Assistant Director, University Honors Programs (HR title: Senior Program Specialist)

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 role is a full-time partial year (10 month) position. Weeks off determined in consultation with the Dean of Honors and Scholars. Flexibility with hours with a later start to the day such as 10am to 6pm.

The position also requires teaching a 3 credit course in the summer to be negotiated with intersessions.  A second course determined in consultation with the Dean and based on student demand and approval by intersessions. 

The Honors & Scholars Senior Program Specialist will serve as the functional Assistant Director of the University Honors Program, an academic program with approximately 940 undergraduate students.

The Senior Program Specialist will assume a prominent outward facing leadership role and will serve as a functional advisor for UHP junior and seniors, as well as lead in the planning, orchestrating, and implementing of each semester's calendar of events.

This includes all programming for the UHP outside of formal classwork -- organizing and chairing the Honors Student Advisory Council, outreach, and communications with UHP (current & prospective) students through weekly or periodic emails and social media. 

Essential Functions:

• Lead in planning, orchestrating, and implementing each semester's calendar of events -- academic and social that are outside of the actual credit bearing Honors courses. This includes tracking student engagement in activities.  

• Monitor academic progress, particularly for juniors and seniors, and serve as the functional advisor for UHP students with Honors questions--transcripts, courses, graduation requirements, culminating or senior projects. Serve as the person responsible for all force matches and other data needed for individual transcripts for all UHP students. Assist in compiling the UHP course list each semester. 

• Engage with admissions to recruit and select the first year cohort each academic year. This includes campus in-person and virtual presentations during the day and in the evenings, when appropriate. Manage the communications campaign to recruit the students and orient them to the university for fall matriculation. Monitor student acceptance of invitations to meet participation goals. 

• Direct the University Honors Program Student Advisory Council and the Honors student mentor program.  Supervise UHP undergraduate student workers and/or graduate assistants as they organize and promote events and program opportunities.  

• Manage the regular communications during fall, spring, and summer with UHP students (current & perspective) through weekly emails, the UHP social media, and the UHP website. 

• Travel in the summer as part of the teaching obligations and limited travel during the academic year

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Ph.D. is required.

A minimum of three years of work experience is required. College teaching as a teaching assistant or independent instructor is also required.

Experience working in student programming or working directly with students 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.

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. Strong project management skills and a focus on attention to detail is essential.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of MS Office. Must also have a general understanding of managing and employing data relevant for program decisions. Experience with and/or knowledge of Slate preferred. Familiarity with social media platforms, graphic design, and communication tools desired.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, stand, push/pull, kneel
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift 25-50 lbs.

Deadline to Apply:

August 16, 2024

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 7, 2024

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.