1

Academic Program Manager Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Academic Advisor

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$40K - $50K/yr

... programs in the Natural Sciences Division. We seek positive, conscientious, student-centered ... Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to prioritize and manage multiple simultaneous ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Academic Program Manager information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$37.4K

$104.3K

$152.4K

How much do academic program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for academic program manager in Pittsburgh, PA is $104,324.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,200.00 and $128,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Academic Program Manager do?

An Academic Program Manager oversees the planning, development, and administration of educational programs within an academic institution. Their responsibilities often include coordinating curriculum development, managing program budgets, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, and supporting faculty and student needs. They serve as a liaison between departments, faculty, and external partners to ensure the success and quality of academic offerings. Additionally, Academic Program Managers may analyze program performance data and recommend improvements for future growth.

What are some common challenges faced by Academic Program Managers when coordinating multiple academic programs, and how can they be addressed?

Academic Program Managers often juggle responsibilities such as scheduling courses, coordinating faculty, managing budgets, and ensuring program compliance. A common challenge is balancing the needs of students, faculty, and administration while adhering to institutional policies and accreditation standards. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential for overcoming these challenges. Leveraging project management tools and fostering collaborative relationships across departments can also help streamline processes and ensure program success.

What is the difference between Academic Program Manager vs Academic Coordinator?

AspectAcademic Program ManagerAcademic Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, relevant experienceTypically similar, often requiring a Bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentHigher-level planning, strategic oversightAdministrative support, daily operations
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, universitiesSchools, colleges, educational programs
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on program management, strategic rolesFocus on administrative and support roles

The main difference is that an Academic Program Manager oversees the planning and strategic development of academic programs, while an Academic Coordinator handles daily administrative tasks and supports program operations. The Program Manager has a broader scope and higher responsibility level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Academic Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Academic Program Manager, you need a strong background in education administration, program development, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in higher education. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), student information systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help build productive relationships with faculty, students, and stakeholders. These skills are vital for ensuring academic programs run efficiently, meet educational objectives, and adapt to institutional needs.
What are popular job titles related to Academic Program Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? For Academic Program Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Academic Program Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Academic Program Manager jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Academic Program Manager jobs? Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Academic Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Academic Program Manager job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,324 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Academic Program Manager - Mellon College of Science - Physics Department

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Carnegie Mellon University rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

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!
The Mellon College of Science (MCS) is home to four departments and many programs and research centers that cross disciplines. We approach scientific problems from fresh angles using creative interdisciplinary approaches while drawing on our departmental strengths in the core sciences. MCS faculty members are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in a variety of fields, including polymer science, cosmology, mathematical finance, and neuroscience.
Our Physics Department within the Mellon College of Science is seeking an Academic Program Manager to join the team! In this role, you will be responsible for the comprehensive program management of the Graduate and Undergraduate Physics degree programs - Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral programs. Student population: UG (150) and Grad (90).
Core Responsibilities
Programmatic Responsibilities - Undergraduate Program (45%) Coordinates administrative operations, student services, and communications for the undergraduate physics program. This includes supporting physics majors and minors, as well as facilitating enrollment and operational support for all physics courses (including service courses).
  • Program Management
    • Manages undergraduate student registration processes, including waitlist administration, prerequisite/corequisite verification, and vetting/tracking of research course enrollment.
    • Builds, updates, and manages class schedules each semester in both the university scheduling system (S3) and internal records.
    • Represents the department at Registrar Academic Community Update (RACU) meetings and serves as the department's primary administrative contact for related tasks (e.g. commencement, final exam and FCE flags);
    • Partners with the Director of Undergraduate Affairs to plan, execute, and promote the department's undergraduate metacurricular program.
    • Plans and executes all commencement ceremonies, including the management and distribution of diplomas and tracking of university and college honors.
  • Academic Advising and Communication Support
    • Serves as the primary staff contact for undergraduate inquiries. Provides guidance on degree requirements and academic deadlines and connects students with the Director of Undergraduate Affairs, faculty advisors, or other campus resources as needed.
    • Manages and updates physics faculty advisor assignments every semester.
    • Maintains physics program pathways and student audits in Stellic and assists students with Stellic navigation as needed.
    • Collaborate with the Director of Undergraduate Affairs on routine audits of student progress toward degree completion and degree certification.
    • Maintains and manages undergraduate student email distribution lists
  • Program Record Maintenance
    • Tracks and communicates academic deadlines to faculty, and coordinates the collection and submission of final grades for research courses.
    • Manages the department syllabus repository and prepares necessary documentation for the Committee on Undergraduate Affairs, College Council, and other university governing bodies.
    • Coordinates the annual review and update of the undergraduate catalog.
    • Compiles student lists and background materials for the Department Head to support reappointment, promotion, and tenure cases and award nominations.
    • Administers student surveys and maintains data regarding graduating students and alumni outcomes.

Programmatic Responsibilities - Graduate Programs (35%) including two doctoral degree programs (Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics) with very similar structures and a total of 90 students, and one terminal master's program (MS in Modern Physics) with approximately 10 students
  • Recruiting - supports the Department Head, Chair of the Admissions Committee, and directors of graduate degree programs in the attraction of qualified candidates to the program and the successful retention of enrolled students.
    • Arranging campus visits; prepares and distributes admission and rejection letters.
    • Coordinates the enrollment of new students and manages their onboarding.
    • Prepares and distributes communications to new students.
    • Coordinates with the Office of International Education to advise and provide logistical support to international students regarding personal, immigration/visa and acculturation issues.
  • Program Management
    • Administrative support for students: manages the qualifying and degree completion processes for PhD candidates, including oral qualifying exams, final oral exams and thesis presentations and degree certifications; manages audit, registration, and verification of student progress including maintenance of Stellic profiles and tracking of annual reviews.
    • Creates and maintains class schedules.
    • Coordinates resolution of student academic recordkeeping with the Graduate Education Office.
    • Plans and manages departmental commencement ceremonies or coordinates Physics engagement with MCS commencement ceremonies.

Data Analysis and Reporting (10%)
  • Extracting data from numerous campus information systems and producing or updating reports that facilitate decision-making within the department. Responsible for program reports to the American Institute of Physics (AIP).
    • Enrollment trends
    • Census/demographic reports.
    • Class rosters and grade reports.
    • Student identification for faculty reappointment, promotion, and tenure cases.
    • Graduate teaching assistant evaluations.
    • Other ad hoc analysis requests.

Other duties assigned (10%).
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 in academic or business administration, communication, or related field required.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in academic program management and/or academic advising required.
  • Educational marketing and outreach experience preferred.
  • Strong relationship-building, problem-solving, reasoning, communication and organization skills.
  • A combination of education and proven experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

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
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
Academic Program Administration
Position Type
Staff - Regular
Full Time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
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

What Carnegie Mellon University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom