, course placement, major declarations, transfer credit review, enrollment).

• Gathers information to support the review and update of the program, curriculum, and student information. This includes updating curriculum, student handbook and website or marketing content as directed; printing and organizing student audit reports; making initial recommendations on student course placement or credit transfer requests, etc. for faculty review. 

• Provides weekly communication between the PhD team and PhD students.

• Attends meetings and training sponsored by Enrollment Services, OIE, the Registrar’s Office and related training.

• Other departmental tasks as assigned.

Consideration, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of 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 who will support the mission of the university through their work.

This is a great opportunity for someone to work in a creative, dedicated, driven team, in a collaborative environment committed to technical innovation, inclusion, and work-life balance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree.

• 3-5 years Academic OR Administrative is experience preferred

• 3-5 years Academic Program Management Experience preferred

• Strong executive support and program management skills can be considered in lieu of academic experience.

• Well-developed Organization and Planning Skills, and Problem-Solving and Reasoning Skills.

• Strong Oral and Written Communication Skills, and Relationship Building Skills.

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills

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

Requirements:

• Successful Background Check