Administrative Specialist I, Graduate Student Enrollment & Engagement

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU:

A nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching.

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 Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Coordinator managers the day-to day office operations and strategic events, supporting the Full-Time MBA, Working Professional MBA, and MS program teams.

This is a highly visible position and is the initial point of contact for guests and students by managing in-person visits, incoming calls, and emails.

The person in this role provides support to GSEE leadership and program directors for our 6 MBA and 4 MS programs, including one Assistant Dean and eight Director/Associate Director roles.

Essential Functions:

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the department front office. Serves as initial point of contact of Cox GSEE of students/guests by assessing their needs and directing them to the appropriate person. Manages the main office phone-line, and performs ad-hoc administrative duties. Coordinate with operational partners across Cox & SMU (OIT, catering, facilities).
• Oversees the purchase of office supplies and equipment for the department. Takes minutes during meetings, distributes mail, handles sensitive and confidential data, and organizes and maintains the main reception desk. Manages the logistics for orientations (August, January, May) and other special events.
• Performs administrative and office support for Assistant Dean, Directors, and Associate Directors by processing a variety of administrative tasks, maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality with all materials, and exercises discretion when interfacing with students.
• Cross-Office Administrative Mgmt: Serve as one of four mission-critical operational experts who co-manage spacing and logistics for organizations housed across multiple locations, including Career, Student Services, Graduate Admissions, and Executive Education: composed of 45 staff/contractors supporting over 3,500 students and 150 employer partners. Coordinate response to general inbox inquiries
• Collaborate with GSEE team to plan and execute on-campus and virtual student events.
• Support the students and Associate Directors of our Online MBA and MBA Direct programs. The following is not an exhaustive list of the expectations.
  
  • Ordering and mailing their SMU IDs and name badges.
  • Ordering and mailing orientation items to students.
  • Logistics for those that wish to visit campus
  • Assist in scheduling meetings and appointments between the student and the appropriate Cox staff member.
• Manage event calendars and ensure information is displayed on the all Cox calendars (Connect, Outlook, message board, internal GCOX calendar which is inclusive of all important dates of Graduate Cox Offices (admissions, CMC, Dean's, diversity).
• Position requires some evening and weekend work during peak times (graduation, orientation)

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required.

A minimum of two years of professional work experience is required. Experience in role where attention to detail, strong verbal and written communication, and a strong customer service orientation were keys to success, is also required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with students, staff, and faculty. Must also demonstrate a strong customer service orientation with the ability to exercise professional judgment and adhere to confidential standards.

Candidate must demonstrate strong written communication skills. Must also demonstrate a strong focus on attention to detail.

Candidate must possess strong time management, organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks. Must also possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to be resourceful, proactive, and seek assistance as needed.

Candidate must demonstrate a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel). Knowledge of or experience with PeopleSoft or a similar student information system is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Bend, stand, reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Push/pull
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Kneel
• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

September 23, 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 benefit s. 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 .