Academic Program Manager, Corporate Startup Lab (CSL) – Tepper School of Business
CSL connects corporations, startups, students, faculty, investors, and ecosystem partners as part of CMU’s broader innovation ecosystem. Through its programs, CSL applies startup and venture principles across all of its offerings, which include a capstone project course, a Fellows program, and a range of public-facing events and convenings. Joining CSL offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of corporate engagement, entrepreneurship, venture-backed startups, and higher education in a highly collaborative and evolving environment.
The Academic Program Manager, Corporate Startup Lab (CSL) leads the delivery, and continuous improvement of CSL’s academic and student-facing programs, including the CSL Capstone Project Course and Fellows Program. This position reports to the Director of the Corporate Startup Lab.
The role focuses on managing complex experiential learning programs that connect students and fellows with corporations, startups, and faculty, while navigating a dynamic academic environment with multiple stakeholders and evolving program needs. The ideal candidate is comfortable exercising judgment, managing ambiguity, and executing programs in real time while maintaining a high-quality student and partner experience.
Core Responsibilities include:Lead the planning, delivery, and execution of CSL’s academic programs, including the Capstone Project Course and Fellows Program
Manage student recruitment, application review, interviews, selection, and onboarding (including NDAs and required documentation)
Provide ongoing program management and student support throughout the academic term, adapting to changing needs and timelines
Coordinate closely with faculty, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, corporate partners, and startups to ensure program alignment and outcomes
Serve as the primary operational point of contact for partners engaged in CSL academic programs
Manage academic program agreements and coordination with CMU offices (e.g., EPAs, OSP processes, gift agreements)
Lead the academic and student-facing components of CSL’s Case Competition, including outreach, application review, and student coordination
Build and maintain strong working relationships across CMU academic units, graduate programs, and student organizations
Navigate and align diverse stakeholder priorities within a complex institutional environment
Other duties as assigned
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. 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.
You should demonstrate:
Strong program management, organizational, and stakeholder coordination skills, with experience working closely with students, faculty, and external partners.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously and adapt priorities as organizational needs evolve.
Comfortable working independently in fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes ambiguous environments, while also collaborating effectively with a small, cross-functional team in settings similar to startup or entrepreneurial organizations.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
3+ years of relevant experience in academic program management, experiential learning, higher education administration, or related roles required
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Requirements:
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional 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!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
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.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Academic Program AdministrationPosition Type
Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Full Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore 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.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
- 3+ years of relevant experience in academic program management, experiential learning, higher education administration, or related roles
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
