**Description** The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University seeks an adjunct instructor for a **_Capstone Course_** for students in a range of programs at the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. We invite professionals with deep experience and demonstrated leadership in the field to apply. Capstone Projects are the culminating experience for Heinz College graduate students. Conducted in lieu of a thesis, these intensive, team-based consulting projects pair groups of 4–7 students with real-world organizations to tackle significant challenges over the course of 15 weeks. Students integrate knowledge from their program coursework—including strategy, analytics, information systems, technology, and economics—to deliver actionable recommendations to their clients. These projects are designed to reflect the dynamic, evolving challenges of various sectors, and serve as a meaningful bridge between academic training and professional practice. **The Role of the Advisor** Each student team is assigned a Capstone 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: Fall 2025 (August–December) · 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. **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 in a given semester, 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 _._ **Qualifications** + Master’s degree in a related field such as information systems, public policy, or business preferred. + Experience leading or advising client-based projects. + Strong familiarity with project management practice and theory. + 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 within fields of public policy and/or information systems. + Connections to professionals and thought leaders who may serve as guest speakers, subject matter experts, or advisory board members. **Application Instructions** **Equal Employment Opportunity Statement** **Carnegie Mellon University** is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders. Consistent with this commitment, Carnegie Mellon will no longer be requiring or considering applicant diversity statements. If you are interested in this position and have not yet submitted a diversity statement, please do not do so. If you have already submitted a diversity statement, please know that any diversity statements submitted by applicants for this opportunity will not be considered in the hiring decision.