Program Manager, Online Certificate Programs - 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!

Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is Carnegie Mellon University's global location in Africa, based in Kigali, Rwanda. Established in 2011, CMU-Africa is advancing engineering, technology, research, and innovation across the continent through world-class graduate education, applied research, and strategic partnerships. Through the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa (The Center) and the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec), CMU-Africa works with leading universities, governments, industry and other strategic partner organizations to strengthen engineering education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Africa.

CMU-Africa is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and service-oriented Program Manager to support the delivery, growth, and continuous improvement of The Center 's Online Certificate Programs. Working closely with the Associate Director of Teaching & Learning, the Program Manager serves as the operational hub for a portfolio of online certificate offerings designed to address critical digital skills and talent development needs across Africa. The role supports the full learner lifecycle—from skills-gap identification and course development through recruitment, admissions, enrollment, learner support, credential completion, and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will help coordinate a growing portfolio of short online courses, modules, and workshops designed to equip learners with in-demand technology skills and support career advancement in the digital economy. Success in this role requires strong program coordination skills, attention to detail, a commitment to learner success, and the ability to work effectively with faculty, learners, industry partners, government stakeholders, Afretec institutions, and internal support teams.

Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation and day-to-day management of The Center's Online Certificate Programs, ensuring effective coordination of activities, timelines, operational processes, and learner-facing services.
• Partner with the Associate Director of Teaching & Learning to coordinate stakeholder consultations with employers, government agencies, Afretec institutions, and other partners to help identify emerging skills needs and support the ongoing relevance of the certificate portfolio.
• Assist with the development, launch, review, and continuous improvement of online certificate offerings, supporting the creation of a scalable portfolio of stackable, employer-recognized credentials aligned with technology talent development needs.
• Coordinate learner recruitment and outreach activities in partnership with industry partners, NGOs, and Afretec institutions to support enrollment goals and program visibility.
• Work closely with marketing and communications teams to support program branding, learner outreach, and the accuracy of websites, promotional materials, and public-facing information.
• Manage admissions processes, including application management, applicant communications, review coordination, selection processes, enrollment tracking, and learner onboarding.
• Coordinate with CMU’s Eberly Center to manage the operational administration of online programs, including course setup, enrollment management, learner records, Canvas LMS administration, learner communications, and participant support.
• Coordinate with faculty, instructors, and subject matter experts to support high-quality learning experiences and ensure timely resolution of academic, technical, and operational issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, learner experience, and program scalability through process improvements, automation, and the effective use of technology and AI-enabled tools.
• Contribute to budget tracking, reporting, procurement activities, consultant coordination, and other administrative functions required to support successful program delivery.
• Work closely with the Teaching & Learning Program Manager, MEL Specialist and Data and Analytics Specialist to support evidence generation, reporting, learning, and accountability requirements, including the documentation of outcomes, lessons learned, and program impact.
• Undertake other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Center’s strategic objectives and CMU-Africa's mission.

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:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Education, Higher Education Administration, Educational Technology, Business Administration, Project Management, Technology Management, Information Systems, Communications, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in program management, online learning, professional education, continuing education, skills development, learner services, admissions, or related fields in Africa.
• Experience supporting the delivery or administration of online learning programs, certificate programs, executive education, professional development, or technology talent development initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating multiple projects, stakeholders, and operational activities simultaneously.
• Experience working with learning management systems and digital learning technologies.
• Experience supporting admissions, enrollment management, learner engagement, or participant support functions is highly desirable.
• Experience working with universities, employers, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or development partners in Africa is required.
• Experience supporting externally funded programs is desirable.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong program coordination and operational management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of online learning, professional education, digital skills development, credentialing ecosystems, and learner success practices.
• Experience working with learning management systems and digital learning
• platforms.
• Strong customer service and learner-support orientation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Comfort working with data, reporting systems, and technology-enabled processes.
• Commitment to learner success, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

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

Academic Program Administration

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

More Information: 

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 

• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran. 

• Statement of Assurance