Executive Assistant to the President Emeritus at Southern Methodist University Inc in Dallas, Texas

Job Description:

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 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 provides high-level support to the President Emeritus and serves as the primary point of contact for all internal and external constituencies seeking to engage with the President Emeritus. The Executive Assistant provides administrative support and is responsible for broad and complex assignments related to duties of the President Emeritus. Success in this position requires a strong executive presence, the ability to develop a strong working rapport with other, often high-profile offices, and keen attention to detail.



Essential Functions:

• Manages President Emeritus' calendar including coordination of meeting logistics, communication with participants, preparation of materials, and follow up activities. Efficiently rearranging to schedule urgent meetings/phone calls with a clear understanding of priorities. Requires a high level of judgment and discretion.


• Serve as assistant to the President Emeritus on a variety of matters and assists with correspondence and communications, including creating drafts and transcribing dictation, between the President Emeritus and trustees, donors, and internal and external VIPs and organizations. Maintain electronic files and correspondence logs.


• Serve as the first point of contact for the President Emeritus office and assist with high level administrative assignments. Address and prioritize daily requests including requests via email, phone, and other forms of correspondence. Triage critical issues requiring attention, determining the best method of response and ensuring that all issues are resolved in a timely manner.


• Serve as host for the President Emeritus office welcoming guests, creating a friendly environment, and making everyone feel comfortable.


• Other duties as assigned by the President Emeritus as required
  
  

Qualifications



Education and Experience:



A bachelor's degree and a minimum of five (5) years of work experience are required for the position.


Administrative experience supporting an executive level position in a higher education or non-profit setting is preferable.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:



The ideal candidate must demonstrate interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate across the University and broader community (SMU trustees, donors, students, and external VIPs) and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituents.


The candidate must also demonstrate effective communication skills in person, written and on the telephone. Good organizational skills and attention to detail are a must for this role.


Strong dictation transcription with good editing and grammar skills and discretion and confidentiality are critical.


Candidate must also possess good judgement and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions.


Proficiency in Microsoft Office is a must and working knowledge of Perceptive Content and FileMaker Pro is preferred.



Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time


• Reach above shoulders


• Bend

Deadline to Apply:



April 15, 2025.


Priority consideration will be given to those who apply by April 8, 2025.



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. Apply Now