Senior Program Director, Technology - Simon Initiative

Carnegie Mellon is embarking on a new strategic initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to innovate mathematics education. This project draws on the expertise of Carnegie Mellon University's leading minds in math education, learning sciences, and AI, to reimagine a math curriculum designed to dramatically improve student outcomes and ensure that race, ethnicity, and income are not predictors of postsecondary success. Our approach aims to leverage existing momentum, embrace iterative and collaborative processes, and balance innovative explorations with market-ready solutions in math education.

The Senior Program Director, Technology, will serve as the technical lead for the design, architecture, and development of a groundbreaking software platform to deliver innovative math courseware. This highly strategic and hands-on role includes overseeing all aspects of the platform’s technology, from development and infrastructure to security and compliance. As a key member of the leadership team, the Senior Program Director will play a central role in ensuring the platform meets the highest standards of quality, reliability, and accessibility while fostering an engaging user experience for diverse student populations.

Core responsibilities include:

• Lead the design, architecture, and development of a robust, scalable platform for delivering math courseware, including setting technical direction and overseeing major development efforts.
• Architect and integrate rich data instrumentation capabilities within the platform to capture detailed user interactions and learning patterns. This data will enable the continuous refinement of the courseware through evidence-based learning engineering practices.
• Build, lead, and manage software engineering and DevOps teams, ensuring alignment with project goals and standards. Oversee a large-scale consulting contract and vendor relationship, ensuring efficient collaboration and high-quality deliverables.
• Drive the ongoing development and optimization of the platform, continually refining the system based on feedback, performance data, and evolving user needs.
• Ensure the platform adheres to ADA, FERPA, and other relevant compliance standards, implementing best practices for security, privacy, and accessibility.
• Oversee system reliability, performance monitoring, and uptime, implementing best practices for high availability and robust system operations.
• Lead UX design and user testing efforts, working to create an intuitive, accessible, and engaging platform for users. Analyze feedback and testing data to continually enhance user experience.
• Act as a key member of the new entity’s leadership team, collaborating with other senior leaders to ensure the platform aligns with strategic goals and supports the broader mission of the organization.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within the Simon Initiative. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to 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:

• Demonstrated experience in UX/UI design and user testing, with a focus on creating accessible and engaging digital experiences.
• Strong strategic and technical vision, with the ability to drive innovation and align technology with organizational goals.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; doctoral degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, with a strong background in platform architecture, development, and management, ideally within the ed-tech or online learning space.
• Proven experience leading software engineering and DevOps teams, as well as managing large-scale vendor contracts or consulting firms.
• Proficiency in modern software development practices, DevOps, and cloud-based infrastructures. Strong understanding of ADA, FERPA, and other compliance standards for educational technology.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.  Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
   
• Note: This is a fixed-term position with an expected duration through June 30, 2025. 

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse 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, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: