Program Specialist, Student Engagement 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:



SMU's Lyle School of Engineering thrives on innovation that transcends traditional boundaries. We strongly believe in the power of externally funded, industry-supported research to drive progress and provide exceptional students with valuable industry insights. Our mission is to lead the way in digital transformation within engineering education, all while ensuring that every student graduates as a confident leader. Founded in 1925, SMU Lyle is one of the oldest engineering schools in the Southwest, offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees.



About the Position:



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


The Program Specialist for Student Engagement oversees operations, mentorship coordination, and student engagement for a peer mentoring program that supports first-year and transfer students in the Lyle School of Engineering at SMU. This role ensures a smooth transition into engineering and computer science by creating a welcoming environment, fostering meaningful mentoring relationships between undergraduate peer mentors and mentees, coordinating program activities, and providing ongoing, individualized guidance and support.


The Program Specialist is responsible for program administration, student recruitment, weekly event coordination, mentor training and supervision, and assessing program outcomes through data collection and analysis. Reporting to the Program Director of Student Engagement, this position plays a critical role in students' development, well-being, and persistence in Lyle.



Essential Functions:

• Student Support & Advocacy: Hold individualized meetings with mentees to build rapport and assess academic progress, personal challenges, and resource needs. Identify at-risk students through mentor reports and academic performance. Advocate for students by working with academic advisors, financial aid, and campus support offices to address academic, financial, and personal concerns.
  
  


• Peer Mentor Oversight & Support: Ensure peer mentors are responsive and fulfilling their responsibilities to mentees and the program. Oversee mentor engagement, including adherence to job responsibilities, to maintain program integrity and student support. Serve as point of contact for mentors seeking assistance and respond promptly, as needed, to address mentee needs.
  
  


• Program Operations & Logistics Oversight: Ensure the daily operations of the program run smoothly by overseeing logistics such as event planning, room reservations, supply orders, and purchasing. Serve as a final check to confirm all details are handled properly. Address any operational gaps, ensuring that the program functions efficiently and aligns with its goals.
  
  


• Student Coordinator Supervision: Train and oversee student coordinators, providing professional development opportunities while ensuring they effectively manage program logistics. Guide them in problem-solving and communication strategies as they oversee peer mentors. Offer additional support as needed to ensure student coordinators maintain accountability and successfully execute their tasks.
  
  


• Evidence-Based Program Development: Apply research on student success, mentoring, and retention in engineering and computer science to inform program improvements. Use data and best practices in higher education to enhance student support strategies. Stay current on trends in engineering education and student development to ensure the program evolves to meet the needs of underrepresented students, including first-generation students and the hidden curriculum.
  
  


• Student Recruitment & Outreach: Identify and recruit eligible students before they start at SMU, particularly in the summer and spring. Collaborate with admissions and other departments to engage prospective students. Design outreach materials, presentations, and events to introduce students to the program and provide early support before their transition to college. Oversee summer recruitment and mentor-mentee pairing processes.
  
  


• Occasional evening/weekend hours will be required for student social events, seminars and recruitment season.
  
  

Qualifications



Education and Experience:



A Bachelor's degree is required.


A minimum of two (2) years of experience in program management, student support services, mentorship programs, or academic advising is required. Experience in a higher education setting, particularly within engineering, STEM fields, or student affairs 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.


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 familiarity with event planning and execution is a plus.


Candidate proficiency in analyzing data and generating reports is preferred.


Candidate knowledge of college student development theories, engineering education trends, and best practices for supporting students is preferred.


Candidate ability to produce error-free communication, including proper use of grammar and spelling, is required.


Candidate must be able to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) . Familiarity with Canva, Adobe, and other similar creative software is preferred.


Candidate knowledge of database management (Qualtrics) to monitor and track student engagement is preferred. Familiarity with various social media platforms and Canvas LMS is preferred. Ability to learn new software quickly is essential.



Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time


• Carry/lift 25 lbs


• Push/pull

Deadline to Apply:



Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by April 1, 2025.


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, 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