Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!
Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and innovation-driven Senior Director of Online Education to lead the growth and advancement of the College’s online learning portfolio. This role provides senior leadership in the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of high-quality online and hybrid academic programs, and works across the university to support CMU’s expanding digital education initiatives.
The Senior Director will play a central role in guiding program strategy, managing cross-functional operations, supporting faculty, and enhancing the student experience in online programs. Ideal candidates will bring deep expertise in online program management, instructional design, and academic administration—paired with the ability to build relationships, lead teams, and drive institutional change.
Core Responsibilities:Strategic Planning & Program Leadership- Lead the transition of selected online programs from external vendors or legacy models to fully in-house management, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations.
- Develop and execute Heinz College’s online program management framework, aligning systems, policies, and workflows to support scalable program growth.
- Use data-driven analysis to assess market trends, enrollment performance, and student outcomes; recommend new online and hybrid program opportunities.
- Serve as a resource and thought leader for CMU partners exploring online education, digital pedagogy, and instructional innovation.
- Establish and oversee quality assurance processes and instructional design standards for online course development in collaboration with design teams.
- Coordinate online course scheduling, development timelines, and program launch activities, ensuring alignment with academic requirements and College priorities.
- Support faculty onboarding and preparation for teaching in online modalities, including training on course design, technology use, and delivery strategies.
- Monitor accreditation standards; prepare reports and manage data tracking for compliance and assessment.
- Partner with student services, advising, and enrollment teams to support a seamless and engaging online student experience from onboarding through graduation.
- Develop initiatives that promote student retention, persistence, and engagement across online programs, including community-building strategies for remote learners.
- Ensure student-facing resources, processes, and communications effectively support learners in online and hybrid environments.
- Lead multi-unit project teams—including marketing, admissions, IT, finance, student services, and instructional design—through major program initiatives and online program launches.
- Collaborate with the admissions team to support enrollment planning, recruitment strategies, and yield events for online programs.
- Develop project plans, budgets, schedules, and status reports; manage digital assets and communication workflows.
- Coordinate with faculty and administrative units on course scheduling, program operations, and resource allocation.
- Oversee the integration and effective use of learning technologies, digital tools, and instructional support services for online teaching and learning.
- Conduct faculty and staff training needs assessments; evaluate the impact of training programs and technological solutions.
- Partner with IT teams to ensure reliable delivery of synchronous and asynchronous learning environments.
- Collaborate with alumni relations, career services, and other campus partners to integrate professional development and community engagement into online programs.
- Represent Heinz College’s online learning initiatives in university-wide working groups, committees, and cross-school collaborations.
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.
Qualifications:- Master's Degree
- Eight (8) years of experience working in academic program management and/or online education programs.
- Experience building curriculum, launching online education programs is highly valuable.
- Experience in assessing effectiveness of online education programs, competitor analysis and design of new programs is valued.
- Experience in academic settings working with campus partners, alumni relations, career services and other key areas.
- Experience moving online programs away from external vendors to in-house services is valued but not required.
- Solid program and/or project management experience.
- A combination of education and meaningful experience from which comparable knowledge is proven may be considered.
Requirements:
- Successful background check investigation
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 – RegularFull 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
- Master's Degree
- Eight years experience in academic program management and/or online education programs
- Successful background check investigation
- Solid program and/or project management experience
- Experience building curriculum and launching online education programs
- Experience assessing effectiveness of online education programs, competitor analysis, and program design
- Experience working in academic settings with campus partners, alumni relations, and career services
- Experience transitioning online programs from external vendors to in-house services
- Experience with instructional design, faculty onboarding, and learning technologies
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.
