Executive Assistant 2 - Perkins School of Theology

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:

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, with an extension program in Houston/Galveston. 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 Executive Assistant is a confidential staff management position reporting directly to the Dean within Perkins School of Theology. The position works collaboratively with the Chief of Staff and others in senior administration (e.g., Associate Deans, Assistant Deans, Center Directors, Director of Development, and Business Manager) to provide counsel and management support to the Dean, primarily at the intersection of the Dean's initiatives and administrative operations.

The Executive Assistant provides oversight of administrative support services for the Office of the Dean working with other administrative offices and communicates on a variety of matters between the Dean's office and the Provost's office, as well as other central administrative offices on campus.

We seek an Executive Assistant who shares our values of a diverse, and equitable workplace based on collaborative teamwork, personal initiative, and a commitment to consistency and excellence.

Essential Functions:

Serves as an administrative liaison between the Dean's Office and the Office of the Provost as well as with other campus wide units/entities/counterparts such as College/Schools, budget/finance, human resources, facilities, development and external affairs, and information technology, including inquiries for data, documents, and policies.
Provides direct administrative support to the Dean’s office including but not limited to manage the Dean’s calendar, make and confirm appointments, respond to office inquiries via email or phone, welcome and provide hospitality to office visitors and guests, and manage digital/paper documents and office filing systems.
Provides research and curates background materials for the Dean’s communications: sensitive or high-level correspondence, reports, oral speaking engagements and documents distributed to the campus and to school partners, alumni and donors. Includes support for external speaking engagements and academic conferences. Participates, as necessary, in key constituent meetings and ensure appropriate and responsive follow-up regarding projects and initiatives.
Plans logistics for school-wide programs and visitors coming to campus, maintains a yearly calendar of events and deadlines, plans and secures travel and meals, reconciles Concur for travel and expenses, and assists with event, space, and facilities management.
Prepares meeting materials including agenda, PowerPoint slides, and documents for Dean’s Council, Academic Leadership Council, one-on-one meetings with the Provost, Faculty meetings, Administrative Council meetings, and the like.
Collaborates and coordinates with Development to schedule meetings/calls with donors and Executive Board members, prepares for Executive Board and Campaign Steering Committee meetings in March and October, assists the Dean in maintaining communication with church leaders, university offices, and other stakeholders, and helps prepare necessary reports and correspondence from the Dean’s office to church bodies, accreditors, and others.
Supports Perkins faculty and staff members servicing the school by providing broad policy oversight of all personnel functions within the school including managing logistics for searches/hiring, researching leaves/release time, promotion/tenure for faculty, coordinates annual faculty reviews, tracks and manages faculty publications, and maintains school-level personnel files including contract letters, compensation records, and correspondence regarding the recruitment, retention, and promotion.
Occasional event/weekend hours are required. This position may need to be available as needed for projects, events, or emergencies which may occur outside of normal business hours.
Special projects as needed, and other duties as assigned by Chief of Staff or Dean.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree is required.

Five years of professional work experience is required, two years of administrative experience in a university setting is 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. The ability to create error free communication using proper grammar and spelling is essential.

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 independently to solve problems and must demonstrate initiative.

Candidate knowledge of the United Methodist Church is a plus.

Strong understanding of Microsoft suite products is required. Knowledge of PeopleSoft, Digital Measures, and Concur are a plus.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Sit for long periods of timeCarry/lift 25 lbs. StandWalk for long distances

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by March 1, 2023.

This position is open until filled. 

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, [email protected].

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: Office and Administrative Support
Organization: Perkins School of Theology
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day Job
Employee Status: Regular
Job Type: Staff
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Travel: No
Job Posting: Jan 30, 2023, 5:56:36 PM