Director of Academic Affairs - Department of English - Dietrich College

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that challenges the curious and hardworking to deliver work that matters. Our extraordinary institution has distinctive areas of excellence and a culture marked by ambition and a deep, practical engagement with challenges facing society. We continue to produce versatile alumni and draw faculty and staff eager to be a part of the university's creative, dedicated and close-knit community. We place emphasis on practical problem solving, interdisciplinary learning, a transformative spirit, and collaboration.

From creative writing to statistics and data science, behavioral economics to social and political history, Dietrich College is home to 11 humanities and social sciences departments, programs and institutes. Our world-class faculty and students work across subject areas to investigate and solve real-world problems.

We are seeking a Director of Academic Affairs. This position provides strategic and operational leadership for the Department of English's academic affairs. This role supports the success and visibility our department's graduate programs, ensures effective administration of reappointment, promotion, and tenure (RPT) processes, and manages strategic partnerships with academic institutions and interdisciplinary initiatives. The Director works with departmental leadership in strategic planning, problem solving, and development of new programs and initiatives. Working in concert with the Business Administrator and the Associate Director of Academic Affairs, the Director implements solutions and serves as a key information resource and advisor to the department head and other department leaders on sensitive and impactful academic decisions.

Supervision and Leadership - 30%

• Contribute globally to strategic planning and operational success for all matters relating to the Department of English.
• Supervise and support the Associate Director of Academic Affairs providing guidance on curricular initiatives, academic planning, advising structures, and student support strategies.
• Provide administrative leadership and direction to faculty and staff supporting the department's academic programs and internal operations.
• Serve as a central resource for operational decision-making related to academic affairs and policies.

Reappointment, Promotion, and Tenure (RPT) Coordination - 20%

• Oversee the RPT process, ensuring timely, accurate, and policy-compliant preparation and submission of dossiers.
• Serve as the primary administrative contact for faculty undergoing reappointment, promotion, or tenure reviews.
• Collaborate with the department head and faculty committees to ensure transparency and consistency in review processes.

Graduate Program Administration - 40%

• Support program directors and the department head in the administration and success of the department's MA and PhD programs.
• Track and manage key student milestones (admissions, funding, exams, defenses, graduation) and support effective advising structures primarily through supervision of the Associate Director of Academic Affairs.
• Collaborate on the development and implementation of graduate policies and procedures that promote equity and academic integrity.
• Analyze enrollment trends and student outcomes to support program assessment and planning.
• Lead efforts to increase job placement, student visibility, recruitment, and retention in coordination with department leadership.
• Support graduate budget management in collaboration with program directors and the department head.

Academic Partnerships and External Liaison - 5%

• Serve as the liaison to academic partners including the Folger Institute, NEH, Mellon Foundation, and other institutional collaborators.
• Coordinate research and programmatic collaborations with partner organizations to increase program visibility, student recruitment, and strategic academic relationships.

Interdepartmental and Strategic University Partnerships - 5%

• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant university departments, schools, and centers to support interdisciplinary teaching, research, and programming.
• Represent the department in collaborative initiatives and working groups that enhance its academic profile.

Flexibility, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Dietrich College. 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.

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in academic administration or higher education program management
• Demonstrated experience in supervisory roles or team leadership
• Strong understanding of graduate education, academic evaluation processes, and university governance
• Familiarity with data-informed decision-making and program assessment
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar)
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

• Successful background check
• Working Conditions: Required to travel to and/or work on-campus. Required to work normal business hours; evening and weekend work may occasionally be required. Required to work in a normal office environment.
• Physical and Mental: Ability to work well with others and/or as part of a team. Required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Ability to pay close attention to detail; keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records. Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure and with frequent interruptions. Ability to understand and follow directions. Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Walking and standing, bending and lifting are occasionally required. May have to travel to and work at various locations on campus.

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!

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