Assistant Dean for Graduate Admissions - Full-Time Programs

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, seeks an Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions for the Cox School of Business.

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 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. 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 Cox:

Cox School of Business provides in an intimate, private-school setting and renowned professors with open doors. Cox allows students to kindle relationships through dozens of student clubs, speaker series, and mentoring programs — all designed to connect students with the best business minds around the globe.

Students of the Cox community, can count on savvy professional advice, networking opportunities and social connections that open doors around the world. Alumni are lifetime members of the dues-free SMU Cox Alumni Association. The Economist magazine ranks Cox No. 1 in the United States and No. 28 in the world for networking potential.

About the Position:

Reporting directly to the Senior Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions & Career Management, the Assistant Dean develops and implements strategy and tactics to attract, recruit, and admit top-tier candidates for Cox's suite of Full-time graduate programs (MBA FT 1 YR, MBA FT 2 YR, MSA, MSBA, MSF, MSM), ensuring Cox remains competitive and continuing to grow one of the college's most critical revenue streams. In this effort, the Assistant Dean provides day-to-day oversight of FT Grad Admissions team, ensuring effective execution of strategy and alignment with Cox stakeholders (senior leadership, Student Services, faculty, Marketing).

• Develop strategies for FT program portfolio, including program design/modification, branding, financial projections and operational execution. Translate vision into directives for managers with supporting goals and metrics, and collaborate with Senior Assistant Dean, internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with Cox strategy and effective implementation/ongoing support. 

• Direct team of 4-5 staff (Director/Associate Director/Coordinator/Contractors) to develop and sustain a high level of performance. Hire, train, supervise, motivate and evaluate team members, assessing and adjusting resources to sync with strategic plan and changing market conditions. 

• Create and implement processes for candidate awareness, application, assessment and yield that are effective, efficient and seamlessly integrate with other Cox Graduate programs. Partner with Cox leadership, Student Services, Career Center, Alumni Outreach, faculty, and vendors to enhance cooperation and create a consistently top-tier experience. 

• Collaborate with Senior Assistant Dean, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, Corporate Relations, and Marketing on planning and execution of B2B and B2C marketing and sales campaigns related to FT programs. Present to prospective students and corporate partners. 

• Provide support into holistic student experience for the full time MBA and MS programs. Ensure alignment with Student Services for registrar related items and CMC for career support. 

• Coordinate the accurate compilation and reporting of all FT admissions related data for ranking entities, internal reviews and publication. 

• Partner with Senior Assistant Dean in constructing departmental budgets to align spend with strategic priorities. Manage annual spending and tracking, providing recommendations to leadership for variations as needed. Track and allocate scholarship spend. 

• Travel to conferences and admissions related events as required. 

• Position requires evening and weekend work for admissions related programming. 

A Master's degree is required. MBA is preferred. 

A minimum of ten years of professional work experience with at least three years in graduate admissions is required. Experience leading and managing a professional staff is also required. Progressive admissions experience is desirable. 

Strong leadership, supervisory and team building experience is preferred, as is experience with change management.

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 (students, staff, faculty and prospective students). Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. Demonstrated track record of delivering results 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. A strong attention to detail and the ability to provide accurate information are essential.

Candidate must possess strategic planning, implementation and assessment abilities. Must also possess strong fiscal, planning, budgeting and data-driven assessment skills. The ability to provide focus and motivation to a professional staff is essential.

Candidate must demonstrate professional presentation skills with the ability to present clear and accurate information to small and large groups.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point, Must also have a strong command of the internet and email communication systems. 

An understanding of MBA/MS admissions is strongly preferred. Experience with Salesforce, Slate, Handshake and/or other admissions software is a plus.

Deadline to Apply:

Review of applications will begin immediately and full consideration will be given to all applications received by April 23, 2021. The position is open until filled.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time. 

SMU 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.