

Carnegie Mellon University invites nominations and applications for the role of Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI)—a globally recognized federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) advancing the security, reliability, and resilience of software-intensive systems critical to national security.
The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) operated by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). SEI’s mission is to advance the security, reliability, and resilience of software-intensive systems of national importance. For more than three decades, SEI has served as a trusted, independent partner to the U.S. Department of War (DoW) and other federal sponsors, providing applied research, engineering, and technology transition capabilities across software engineering, cybersecurity, AI-enabled systems, and emerging technologies.
Operating at the intersection of government, academia, and industry, SEI plays a unique role as a solutions-oriented bridge—translating research into practice, enabling sponsors to adopt modern software and AI capabilities, and helping the DoW engage effectively with both traditional and non-traditional technology providers. As national security priorities, acquisition models, and innovation cycles evolve, SEI must continue to adapt its posture, pace, and external engagement while preserving its FFRDC mandate.
SEI employs approximately 553 staff, reflecting the scale and complexity of the Institute’s applied research and engineering mission and the corresponding leadership responsibility of the Director & CEO. The Institute is organized into three primary technical divisions whose work spans research, engineering, and technology transition:
Please see SEI’s website for more information: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead SEI at a pivotal moment, advancing its mission as a trusted FFRDC while positioning the Institute to remain highly relevant in a rapidly changing national security, software, and AI landscape. Reporting to the Vice President for Research, this leader will provide strategic, operational, and external leadership to ensure SEI’s continued impact, credibility, and influence with government sponsors, industry partners, and the Carnegie Mellon University community.
The next CEO must be externally oriented, serving as SEI’s principal ambassador to senior DoW stakeholders, strengthening visibility and presence in the Pentagon, and clearly articulating SEI’s value proposition as the place to turn for applied solutions in software, AI, autonomy, and cyber resilience. At the same time, the CEO will work closely with a strong internal leadership team to align the organization, build accountability, and drive change where needed.
The role is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with frequent engagement in Washington, DC, and other sponsor locations.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Carnegie Mellon’s Vice President for Research, Theresa Mayer.
Direct reports:
Other key relationships:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Working in close partnership with Carnegie Mellon University leadership and SEI’s executive leadership team, the Director & CEO will:
Strategic Vision & Institutional Leadership
Research Excellence & Technical Stewardship
Government & Sponsor Engagement
Operational & Financial Leadership
People, Culture & Talent Development
External Engagement & Thought Leadership
CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES
Acting Strategically & Leading Change
Collaborating and Influencing
Leading People
DESIRED OUTCOMES
IDEAL EXPERIENCE / BACKGROUND:
A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered
Requirements:
SEARCH PROCESS AND INSTRUCTIONS:
Spencer Stuart, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, has been retained by Carnegie Mellon University to support this search.
While this position is posted in Workday for visibility, all applications, nominations, and inquiries should be submitted directly to Spencer Stuart.
For full consideration, all inquiries, nominations, and applications (CVs and letters of interest) should be sent electronically and in confidence by April 20, 2026, to: CMUCEOSEI@SpencerStuart.com
All submissions will be handled with strict confidentiality.
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Job Function
University Administration and Management
Position Type
Staff – Regular
Full time/Part time
Full time
Pay Basis
Salary
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Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.