Description
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 80 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. The University’s entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world – and work hard to bring their innovations to life. 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 our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. 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 the Department:

Since 1973, SMU-in-Taos, also known as Fort Burgwin has been an educational center of Southern Methodist University. It’s beautiful setting in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico--surrounded by the Carson National Forest --provides a unique backdrop for enriched educational experiences. The SMU-in-Taos department is charged with the operation of four SMU terms that take place on the Taos campus: Jan Term, May Term, June Term, and August Term. The department also provides conference and event coordination for outside groups to meet and experience engaging learning activities.  SMU-in-Taos staff regularly engage students to connect them to courses offered in New Mexico.  They also liaise with partners across campus, including Student Affairs, Enrollment Services, Advising, Development and External Affairs, and Risk Management.

About the Position:

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

The Assistant Director provides administrative and operational support for the SMU-in-Taos program. The position manages all aspects of the student application system and enrollment for Taos programs. It is also a key contact for faculty who teach in Taos. The Assistant Director manages enrollment data for the academic terms, with periodic analysis to help address business needs and operational problems. The role liaises with vendors and prepares contracts and invoices for visitors. The Assistant Director periodically travels out to Taos to prepare the campus for visitors. This role reports to the Director of Intersessional Programming in the Provost's Office.

Essential Functions:

Assists the Director in planning and executing SMU-in-Taos operational cycles. Assists with collecting and analyzing course data to choose courses for the program.  Works with Director to recruit faculty.  Maintains schedule of classes in my.SMU.  Supports special projects and occasional cross-over projects with Taos’ sister program, SMU Intersessions. 
Liaises with program faculty and staff in New Mexico to ensure that faculty are prepared for their stay on campus and to teach.  Coordinates faculty contracts, course needs, and payroll.  Facilitates and analyzes student evaluations for each academic term.
Prepares & processes student applications.  Manages student enrollment while monitoring information related to housing, dining, and other variables.  Manages the Friends of Taos Scholarship ad RA applications, liaising with Financial Aid and Student Affairs as needed.  Provides advising to students and helps them prepare for their travel and study in Taos.
Designs and implements marketing initiatives with support of team members.  Coordinates email blasts, and other promotional events. Maintains website, social media, and ensures accuracy of information.
Liaises with vendors and prepares contracts and invoices for visitors. Helps address inquiries from external groups about use of campus.  Hires and manages student workers.  Liaises with campus partners in support of routine matters and special projects. Handles other administrative duties as necessary.
Occasional evening/weekend hours are required for promotional activity or professional development.
Occasional travel to Taos, New Mexico will be necessary.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

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

Five years work experience is required. Experience within higher education is a must. A working knowledge of academic advising and student affairs, as well as experience working with diverse populations are strongly preferred. Experience in marketing preferred.  Knowledge of SMU curriculum and programs 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 demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).

Candidate must have the ability to learn new software.

Candidate knowledge of PeopleSoft, Microsoft Teams, Qualtrics and Sharepoint is a strong plus.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Sit for long periods of timeBend, squat, standReach above shouldersCarry/lift over 25-50 lbs. Push/pull

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by February 15, 2023.

Deadline to apply: March 8, 2023.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

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.

Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas
Job: Other
Organization: Provost - Other
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day Job
Employee Status: Regular
Job Type: Staff
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Travel: No
Job Posting: Jan 25, 2023, 11:20:47 AM