Career Center

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

Student Affairs Administration

Student Affairs Administration fosters a culture of critical inquiry, compelling storytelling, and strategic and evidence-based decision making across the Division of Student Affairs. It does so by providing critical, central support at the divisional- and departmental-levels in the areas of research, assessment, strategic planning, marketing and communication, and staff development. Collectively, these efforts amplify the division’s capacity to drive transformative change that results in positive impacts on student learning and development. The Division of Student Affairs creates and supports a robust student experience and forges strategic partnerships to best serve the entire SMU community. As educators and scholar-practitioners, we create purposeful learning and leadership opportunities for students to clarify and develop their knowledge, values, skills, and identities - challenging each to become a world changer.

Office of the Student Experience

The Office of the Student Experience designs a comprehensive student experience supporting students and their families from orientation to graduation. Using a leadership framework, all students are guided through significant collegiate transitions. Family members receive guidance on supporting their students on the journey towards graduation. With recognition of the unique needs of veterans, graduate, transfer, and international students, the office also advocates for and provides support to these special populations.

About the Position:

The Assistant Director in the Office of the Student Experience is responsible for supporting the vision, initiatives, programs, and daily operations of the Office of the Student Experience. The Assistant Director will serve as the lead within the team for parent and family programs designed to support student success through collaboration with parents and families throughout each phase of their student's SMU experience. The Office of the Student Experience works together as a team to support the office programs and initiatives. Every member of the team supports aspects of each functional area within the office including orientation, transitions, leadership, and parent and family programs.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as the parents/families lead within the team. Contact for families to receive information/guidance and express concerns so they can appropriately support their student throughout the SMU experience. Establish/manage systems to collect and track parent/family questions/concerns. Produce communications and programs designed to equip families with skills and resources to assist their student.
• Coordinate the First 5 transition program in both August and January to specifically support new students and welcome back returning students. Ensure program is integrated into orientation programs. Coordinate support from the Office of the Student Experience student workers to ensure First 5 is student-directed and well-executed.
• Co-advise parent and family clubs, associations, and advisory groups.
• Support the vision and programs of the Office of the Student Experience including support of including orientation, transitions, leadership, and parent and family programs. Serve on relevant divisional and institution committees.
• Manage the recruitment, selection, supervision, and training of the Office of the Student Experience student workers and coordinate the delegation of duties and program support. Support student leaders connected to the Office of the Student Experience.
• Supports the implementation and realization of the goals and learning domains in the student affairs strategic plan.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

A Master’s degree in higher education administration or related field (counseling, student personnel, etc.) is required for this position.

A minimum of three (3) years of experience working with parents and understanding/knowledge of pertinent issues regarding family involvement in higher education is required.  Previous experience working with event programming and with data sets and systems is also required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must have excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.   

Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.

Candidate must possess excellent organizational skills which include effective planning and project management.  Must be focused on deadlines and attentive to details.

Candidate must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and analytical skills.

Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.

Candidate must be skilled in establishing systems and managing data.  Must work well with students in counseling, training and advising situations. Must possess high-level, interpersonal and networking skills, as well as a professional demeanor that thrives in an intense deadline-filled environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and other related programs essential.  Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and web editing software, such as Sitecore, preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

This position must be able to:

• Bend; Push/Pull; Carry Lift 25lbs
• Walk for long distances
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Sit for long periods of time
• Drives motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply:

The deadline to apply is July 28, 2022.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.