Learnvia is a new nonprofit organization and university-affiliated learning collaborative launched with support from Carnegie Mellon University and the Gates Foundation, that develops research-based, interactive, and free-to-students courseware, tools, and supports that empower educators and unlock student success in gateway math.
Grounded in learning science, Learnvia’s approach translates rigorous research into high quality, engaging courseware that elevates instructional excellence, strengthens iterative and evidence-based teaching practices, and advances student success in critical prerequisite coursework for higher level studies. The first pilot program launched in Fall 2025 with Calculus 1, with additional high-enrollment, high-attrition gateway courses to be added over time, based on research findings and continuous feedback from faculty and students.
Founded in 2025 as a nonprofit learning collaborative affiliated with Carnegie Mellon University, Learnvia is supported by Gates Foundation funding for courseware development, technology infrastructure, professional learning development and ongoing research through the inception and implementation phases. This investment enables Learnvia to innovate boldly while remaining grounded in evidence and impact.
Learnvia draws on Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) expertise in mathematics education, learning sciences, and AI to reimagine a research-informed math curriculum designed to dramatically advance teaching practices to improve student learning and postsecondary outcomes.
As a nonprofit working in close partnership with faculty from a range of institutions across the country as well as leading technology, curriculum, and research organizations, Learnvia is deeply committed to continuous improvement – designing, testing, and refining its courseware to remain innovative, evidence based, and responsive to the needs of faculty and students.
Learnvia is governed by a five-member board with representation from both Carnegie Mellon University and the Gates Foundation. The organization’s growing team includes experienced educators, researchers, and educational technologists. Key roles already in place include the Executive Director, Director of Engineering & AI, Director of Content Development, Director of Research & Development, engineers, content specialists, a finance manager and an executive assistant.
The Opportunity
This newly created role offers a rare opportunity to make an impact and be part of systemic and transformational educational change. The Managing Director will play a pivotal role in building this early-stage nonprofit born from two world- class institutions known for innovation and excellence. Serving as the senior partner to Executive Director, Norman Bier, helping lead Learnvia as it moves from start-up through growth to a mature and sustainable organization with national impact. Acting as the organization’s chief operating and strategy leader, the Managing Director translates Learnvia’s bold vision into coordinated execution — aligning strategy, people, processes, and resources to achieve meaningful, scalable outcomes.
The Managing Director holds both strategic and operational authority. They drive organizational planning, oversee major program and platform operations, manage relationships with funders and institutional partners, and serve as a trusted decision-making proxy for the Executive Director when appropriate. This role is central to Learnvia’s effectiveness, growth, and long-term sustainability — and to realizing its promise to transform gateway math education for students nationwide.
