Hybrid Houses of Studies Program Specialist at 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:

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. 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 Baptist House of Studies (BHS), Fresh Expressions House of Studies (FEHS), and Black/Africana Church Studies programs at Perkins School of Theology foster community for students, faculty, and staff who identify with or have interests in their work. The Program Specialist will play a pivotal role in ensuring the management of day-to-day operations of each program and administrative support to their respective Directors. This position provides student support, community engagement, administration, event planning, student recruitment, marketing, and financial administration. The successful candidate will interact with diverse populations of church leaders and members as well as SMU and Perkins School of Theology staff, faculty and students.

Essential Functions:

• STUDENT SUPPORT: This includes planning, implementing, and evaluating programming and community-building opportunities for students. Manage communication with students about programming, conference opportunities, scholarships, job opportunities, and other tasks. 

• STUDENT RECRUITMENT: Manage process of contacting and connecting prospective students with appropriate program directors, faculty or admissions staff in coordination with the Office of Enrollment Management.

• ADMINISTRATION: Manage databases for programs, including database of active prospective students (through SLATE), community partners, alumni and board members. Manage travel logistics for guest speakers. Manage calendar of events and meetings. Plan and coordinate meetings related to programmatic centers. Compile monthly and semester reports of activities. Maintain records.

• FINANCIAL: Initiate financial (budget) transactions related to the ongoing business of the programs for the directors, including but not limited to: Student travel awards, speaker fees, sponsorships, student internships, and invoices. Work with Directors, Financial Business Manager, and Development office in program budget and grant submission/reporting.

• EVENT PLANNING: Manage planning process for special event logistics, chapel services, and meetings of related advisory groups. In coordination with the Associate Dean’s Office, assist with planning Contextual Learning Intensives that intersect with these programmatic centers.

• MARKETING: Manage the design, ordering, assembling, updating, and distributing processes of all printed materials. Manage webpages, email communication, and social media strategy in coordination with Perkins Marketing & Communications.

• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Work with Directors to ensure representation at special events and other promotion/recruitment events. Maintain a yearly calendar of events of partner churches and organizations; build and manage partnerships with churches, pastors, campus, ministries, religion faculty, feeder schools. and help determine sponsorship priorities.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Occasional weekend hours may be needed for events. 

Education and Experience:

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

A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required. Experience engaging with religious communities 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 ability to demonstrate sound judgment, discretion and sensitivity to a diverse student population is essential.

Candidate knowledge of financial reconciliations preferred. Exposure to a theological education is a plus. 

Candidate ability to plan and execute events is also preferred.

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite. 

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, kneel
• Handle objects (dexterity)

Deadline to Apply:

September 8, 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.