Address
Form of workSalary 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 over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Department:
Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.
DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.
SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fund-raising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The primary responsibility of the Project Specialist is to manage all elements of assigned projects related to Strategic Affairs & DEA Staff Development with limited management oversight.
Project management responsibilities include, proposing solutions identified in consultation with colleagues; developing procedures & guidelines; recommending budget & staff allocations; creating documentation & metrics; training colleagues; & evaluating ROI.
Other duties include, managing DEA's student worker hiring process, overseeing DEA's new employee onboarding program; & the management and/or support of campaign & OVP volunteer committee materials & communications, including regular campaign updates & reports; training peers on meeting guidelines & processes; & overseeing meeting execution where appropriate.
The Project Specialist has additional responsibility for general management of the budget & operations of the SA office.
Essential Functions:
Oversee Special Projects related to the Office of the VP; including volunteer meeting guidelines & processes, campaign reporting; DEA's cloud-based document management system; onboarding program; hiring student workers, & other projects as identified in support of campaign & DEA priorities. Develop written guidelines & electronic presentation training materials and conduct training.
Provide self-directed support for the offices of the president and VP DEA in interactions with Board and donor constituents, supporting meetings and events through communications, material preparation, minutes, on-site hosting, logistics, training, etc.
Oversee DEA's programs related to Student Workers hiring process, new hire onboarding, ongoing self-development training, professional development (Advancement Resources), and the scheduling and hosting of DEA job candidates.
Manage budget and operations of the Strategic Affairs office; except other duties as required as a member of the DEA team. Includes concur, travel, calendar, supplies, etc. as required. Additional duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Position requires regular evening and weekend work for campaign events and activities. Position also requires some minimal travel during campaign and athletic events. Cell phone use is expected, as is the ability to check SMU e-mail regularly, including evenings and weekends.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree is required.
A minimum of three years of work experience is required, preferably providing high level administrative and/or project support.
Work experience in a development office, a non-profit environment or fast-paced office with high visibility preferred, as is direct proven interaction with executive management and high-profile clients.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
This position serves in a high-profile, high-paced, high-pressure senior executive and leadership office and environment where meeting tight deadlines, excellent work product, and strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills are required. Strong presentation skills are essential.
Candidate must demonstrate a strong customer service orientation with the ability to exercise diplomacy and adherence to strict confidential standards. The ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changing priorities and needs is essential.
Candidate must demonstrate strong written communication skills with ability to disseminate information into precise and effective written communications. Must also demonstrate a strong focus on attention to detail.
Candidate must possess strong time management, organizational and planning skills with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines. Must also possess strong problem solving skills with the ability to be resourceful, proactive, and seek assistance as needed. Strong project management experience is essential.
Candidate must demonstrate a high level of initiative on assignments, with the ability to work with minimal supervision and follow through with appropriate actions to meet requests.
Candidate must demonstrate high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Outlook Calendar, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) is required. Experience with constituent databases, such as BBEC, preferred. Experience with PeopleSoft desired.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
- Sit for long periods of time
Deadline to Apply:
March 28, 2024
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, accessequity@smu.edu.
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.
