Administrative Specialist I, Research 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:

The Office of Research and Innovation as well as the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies advance the goals of SMU’s 2nd Century Strategic Plan to enhance the academic quality and stature of the University by supporting and safeguarding the growth of research and graduate education.  

ORI provides leadership in the development of new research initiatives, guidance and assistance through intellectual property development, grant management, and adherence to regulations and policies, and facilitates graduate recruitment, retention and graduation.

About the Position:

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

The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) at SMU is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Research Administrative Specialist to support the operational, communication, and programmatic functions of a dynamic research central office. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth coordination of research activities, events, and compliance efforts across the university’s research enterprise. As a central office team member, the Administrative Specialist serves as a key point of contact for faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, contributing to the effective implementation of research initiatives and the delivery of services supporting a vibrant and compliant research ecosystem.

Essential Functions:

• Operational & Administrative Support: Greet visitors and respond to inquiries related to research activities and services. Manages team email inboxes, coordinate calendars, and schedule meetings across various research units. Provide day-to-day operational support for university-wide research programs and initiatives. Assist with space planning, room reservations, and database maintenance in operations. 
   

• Project & Program Support: Assist with tracking and reporting metrics for ORI. Monitor compliance with institutional policies and procedures across research operations. Support research training activities, including workshops, classroom presentation, and training sessions. Assist with implementing and managing the ORI's record retention policy. Provide support to the four units, RIC, TTC, SPA, & Ops. 
   

• Communication & Outreach: Draft and distribute communications related to research initiatives and events. Assist in the development of promotional materials for newsletters, websites, social media, and flyers. Support the maintenance and accuracy of content on the ORI website. 
   

• Event Planning & Coordination: Provide administrative support for research-related events, including training sessions, workshops, and seminars on and off-campus. Assist in event logistics, including coordinating speaker travel, drafting invitations and agendas, and managing event setup and teardown. Distribute post-event materials and support the collection of attendee feedback and metrics. 
   

• Other Duties as Assigned: Support a variety of administrative and project-based functions as needed. Adapt to shifting priorities and new initiatives in a fast-paced central office environment. Collaborate with other departments or units on special assignments that align with ORI’s mission and institutional research goals.
   

• This position may occasionally require support before or after standard working hours, particularly during events. It may also involve travel to off-campus locations, including transporting materials or assisting with event setup. 

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree is required.

A minimum of two years of administrative or project coordination experience is required, preferably in higher education or research administration.

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. The ability to be collaborative and a commitment to supporting research excellence and compliance is essential.

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 manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects in a fast-paced environment that is deadline driven. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential. 

Candidate must demonstrate a strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. A working knowledge of database tool and virtual meeting platforms preferred.

Experience working with federal grants preferred. Experience working on collaborative funding opportunities desired. Knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance is a plus.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

• Bend, stand, push/pull

• Handle objects (dexterity)

• Carry/lift 25-50 lbs.

Deadline to Apply:

September 30, 2025

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 22, 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.