Program Manager, Online Certificate Programs - College of Engineering - CMU Africa

About Carnegie Mellon University Africa

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a prestigious private global research university known for its pioneering contributions in brain science, entrepreneurship, data science, and technology innovation. CMU Africa, based in Kigali, Rwanda, extends this global excellence to Africa by offering world-class graduate education, applied research, and strategic partnerships focused on engineering, technology, and digital innovation across the continent since 2011. CMU Africa also collaborates with leading universities, governments, and industry partners through the Center for Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa and the African Engineering and Technology Network to promote education and entrepreneurship in technology.

Role Overview

CMU Africa seeks a highly organized and collaborative Program Manager to lead the management, expansion, and continuous enhancement of the Center's Online Certificate Programs. Reporting to the Associate Director of Teaching & Learning, the Program Manager will coordinate the entire learner lifecycle, from identifying skill gaps, developing courses, recruitment, learner support, through to credentialing and stakeholder engagement. The role demands meticulous coordination of diverse online certificates aimed at equipping African learners with essential technology skills for career advancement in the digital economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations and coordinate timelines, activities, and learner services for the Center's Online Certificate Programs.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external stakeholders—including employers, government agencies, and universities—to identify emerging digital skill needs and maintain the relevance of certificate offerings.
• Support the design, launch, review, and continuous improvement of scalable, stackable online certificates recognized by employers.
• Coordinate outreach and learner recruitment efforts alongside industry partners, NGOs, and partner institutions to achieve enrollment targets and elevate program visibility.
• Partner with marketing to maintain accurate program information and support promotional activities.
• Oversee admissions processes, managing applications, communication with applicants, selection procedures, enrollment tracking, and onboarding of learners.
• Work closely with CMU’s Eberly Center to administer course setups, enrollment management, learner records, Canvas LMS, and participant support.
• Support faculty, instructors, and subject matter experts to provide a high-quality learning experience, addressing academic, technical, and operational challenges timely.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and scalability via process optimization, automation, and AI tools.
• Assist with budgeting, reporting, procurement, consultant coordination, and other administrative tasks essential for program success.
• Collaborate with program evaluation staff to ensure thorough reporting, learning documentation, and accountability.
• Undertake additional duties and special projects aligned with the Center’s strategic goals and CMU Africa’s mission.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in fields such as Education, Educational Technology, Business, Project or Technology Management, Information Systems, or Communications.
• Equivalent educational and professional experience combinations will be considered.
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in program management, online learning, professional or continuing education, skills development, learner services, or admissions within Africa.
• Proven experience in delivering or administering online or certificate programs, executive education, or technology talent development projects.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and digital learning technologies.
• Experience managing admissions, enrollment, or learner engagement is highly advantageous.
• Track record of working with academic institutions, employers, government entities, nonprofits, or development partners in African contexts.
• Experience with externally funded programs is desirable.

Competencies and Attributes

• Strong skills in program coordination and operational management.
• Exceptional organizational skills and careful attention to detail.
• In-depth knowledge of online learning, credentialing, digital skills development, and learner success strategies.
• Proficiency with learning management platforms and digital education tools.
• Excellent customer service focus with commitment to learner support.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Capability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines in dynamic environments.
• Proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfortable using data analytics and technology-driven processes.
• Dedication to inclusion, collaboration, and supporting learner success.

Additional Information

The role is located onsite in Kigali, Rwanda. Employment is full-time and part of CMU Africa's professional staff. The university offers an extensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, retirement savings with employer contributions, tuition benefits, paid time off, life and disability insurance, regional transit access, childcare support, fitness facilities, and more.

CMU prides itself on valuing complete candidate profiles beyond credentials, taking into account all professional and educational experiences to find the best match for the organization's culture and goals. The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.