Senior Program Specialist, The Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom
Southern Methodist University Inc

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.

The Senior Program Specialist provides support for initiatives associated with The Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom.

The position provides daily support to direct reports and program management. including donor relations and
development, center budgeting and finances, marketing activities (e.g. website management and marketing
materials), student and external event planning, organizational administrative and operational aspects of all programs.

The position will maintain accurate database, coordinate with vendors; assist in the preparation of annual reports;
processing of student awards, payment requests, and expense reimbursements.

This position also includes significant duties in managing events both in the DFW area as well as outside the DFW area, event planning, budgeting, and administration in support of the Teaching Free Enterprise program.

Essential Functions:

• Essential Function 1 Program/Event Mgmt/Administrative Sup: Assist in the planning, development and coordination of marketing and recruitment efforts, respond to inquiries, handle registration and event e-blasts, oversee catering/space management/A/V needs, coordinate/schedule arrangements for speakers, process payments, order and organize materials. Sourcing of preferred vendors of promotional items for best price.
  
  
• Provide administrative support to Director, Managing Director, and affiliated faculty including: processing travel,
  reimbursements, expense reports, purchase requisitions, payroll; maintain mailing lists, prepare external
  communication; provide Center metrics and evaluations; create and manage calendars; research assistance, and
  order supplies.
  
  
• Marketing: Develop/maintain website, email marketing, and manage social media presence. Prepare event collateral as needed. Work closely with Cox Public Relations to help market the Center and contribute to the design and distribution of marketing/promotional materials.
  
  
• Recruitment/Development/Donor Relations: Work closely with Cox, SMU Development, and Center staff to plan and execute annual giving efforts; create/maintain donor/sponsor database with discretion; and assist with the preparation of annual reports to funding agencies and donors.
  
  
• Budgeting and Reporting. Manage Center budgets on a daily basis; budget analysis; maintain programming budget, assist in the development of the Center annual operating budget; journal entries, and prepare revenue/expense and budget variance reports.
  
  
• Co-manage student workers.
  
  
• Serve as a liaison to OIT and facilities to support technology and office operations.
  
• Research ideas for new programming and opportunities and assist with preparation of grant proposals.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's is required. Master's preferred.

A minimum of five years of work experience is required.

Experience administering academic programs is desirable, as well as a background in a university setting working with students and faculty alike or background in campus or corporate recruitment. Excellent oral and written communication
skills.

Previous experience managing multiple budgets preferred. Previous experience planning professional events is a plus.

External development and marketing experience is highly desirable

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 be a self-starter and demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as in collaboratively in implementing the goals and objectives of the Institute. Must be willing to undertake various departmental administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating events and reimbursements. A high degree of professionalism and the ability to work effectively with different groups is essential. Position will require the ability to handle donor information with discretion.

Candidate must possess strong analytical and 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 with the ability to work on multiple projects.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet research. A working knowledge of and/or experience with database management or social networking tools, preferred. Experience with website maintenance including changing content on website, posting pictures, developing web-friendly forms, desired.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

December 16, 2024

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by December 9, 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.

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