Senior Director, Academic Services

Role Overview

The Senior Director of Academic Services at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar serves as a key leader within the Education Office, reporting directly to the Senior Associate Dean, Education. This pivotal role oversees academic advising and student success initiatives, manages course scheduling and registration processes, and directs student financial service operations. The position supervises a team comprising four academic advisors, the Director of Student Academic Success, and the Manager of Student Financial Services.

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborates with senior education leadership to shape and execute a comprehensive strategic vision for student services.
• Monitors student progression toward degree completion to identify and resolve individual and systemic challenges.
• Ensures students have the necessary information to make informed choices regarding courses and degree paths while maintaining adherence to academic policies.
• Detects recurrent student issues and recommends institutional improvements.
• Partners with the Director of Student Academic Success to oversee academic plans and interventions for students on probation or warning.
• Supports the Manager of Student Financial Services in delivering accurate financial aid guidance and preparing students for financial commitments.

Operational Responsibilities

• Coordinates with academic departments and advisors to assess course necessities and scheduling limitations.
• Oversees the development of semester course schedules, room assignments, and final exam timetables.
• Ensures the accurate updating and integration of data, including course details, faculty and advisor assignments, and degree audits, across enrollment management systems.
• Manages the degree certification process ensuring compliance and accuracy.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is mandatory; a master's degree is preferred.
• At least eight years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, including direct supervisory roles.
• Background in academic advising and/or enrollment services is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of financial aid counseling and student financial service operations is advantageous.
• Competency with enrollment management and student records technologies.
• Experience with Carnegie Mellon University and/or Education City, Qatar is favored.

Benefits

Employees eligible for benefits have access to comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, alongside a robust retirement savings plan supported by employer contributions. Additional advantages include tuition benefits, generous paid time off, observed holidays, life and accidental death and disability insurance, complimentary Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus passes, access to the Family Concierge Team for childcare support, use of fitness centers, and other amenities.

Additional Information

Carnegie Mellon University values candidates beyond their credentials by considering relevant work experience, educational background, unique skills, and perspectives. This role is positioned as a fixed-term staff appointment, requiring full-time commitment on-site in Doha, Qatar. The university is committed to equal employment opportunities and inclusion of individuals with disabilities and veterans.