Hybrid Development and Special Projects Specialist (HR Title: Administrative Specialist III) 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 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 Senior 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 fundraising 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.

This position has a significant role in documenting and tracking SMU leadership development activity; preparing and proofing a wide variety of materials for SMU leadership and high-profile donors and volunteers; managing and supporting ongoing and as-needed projects and activities related to these constituents; and managing and supporting data and documentation related to these constituents. 

This role will independently-execute responsibilities, as well as cross-functional activity and engagement with DEA and other areas of SMU.

Essential Functions:

• Document and track SMU leadership development activity, including but not limited to: recording completed and scheduled visits and significant communications in DEA's CRM system; scanning materials and linking in CRM; working with records, research and gift administration to update information; maintain high-profile group coding in CRM and work with other areas to keep information current; proactively track and follow up with a variety of DEA and SMU areas on activity related to high-profile gifts, including proposal, pledge form, finance set up, gift booking, acknowledgments, endowment agreement, pledge reminder, endowment report, special requirements; process donor checks delivered to OSVP and President's Office; etc.
   

• Manage and support on-going and "as-needed" projects for SMU leadership and high-profile donors/volunteers, including but not limited to: SMU Executive Board volunteer management; cross-DEA event and activities; and activities and projects executed by OSVP. Occasionally includes communication with leadership, donors and volunteers in some situations.
   

• Prepare and support preparation of a wide variety of materials for SMU leadership and high-profile donors and volunteers, including but not limited to: event/meeting materials; background info on donors/volunteers; various communications (i.e. letters, draft emails); volunteer rosters; pledge forms; donor giving and pledge summaries; reports, mailing lists, etc.
   

• Proof materials provided by DEA teams for SMU leadership and high-profile donors and volunteers, including but not limited to: event/meeting briefing materials; gift proposals; memos; correspondence; reports; acknowledgment letters for signature; endowment agreements, certificates and reports; pledge reminders; etc.
   

• Support OSVP needs, including but not limited to: back-up for answering SVP and main OSVP phone lines; back-up for OSVP office coverage (opening and/or closing office, greeting and assisting guests; assisting with conference room set up as needed); retrieve, return and drive OSVP golf carts as needed; support preparation, execution and staffing of quarterly All-DEA meetings and annual DEA retreat; and helping with large-scale OSVP mailings.  Other duties as assigned. 
   

• Occasional evening and/or weekend work required for special events

   

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree is required. Master's degree is preferred. 

A minimum of five years of work experience is required.  Work experience in data and materials management, project management and execution, creation and execution of written communications, and/or collection and compilation of reporting materials is also required. 

Work experience in development/advancement industry is highly preferred.  Experience with proofing materials desired. Experience preparing materials for high-profile recipients is a plus.

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. Strong proofreading skills are preferred.

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 with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously under rigorous deadlines. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential. 

Candidate must be self-motivated, proactive, and resourceful. Must also have ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The ability to work independently and as part of a group is essential.

Candidate must demonstrate strong proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Experience with a fundraising CRM and scanning and linking to CRM is strongly preferred. 

Familiarity with one or more of the following is preferred: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, PowerPoint, and Adobe.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend
• Crawl
• Reach above shoulders
• Carry/lift 25lbs
• Squat
• Kneel

Deadline to Apply:

September 8, 2025.

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 29, 2025. 

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.