Assistant Director for Operations (HR Title: Manager Academic Programs) 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 Department:



The John Goodwin Tower Center for Public Policy and International Affairs seeks to bridge the gap between the world of ideas, scholarship and teaching, and the practical application of ethical public leadership and responsibility among undergraduates. The Tower Center is a nonpartisan, academic center that values diversity of thought and encourages all parties and views to be heard in a marketplace of ideas.



About the Position:



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


Administers all Tower Center programs and manages external affairs under the supervision of the Tower Center Director and the Special Advisor. Liaison to TC Board of Directors; the Faculty Advisory Board; and the Owens Foundation Board. Assists the Director in managing the Tower Center budget, Tower Center Forum and other contributors; handles all gifts and collaborates on all new funding proposals. Coordinates with Dedman College and SMU Development on major new fundraising initiatives alongside the Special Advisor and the Director. Works with the Director, the Special Advisor, the Director of Studies, and the staff to ensure the management of all programs, including (1) scheduling, (2) organization and design, (3) marketing; and (4) execution. This is a full time (9 am-5 pm) job requiring occasional work on evenings and weekends. Manages three (3) director reports and two indirect reports.



Essential Functions:

• Operations managements. Including staff management and oversight. Administrative tasks such as budget oversight and reporting.
  
  


• Administer programs and events. The expansion of TC programs in in the last two years has been substantial. New initiatives include administering annual bi-national conferences in Mexico and Japan, the new Tower Scholars program, the new Texas-Mexico program, the new Latino Politics program, and expanded activities through new gifts to the Sun & Star Program and the Security & Strategy Program.
  
  


• Outreach and fundraising. TC fundraising has vastly expanded in the last two years, both in terms of the number of donors, the variety of sources, and the total amount. Liaison to TC Board of Directors; the Faculty Advisory Board; and the Owens Foundation Board
  
  

Qualifications



Education and Experience:



Bachelor's degree is required.


A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required. Candidate with work experience in Higher Education is desired.



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:



Candidate with event management experience is preferred. Experience leading nonprofit organizations is desired. Candiadte 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.



Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:



Priority consideration may be given to those submissions received by April 4, 2025.


Deadline to apply: April 11, 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