Associate Director of Lifelong Learning (HR Title: Continuing Education Specialist III)

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 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:

Perkins School of Theology is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, with an extension program in Houston/Galveston. The faculty and staff of Perkins are committed to our mission of equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society. Students study with a faculty, diverse both culturally and in theological perspective, in the School's graduate degree and certificate studies programs. Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all. The oldest graduate professional School at Southern Methodist University, Perkins embraces its setting in the Southwestern United States while seeking to make theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world.

About the Position:

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

The Associate Director of Lifelong Learning, Office of External Programs (OEP), will be the primary contact for all non-credit, continuing education programs sponsored by Perkins School of Theology, including the development and deployment of non-credit Certificate programs directed and administered through the Office. The Director will oversee the Certificate of Spiritual Direction and the Certificate for Practical Ministry, and will serve as a liaison in the deployment of other certificate programs with otherwise appointed directors. This leader will oversee recruiting, registration, advising, follow-up, and student matriculation through Perkins programs in order to provide a professional and supportive environment for participants. The Director will work closely with other SMU offices and strategic partners, including churches and church leaders--nationally and locally--to recruit, enroll, and retain students for programs.

Essential Functions:

• Credentialed Programs: Direct Perkins Certificates generated by External Programs; curating programs, courses, and specializations. Liaison as a leader with faculty directors for additional programs offered under the Office. Hire and manage instructors; oversee curriculum and content. Direct delivery options and modalities. Recruit and shepherd students through their course engagement process. Work with Perkins personnel to market programs through all media channels and email marketing campaigns. Communicate with prospective students for recruiting efforts utilizing problem solving skills and good judgment for help screen and qualify candidates.
• School of Youth & Children's Ministry: Direct and oversee the annual Perkins School of Youth and Children's Ministry. Hire and manage all instructors; oversee schedule, curriculum and content.
• Assist in Strategic Church Relations: Assist the Assistant Dean of External Program and Church Relations in forging and maintaining strategic relationships with church partners.
• Assist with OEP Event Services: Be a part of the OEP team when delivering an event or program, assist with deployment in-person and online, as needed, for quality assurance and continuation.
• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required for certification programs.
• Occasional travel required for special events.

Education and Experience:

A Master's degree is required. A Master's degree in Theology is preferred.

A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required. Experience working in church leadership is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

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 be able to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Reach above shoulders
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Stand
• Push/pull
• Hand objects (dexterity)

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 24, 2024.

This position is open until filled.

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 .