External Relations Program Coordinator en Southern Methodist University

Hourly Range: 

$24.40 per hour - $30.03 per hour 

About SMU:

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About Department:

About department (insert text or delete if not applicable)

About the Position:

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

The External Relations Program Coordinator position provides complete event management, coordination and logistics, general administrative support, as well as webmaster for the Cox School of Business External Relations Department. This position will support the mission of promoting involvement and networking with alumni of the Cox School of Business, at SMU, throughout the US and abroad.

Essential Functions:

• External Relations: As a shared responsibility with another part-time staff member, execute and manage all aspects of campus-based and external alumni programming events from start to finish, including creating and sending invitations, maintaining event databases, event vendor payment and management, securing venues, managing all logistics before and during the event. Examples of events include Annual Distinguished Cox Alumni Awards luncheon, Graduate receptions: (Fall, Spring and Summer) and Athletic Tailgate events. Responsible for Cox Alumni board meetings, database and member lists, distribute communications and logistics. Assist other Cox departments with planning luncheons and conferences. Update Alumni contact information in BBEC. Assist with Cox Today magazine alumni pages Fall/Spring issues and provide necessary information to Communications. Update Cox calendar content with current events. Assist with preparation and distribution of periodic newsletters to alumni, students and business school deans. Answer phones and set up calendar appointments with alumni, students, prospective students, parents, corporate sponsors, both on and off campus.

• Admin Support: As a shared job with another part-time staff member-processing invoices, purchasing, budgeting, helping to oversee the day-to-day operations of External Relations, filling out and processing Concur expense reports, etc. Be primary contact for telephone and email inquiries. Order Cox promotional merchandise as needed and keep track of other Cox department purchases to create JE periodically for reimbursement.

• Oversight of Cox External Relations and Alumni website development/maintenance.

• Occasional evening/weekend hours will be required for special events. 

   

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required. Experience administering academic programs is desirable, as well as a background in a university setting working with students and faculty alike or background in campus or corporate recruitment. Experience with volunteer, alumni or foundation boards 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.

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 able to work autonomously or with a team. 

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Candidate familiarity with database management (BBEC), Internet research, electronic event management tools and familiarity with Linked In and other social networking tools is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, stand
• Push/pull
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift over 25-50 lbs. 

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by October 9, 2025. 

Application deadline is October 25, 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.