Administrative Specialist II bei Southern Methodist University (SMU)

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.

This position plays a critical role in the daily operations of the Maguire Energy Institute in the Cox School of Business. The position is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing a wide range of events including Institute Advisory Board meetings, conferences, fund raising events, speakers and student activities. The position requires the ability to interact and develop relationships with energy industry professionals and benefactors at the highest level. The position will provide administrative support to the Institute including monitoring the budget, preparing information for purchase requisitions and payments, and handling administrative processes for the Institute within Cox/SMU. The position will develop and produce a wide variety of materials for external and internal events including an Institute newsletter, presentations and documents.

Essential Functions:

• Event planning and coordination: Plan and execute events of all sizes including advisory board meetings, conferences and seminars and student events both on-campus and occasionally off campus. High level of project management and time sensitivity needed including logistical aspects of events, venue selection, catering needs, AV needs and meeting materials such as invitations and handouts.

• Administrative Support: Provide support to the Institute staff and Board leadership including preparing presentations, preparing information for purchase requisitions and invoices, and budget management.

• Communication: Develop and disseminate Institute newsletter, flyers, social media posts and other communications that publicize the Institute's activities. Work with internal Cox/SMU departments on related projects and updating the Institute's web pages. When needed, proof and revise student resumes and career materials.

• Collaboration and Outreach: Partner with student groups, Cox/SMU departments and schools and outside energy industry professionals to assist in achieving the Institute's mission. Maintain relationships with advisory board members, students, faculty and other campus departments and offices to enhance the status of the Institute on and off campus.

• Occasional evening work required for Board meeting dinners and other conferences.

• Occasional travel to offsite Institute events, typically in Houston.

   

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree is required. A degree in Communications, Public Relations, or Business is preferred.

A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required. Experience dealing with executive level individuals, customers, or associates is preferred. Communications, meeting planning and administrative experience is helpful. Sales or customer service experience 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.

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 proficient in Microsoft Office. 

Candidate ability to learn new software packages including web site editing, meeting planning, and CRM or electronic communications packages is a plus. 

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

October 23, 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.