Senior Project Director for Learning Engineering - Office of the Provost - Simon Initiative

Company Overview:

Carnegie Mellon University strives to have a transformative impact on society through continual innovation in education, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to create an educational experience for students that is focused on deep disciplinary knowledge, problem solving, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Project Overview:

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.

Position Overview:

The Senior Project Director will lead this dynamic and innovative project, working with the internal Carnegie Mellon team as well as leading collaboration with external partners and BMGF staff. This role requires a deep understanding of educational technology, exceptional project management skills, and a visionary approach to product development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead a high-profile project focusing on transforming mathematics courseware.
• Collaborate closely with CMU experts in mathematics education, learning science, and AI, as well as external design and software development teams.
• Lead the development of and provide strategic guidance for a model for a new operational structure within the University to support the ongoing development, delivery, and maintenance of the new curriculum.
• Oversee the integration of AI technology and ensure its alignment with educational goals, managing the development and implementation of AI-driven features that enhance learning outcomes and user engagement across the curriculum.
• Facilitate a lean design sprint to ideate, prototype, test, and iterate on a focused math module.
• Ensure project alignment with the broader goals set by the Foundation and integrate BMGF staff into the project workflow for enhanced collaboration and insight.
• Manage deliverables, timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Document and communicate project progress, barriers, and outcomes to all stakeholders, including senior leadership and funding partners.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Educational Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on project management and educational innovation.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a leadership role, particularly in educational technology or related fields, with proven experience leading complex, time-sensitive projects.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams and external partnerships.
• Strategic and analytical thinker with a track record of delivering innovative solutions in education technology.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of motivating diverse teams and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in senior leadership roles (i.e. Director, Sr. Director, VP) across the edtech ecosystem, including private and public organizations and in both start-up and well-established organizations.
• Demonstrated experience and success in leading complex, multi-contributor teams in the successful development of demonstrably effective courseware in fast-paced, high-stress environments with rapidly shifting priorities.
• Minimum of 10 years of national leadership in Learning Engineering, demonstrated by artifact creation, process development, and scholarship.
• Experience in navigating and aligning not-for-profit post-secondary institutions, philanthropic, and other organizations in pursuit of shared and mission-aligned goals.
• Practical technical expertise, with experience in applied software development for prototyping and problem solving. Current on emerging trends in technology, with well-considered vision for effective application in edtech.
• 20 years of experience and expertise in designing and using courseware delivery platforms, aligned with the Learning Engineering process.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• An opportunity to lead a groundbreaking project in educational technology with potential global impact.
• A collaborative, supportive environment with access to leading experts and advanced technologies.
• Professional development opportunities in a fast-paced, innovative sector.

Inclusion and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of diverse audiences. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Requirements:

• Successful background check

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

Program, Project and Operations Management

Position Type

Staff – Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: