Academic Program Manager, Corporate Startup Lab (CSL) – Tepper School of Business

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

CSL connects corporations, startups, students, faculty, investors, and ecosystem partners as part of CMU’s broader innovation ecosystem. Through its programs, CSL applies startup and venture principles across all of its offerings, which include a capstone project course, a Fellows program, and a range of public-facing events and convenings. Joining CSL offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of corporate engagement, entrepreneurship, venture-backed startups, and higher education in a highly collaborative and evolving environment. The Academic Program Manager, Corporate Startup Lab (CSL) leads the delivery, and continuous improvement of CSL’s academic and student-facing programs, including the CSL Capstone Project Course and Fellows Program. This position reports to the Director of the Corporate Startup Lab. The role focuses on managing complex experiential learning programs that connect students and fellows with corporations, startups, and faculty, while navigating a dynamic academic environment with multiple stakeholders and evolving program needs. The ideal candidate is comfortable exercising judgment, managing ambiguity, and executing programs in real time while maintaining a high-quality student and partner experience.

Requirements

Strong program management, organizational, and stakeholder coordination skills, with experience working closely with students, faculty, and external partners.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to manage multiple programs simultaneously and adapt priorities as organizational needs evolve.
Comfortable working independently in fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes ambiguous environments, while also collaborating effectively with a small, cross-functional team in settings similar to startup or entrepreneurial organizations.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
3+ years of relevant experience in academic program management, experiential learning, higher education administration, or related roles required
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, delivery, and execution of CSL’s academic programs, including the Capstone Project Course and Fellows Program
Manage student recruitment, application review, interviews, selection, and onboarding (including NDAs and required documentation)
Provide ongoing program management and student support throughout the academic term, adapting to changing needs and timelines
Coordinate closely with faculty, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, corporate partners, and startups to ensure program alignment and outcomes
Serve as the primary operational point of contact for partners engaged in CSL academic programs
Manage academic program agreements and coordination with CMU offices (e.g., EPAs, OSP processes, gift agreements)
Lead the academic and student-facing components of CSL’s Case Competition, including outreach, application review, and student coordination
Build and maintain strong working relationships across CMU academic units, graduate programs, and student organizations
Navigate and align diverse stakeholder priorities within a complex institutional environment
Other duties as assigned