ROB - FECICH - Senior Academic Program Manager

Details

Posted: 2026-06-06

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Type: Full-time

Categories: Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 2022921

Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute is searching for an Senior Academic Program Manager to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in an interesting and challenging work environment.

We are seeking creative and energetic Senior Academic Program Manager that will be responsible for comprehensive program management of a graduate and/or undergraduate program or multiple programs. Involves significant outreach due to interdisciplinary programs or external university or corporate partnerships/collaborations including resolving complexities with interdisciplinary or out-of-Pittsburgh programs. Presents to groups and to larger venues. Uses expertise to deal with exception cases.

Responsibilities:

• Advise MSR students regarding course selection, registration, progress to degree, academic goals, and interpreting & navigating university and departmental policies/procedures. Provide quality referrals and general support as needed. Monitor students' progress to degree. Work closely with the PhD Program Manager for certification of PhD students who obtain their MSR degree along the way. Help with RI schedule building (regarding core courses) to maximize students' options. Help every student finalize their schedule at the beginning of every semester. Certify degrees upon completion of requirements. Maintain records of internships & career placement data.
• If managing a graduate program(s) or executive education program(s), develops strategies for improving demographics and applicant quality. Plans and implements recruiting fairs; oversee admission process; represents the program to external and internal audiences and cultivate relationships with other schools, universities and/or corporate clients.
• Manages relationships to facilitate or expand opportunities for interdisciplinary programs; external collaborations/partnerships and education outreach.
• Program Maintenance - Work with others in RI/SCS/CMU regarding program needs, guest speakers, web content development, sponsored projects, and corporate relations. Consider impact on the program at all times. Admissions & Program Growth - Coordinate application review, create and monitor committee schedules, disburse decision letters, capture statistics, co-lead review meetings, develop and/or implement recruitment activities for both committees. Work with SCS Admissions as needed. Handle all aspects of student on-boarding from March until September.
• Responsible for ensuring integrity and quality of program(s) in partnership with director. Ensures all operational aspects of the program, day-to-day and longer term, are managed effectively. Performs related assessment and advisory functions.
• Reviews current and emerging academic trends and makes recommendations on enhancements to curriculum.
• Reviews operational and academic policies and procedure and incorporates best practices or changes to ensure program effectiveness and compliance.
• RI Events - Assist with and/or attend activities for prospective/current students (visit days, orientation, grad student appreciation events, PhD Retreat, etc). Attend the SCS Commencement planning/coordination events and day-of activities. Responsible for MSR graduating student logistics (registration, attendance, degree distribution, etc). "Supports the Manager of Academic Programs with special projects or assignments as needed. Works with RI Education Team to coordinate planning and arrangements for academic programs, labs, largescale academic events (Open House, Orientation, Graduation, etc) and corresponding special events. Builds alumni network, engagement and events, participates in educational out-reach opportunities. Participate in meetings and take on other special projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5-8 years of Academic Advising Experience (Preferred)
• 5-8 years of Academic Program Management Experience (Preferred)
• 5-8 years of Teaching/Instruction Experience (Preferred)
• Financial Acumen Skills
• Strong Organizational and Planning Skills
• Strong Problem-Solving and Reasoning Skills
• Strong Relationship Building Skills
• Distance Education Program Experience
• Educational Marketing and Outreach Experience