Associate Director, Teaching & Learning - College of Engineering - Rwanda

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 an Associate Director of Teaching & Learning. As Associate Director of Teaching & Learning, you will lead the strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of The Center’s Teaching & Learning pillar initiatives across CMU-Africa and the Afretec network. You will be responsible for advancing teaching excellence, faculty development, curriculum innovation, student success, and inclusive access to engineering and technology education across a network of leading African universities.

The Associate Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Knowledge Creation pillar, strengthening research capacity across the network and accelerating the translation of research into educational, economic, and societal impact. You will help position CMU-Africa and the Afretec network as leading contributors to research, innovation, and evidence generation that advance Africa's digital transformation agenda. You will partner closely with the The Center Director, CMU Faculty, and other Afretec netwrk Faculty to develop and implement a robust Teaching & Learning ecosystem across the Afretec network and contribute to the broader goal of advancing inclusive digital transformation across Africa.

The Associate Director will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Teaching & Learning pillar and will directly supervise staff managing and coordinating Teaching & Learning Programs, as well consultants, and contractors assigned to the pillar. Success in this role will require leveraging Carnegie Mellon University's strengths in engineering, technology, and educational innovation while building strong partnerships with academic leaders, faculty, industry partners, government stakeholders, and Afretec institutions. The Associate Director will be responsible for mobilizing the resources of CMU-Africa, partner universities, and external collaborators to strengthen teaching quality, improve student outcomes, and expand pathways into advanced engineering and technology education.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with The Center Director to develop an implementation plan to operationalize the strategic objectives, quality standards, and program outcomes for the Teaching & Learning pillar.
• Lead the development of a network-wide Teaching & Learning ecosystem that strengthens engineering and technology education, faculty capability, student success, and institutional capacity across Afretec partner institutions.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with academic leaders, faculty, and Teaching & Learning focal points across partner institutions to advance shared educational priorities and drive adoption of Teaching & Learning initiatives.
• Partner with CMU’s Eberly Center to lead curriculum innovation and pedagogical improvement efforts across the network, ensuring educational offerings remain relevant to emerging technology sectors and aligned with industry and government needs.
• Partner with CMU’s Eberly Center and other Afretec Teaching and Learning Pillar Leads to design and oversee faculty development programs, including fellowships, communities of practice, professional learning opportunities, workshops, and teaching innovation initiatives that strengthen instructional excellence across partner institutions.
• Oversee the Teaching Innovation Center and related initiatives that support educational innovation, faculty engagement, and dissemination of effective teaching practices.
• Provide strategic oversight of bridge programs, graduate readiness initiatives, online learning and certificate programs, and experiential learning opportunities that strengthen pathways into advanced study and employment.
• Champion inclusion and equity across all Teaching & Learning activities by promoting participation from underrepresented groups and supporting the adoption of inclusive teaching practices and learning environments.
• Collaborate with Afretec Teaching and Learning Pillar Leads to establish a Teaching & Learning quality assurance framework that promotes continuous improvement, monitors adoption of agreed standards, and supports excellence across partner institutions.
• Work closely with the Program Managers in the pillar to ensure effective implementation of pillar activities, achievement of program objectives, and responsible management of resources.
• Partner with the MEL Specialist and Data & Analytics Specialist to establish appropriate systems for measuring participation, adoption, quality improvements, student outcomes, and overall pillar impact.
• Manage pillar budgets, annual work plans, staffing resources, and operational priorities in partnership with The Center Director and CMU- Africa operational teams.
• Represent The Center and CMU-Africa at regional and international forums related to higher education, engineering education, educational innovation, workforce development, and digital transformation.
• Contribute to strategic reporting, funding partner engagement, thought leadership, and the development of evidence demonstrating the impact and effectiveness of Teaching & Learning initiatives across the Afretec network.

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:

• Doctoral degree preferred, or Master's degree required, in Higher Education Administration, Education, Learning Sciences, Engineering Education, Educational Technology, Public Policy, International Development, Organizational Leadership, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Additional professional certifications in project management, leadership, instructional design, curriculum development, higher education leadership, or organizational development are an asset.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, educational leadership, faculty development, curriculum innovation, workforce development, educational technology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex programs, initiatives, centers, institutes, or portfolios involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience designing, implementing, or scaling teaching and learning initiatives, faculty development programs, curriculum innovation efforts, or student success initiatives.
• Experience working with universities, faculty, academic leadership, and institutional partners across multiple institutions or countries.
• Demonstrated success building strategic partnerships and collaborating with senior academic, industry, government, or development stakeholders.
• Experience managing professional staff, consultants, budgets, and operational resources.
• Experience working with externally funded programs, foundations, development partners, or large-scale grant-funded initiatives is strongly preferred
• Experience working in Africa or other international and multicultural environments is highly desirable.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Deep understanding of teaching and learning in higher education environments.
• Expertise in faculty development, curriculum innovation, pedagogical improvement, student success, and educational quality assurance.
• Strong strategic planning, program leadership, and organizational management skills.
• Ability to influence and engage senior academic leaders and institutional stakeholders.
• Experience building and sustaining collaborative partnerships across institutions and sectors.
• Strong understanding of inclusive and equitable approaches to teaching, learning, and student engagement.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and stakeholder- management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to use evidence and data to inform decision-making.
• Experience operating effectively in complex, multi-institutional and multicultural environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, manage ambiguity, and drive results through collaboration and influence.

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