Director, Residential MS Programs Graduate Student Enrollment and Engagement (HR Title: Director Residential Programs) presso 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 Position:

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

This position will provide innovative, strategic leadership and comprehensive services to drive student retention and improve student satisfaction for 7 residential Cox MS programs and partner programs, totaling 700+ students; lead and develop the MS Associate Director (1 FTE) and actively support ongoing strategic planning; foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and integrating best practices; benchmarking services against peer and aspirant institutions; introduce creative approaches and solutions to the design and delivery of programs and services; support MS Admissions to attract and yield candidates; serve on GSEE Leadership Team with Assistant Dean, Director of Online Programs, Director of Residential Programs, and Director of Enrollment.

Essential Functions:

• Provides overall leadership, vision, direction, coordination and delivery of residential MS student enrollment and engagement, working through student issues and academic decision making. Hire, train, supervise and develop one direct report. Develop and implement residential MS strategic plan.

• Partner with Assistant Dean of Graduate Student Enrollment & Engagement and Directors of other GCOX programs in constructing enhancements to practices and improve the overall student experience which impacts student satisfaction, improve retention metrics for student success, managing those decisions, and providing recommendations for variations as needed.

• Partner in planning and executing specific events to connect alumni with students, connect students with students, orientation programming, related opportunities to enhance overall student sense of belonging; coordinate with other department staff to ensure goals and logistical requirements are delivered and met; assess effectiveness and evaluation of all MS events.

• Support MS Admissions in representing Student Enrollment & Engagement in admissions and recruiting activities such as information sessions and yield-focused conversations with high-potential prospective applicants.

• Prepare reports regarding programs, degree completion, student learning outcomes and assessment plans, probation, and other required data and information as directed and in a timely manner. Implement strategies specific to improving student retention, student success, and student satisfaction outcomes for residential MS students/programs.

• Guide team to develop and maintain marketing content for website and other publications.

• Participates in industry/function-specific events (i.e. conferences, workshops, etc.) for professional development & department visibility. Serve as staff liaison and interacts with MS partners.

• Requires evening/weekend work for student related events and programming. Requires one night per week to work an adjusted schedule to assist with keeping the office open until 6:30 p.m. for our evening class students.

Education and Experience:

A master's degree is required.

A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required. Prior student success or academic advising and coaching experience required.

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 with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks concurrently. The ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changing priorities is essential.

A working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) is required. Familiarity with PeopleSoft student records system is strongly preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Stand

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by October 12, 2025.

This position is open until filled. 

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.