Hybrid Coordinator for Residential Transitions (HR Title: Administrative Specialist I) bei Southern Methodist University

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 Position:

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

The Coordinator for Residential Transitions is a dynamic and student-focused professional responsible for developing and implementing onboarding initiatives that prepare students for a successful transition to living on campus. This role focuses on pre-arrival engagement, transition support, and early integration into the residential community, ensuring that students feel confident, connected, and prepared before they move into their residence halls. 

By collaborating with Residential Life staff, Student Affairs teams, Academic Affairs, and campus partners, the Coordinator designs intentional onboarding experiences that promote student success, community engagement, and long-term retention. Reporting to the Director of Academic Initiatives, this position plays a vital role in shaping pre-arrival programs and communications that support students before they even step foot on campus.

Essential Functions:

• Collaborate with RLSH and campus partners to align new first-year and second-year experience efforts with academic and social transition programs. Partner with Parent/Family programs to facilitate outreach and support for parents and families. Identify and support underrepresented or first-generation students. Assist in planning the RLSH Commons graduation celebration.

• Work with SMUs Stampede welcome programs and partner with Orientation staff. Work closely with Admissions to provide engaging residential experiences for prospective students. Participate in tabling fairs, orientation sessions, and prospective student presentations. Design early engagement opportunities for students to connect with peers, RCDs and FiRs.

• Develop an expanded pre-arrival communication plan, including email series, social media campaigns, and video messages to introduce students to residential life. Oversee RLSHs social media and marketing; and supervise the Street Team and Marketing Interns. Coordinate outreach efforts with university marketing teams to ensure cohesive messaging and branding in onboarding materials.

• Work closely with campus partners, including Academic Affairs, Admissions, and Student Affairs, to align residential onboarding with institutional goals. Assist in training residential life staff on best practices for student transition, pre-arrival engagement, and early intervention strategies. Assess onboarding program effectiveness by collecting and analyzing student feedback and participation.

• Support the department, division and University in strategic planning and other duties as assigned.

• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required for special events related to initiatives and programs. 

   

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred.  A degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Education Social Work, Communications or Psychology is a plus. 

A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required. Experience working in Residential Life or Housing (Resident Director, Graduate Assistant), Student Affairs or Orientation Programs, Admissions/Recruitment or First-Year Experience Programs, Marketing or Social Media Management in Higher Ed 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 familiarity with Microsoft Office is a plus. 

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 15, 2025. 

This position is open until filled. 

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

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.