"Student Services Officer - College of Engineering - CMU Africa"

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!

In a region booming with opportunities, CMU is the only U.S.-based research university offering its master’s degrees with a full-time faculty, staff, and operations in Africa. The Africa location is fast-growing, with over 300 enrolled students from more than 20 African countries. You can read more about CMU-Africa's vision and mission on our website. CMU’s presence in Rwanda provides a platform to engage in Africa’s most significant opportunities and challenges across the continent through world-class education and contextually relevant research and innovation. CMU-Africa enjoys strong collaboration and exchange with the main campus in Pittsburgh, USA.

CMU Africa is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Student Services Officer to enhance student experience through comprehensive support and coordination. This role is central to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with teams across the university including the registrar, health services, and main campus liaisons as well as other campus offices, to ensure student services are well-coordinated and consistently delivered across all programs. As a key member of the student affairs team, you will support students in navigating academic, personal, and administrative matters, contributing to their overall success and well-being. You will also manage sensitive information with discretion and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality. This role requires a collaborative mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to student well-being.

Responsibilities:

• Engage with CMU main campus administration (division of student affairs, Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX, health services, CaPS, Office of Disability resources, and other relevant functions) as needed to deliver a high level of student support for all non-academic related issues.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings with students to understand personal/relationship, teamwork, safety, crises management, health/wellness, needs.
• Coordinate case management for acute students-of-concern, including partnership with CMU Africa’s vendors for Health Insurance and Counseling and Psychological Services where appropriate.
• Initiate referrals to appropriate academic, and other, professional services as needed.
• Respond to emergency or crisis situations in collaboration with CMU-Africa facilities and Management.
• Act as students advocate and resolve problems as necessary.
• Collaborate with the academic advisor and career services officer to design and implement programs / initiatives that improve integration among the diverse student body and promote student engagement.
• Partner with the student success manager to coordinate and execute new student orientation events and activities.
• Promote, support, and manage registered student clubs and organizations. This includes setting up processes, meetings with student organization leaders, helping with event planning, and providing professional development activities that improves their leadership skills.
• Trouble shoot general problems and questions concerning CMU and student life.
• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date non-academic student records.

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:

• A bachelor’s degree in education, administration, social sciences, or a related field is required.
• A master’s degree in Higher Education Administration or Comparative Education is an added advantage.
• 5 – 8 years of experience in student affairs, education administration, or a similar role.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French or other African languages is a plus.
• Experience in administrative roles involving student records, enrollment processes, and other task that require strong organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating student support services, including programs that address academic, social, and personal development.
• Experience collaborating across departments, working with faculty, administration, and external partners to organize student activities and support services.
• Experience coordinating student support services, managing programs that address students’ academic, social, and personal needs in an educational setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to offer guidance and frontline support to students facing academic or personal challenges.
• Skilled in managing student data, tracking progress, and responding to crises related to academic or personal issues.
• Additional certifications in areas such as Counseling, Data Protection and Privacy, or Project Management are an added advantage.
• Student engagement and program coordination: Organizing events, workshops, or support groups that enhance the student experience.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong administrative, organizational, and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities, including written, verbal, and counseling support.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience working with admissions CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Salesforce) and Student Information Systems (SIS).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive.
• Ability to manage sensitive student data with discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in high-pressure environments with minimal supervision.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working across departments and with external partners.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality service and maintaining ethical standards.
• Familiarity with recruitment, admissions, enrollment processes and customer relations management system (CRM) including use of relational databases like SLATE, salesforce, Banner, S3
• Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to adapt quickly and prioritize tasks.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French or other African languages is a plus.

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
Kigali, Rwanda

Job Function
Student Programs

Position Type
Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time
Full time