Executive Assistant & DCS Coordinator (HR Title: Administrative Specialist II)

Southern Methodist University • Dallas, TX

41d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Executive Assistant and Dedman College Scholar (DCS) Coordinator provides high-level administrative and programmatic support to the Dean and Assistant Dean of Recruitment of Dedman College at SMU. This role manages complex calendars, coordinates travel, assists with event planning, and serves as the primary point of contact for both internal and external inquiries. This position supports the Dedman College Scholars Program, including scholar recruitment, interviews, communications, and event logistics. The role also provides administrative support to the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture, the SMU debate program, and the Dean's Suite, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while delivering meaningful programming for high-achieving students.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required. Professional work experience required in environments where organization, details, verbal and written communication, and customer service were key to success.
• Candidate must demonstrate excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to engage effectively in a diverse community. A strong customer service orientation, flexibility, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities are essential. Candidate must also possess strong written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely in written form and maintain a high level of attention to detail in grammar, spelling, and data accuracy.
• Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Candidate must demonstrate high proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel, as well as a working knowledge of Canva. Strong technical aptitude and the ability to quickly learn new software are essential.
• Candidate must submit cover letter and resume (pdf format) for full consideration.

Nice To Haves

• Candidate familiarity with PeopleSoft and CRM systems such as Slate is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Exec & Admin Support: Manage the Asst Dean's calendar, scheduling meetings, prioritizing requests, and coordinating logistics. Act as first point of contact for Dedman College programs, assisting visitors, managing the general inbox and phone line, and addressing walk-in inquiries. Travel Reconciliation, light administrative support to the Dallas Institute and the SMU debate program.
• Admissions and Event Management: Support administrative processes for DCS and alumni events, campus visits, and other recruiting and outreach initiatives. Assist with mailings, communications, and logistics for prospective and current students. Oversee recruiting expenses and ensure accurate tracking and approvals. Assist the Assistant Dean and Dean with operational and logistical tasks as needed.
• Event Management & Support: Collaborate with the Dedman College Undergraduate Recruiting team to plan and execute on-campus and in-person events with focus on operational and administrative tasks. Prepare materials, manage registration, and troubleshoot as needed.
• Cross-Office Collaboration & Administrative Management: Work with operational partners within Dedman College and across SMU to ensure seamless logistics. Serve as backup for the Dean's Suite Admin regarding Time Access approvals for student workers. Provide ongoing administrative support for the Dallas Institute and SMU debate program, including processing POs and payment requests.
• Perform additional tasks/duties as assigned to support the Dean's Office and Dedman College initiatives.
• Occasional evening/weekend hours are required.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees