Interim Executive Director, Counseling & Psychological Services (CaPS) - Division of Student Affairs

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!

Our Division of Student Affairs is seeking an Interim Executive Director, Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS).

The role provides strategic, operational, and clinical oversight of Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS), a core department within the Community Health and Well-Being (CHWB) unit of the Division of Student Affairs. Serving as the primary mental health expert on campus, the Interim Executive Director must be an experienced, collaborative, and highly effective communicator capable of serving as a visible leader within the department, across the division, and throughout the broader university community.

During this interim period, the leader will ensure continuity of care, maintain operational excellence, provide strong administrative and fiscal stewardship, and foster an inclusive, culturally responsive environment tailored to CMU’s diverse and high-achieving student body.

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management

• Establish departmental priorities in conjunction with the Associate Vice President of Community Health and Well-Being
• Support processes that promote integrated care efforts, streamline referral networks, and reduce barriers to mental health care across campus health and wellness programs.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, ethical guidelines, professional standards, legal requirements, and accreditation expectations.
• Serve on the Division of Student Affairs leadership team and represent CaPS on university committees, projects, and cross-campus initiatives.
• Manage complex personnel, licensure, performance, compliance, and equity-related matters in partnership with Human Resources, the Office for Institutional Equity, and Student Affairs divisional leadership.

Clinical Administration & Operations

• Provide direct supervision, performance management, and professional support to key functional leaders, including the Associate Director for Clinical Services, Assistant Director for Outreach, Prevention, and Education, Assistant Director/Training Director, and the Office Manager and Senior Administrative Assistant; oversee secondary supervision structures for all clinical and administrative staff.
• Coordinate crisis intervention response systems for CaPS, providing clinical back-up and supervision for on-call clinicians as needed.
• Provide supplemental clinical services for students during periods of high demand or complex clinical presentations.
• Oversee the continuous development, implementation, and assessment of departmental policies, operational workflows, and clinical protocols.
• Support high-quality training and professional development for staff, ensuring ongoing access to continuing education required to maintain licensure and stay current with collegiate mental health best practices.

Consultation, Outreach, & Campus Engagement

• Collaborate and consult with faculty, staff, Student Affairs colleagues, University Police, and administrators regarding complex student mental health needs and students of concern.
• Serve on the university’s Care Team and participate on the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) as needed.
• Oversee and participate in campus-wide outreach and educational programming regarding mental health, suicide prevention, and resiliency in close partnership with other CHWB units.
• Maintain the visibility of CaPS through intentional marketing strategies, digital outreach, and active campus engagement.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with professional associations (e.g., AUCCCD, ACCA, APA) and local community healthcare providers to enhance referral networks and service provision.

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:

• Education: Advanced degree in clinical or counseling psychology (Ph.D., Psy.D.).
• Licensure: Independent clinical licensure (e.g., Licensed Psychologist) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; or eligible for Pennsylvania licensure within a year, or permission to practice psychology on temporary assignment as conferred by the Pennsylvania licensing board.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive administrative and clinical experience in a mental health setting, with at least 8 years in a senior supervisory or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in collegiate mental health, crisis management, clinical supervision, and budget management ($1M+ budget oversight).
• Proven track record of working effectively with diverse student populations, including international students, underrepresented minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• A combination of education and meaningful experience from which comparable knowledge is proven may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful 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

Job Function

Position Type

Full Time/Part time

Pay Basis

More Information: