Adjunct Faculty - Systems Synthesis Project Advisor

Adjunct Faculty Opportunity: Systems Synthesis Project Advisor

The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University seeks an adjunct instructor for the Systems Synthesis Capstone for students in the Master of Arts Management (MAM) program, a joint degree between the College of Fine Arts and Heinz College of Public Policy and Management. We invite professionals with deep experience and demonstrated leadership in the field to apply.

Systems Synthesis Projects are the culminating, capstone experience for MAM students. Conducted in lieu of a thesis, these intensive, team-based consulting projects pair groups of 4-7 students with real-world arts and cultural organizations to tackle significant management or policy challenges over the course of 15 weeks. Students integrate knowledge from their MAM coursework-including strategy, analytics, marketing, technology, and nonprofit financial management-to deliver actionable recommendations to their clients.

These projects are designed to reflect the dynamic, evolving challenges of the arts and cultural sector, and serve as a meaningful bridge between academic training and professional practice.

The Role of the Advisor

Each student team is assigned a Systems Synthesis Advisor who serves as a guide and coach throughout the project lifecycle. Advisors play a vital role in mentoring students, supporting their development, and ensuring a rewarding and professionally rigorous experience. This is a collaborative, student-led process where the advisor provides structure, accountability, and expert feedback-without micromanaging the team.

Advisors will:

* Guide teams on both content and process.

* Connect students to relevant field experts to serve as project Advisory Board members.

* Provide ongoing feedback and coaching to the full team and individual students.

Key Responsibilities:

* Meet twice weekly with the team, with greater involvement expected early and late in the semester.

* Attend and support formal client and advisory board presentations.

* Review and provide timely feedback on key deliverables, including scope of work documents, reports, and presentations.

* Offer coaching to help students navigate team dynamics, client communications, and project scope.

* Mediate student team conflicts if needed and foster a respectful, collaborative team culture.

* Participate in 2-3 meetings with fellow advisors to share progress, best practices, and troubleshoot challenges.

* Develop a grading scheme and share it with students on the first day of class.

* Conduct peer evaluations (mid-semester and end-of-semester) to inform individual feedback and grading.

* Meet individually with each student at least once during the semester to discuss their contributions and offer professional development coaching.

* Issue final grades for all students enrolled in the course.

Project Timeline

Semester: Spring 2026 (January-May)

* Weekly time commitment: Approximately 2-3 hours of meetings with teams per week

* Major client and advisory board meetings: 3-5 during the semester (typically on Fridays)

* Final deliverables: Written report and client presentation

* Additional time: Some preparation meetings with the program director and client may occur prior to January

Commitment & Compensation:

This is a part-time adjunct appointment. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Advisors should plan to be available for two meetings per week from mid-January to mid-May, with additional availability for client and faculty meetings as needed.

About Heinz College

The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy is home to two internationally recognized schools: the School of Information Systems and Management and the School of Public Policy and Management. The unique colocation of these two schools sets Heinz College apart to tackle society's most complex problems by teaching our students a firm understanding of policy, technology and analytical foundations, and the management skills to deploy solutions for maximum impact - the intersection of people, policy, and technology to approach complex societal problems. For more information, please visit www.heinz.cmu.edu.

* Master's degree in a related field such as arts management, nonprofit leadership, public policy, or business preferred.

* Experience leading or advising client-based projects, especially within nonprofit, consulting, or arts and cultural sectors.

* Strong familiarity with arts management practice and theory, including emerging trends in arts funding, audience engagement, digital innovation, and national research (e.g., NASAA, SMU DataArts, Americans for the Arts).

* Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to deliver constructive, motivating feedback.

* Preferred Experience:

* Mentoring graduate students or early-career professionals.

* Consulting experience in or with arts and cultural organizations.

* Connections to professionals and thought leaders in the arts, culture, or nonprofit sectors who may serve as guest speakers, subject matter experts, or advisory board members.