Parent & Family Programs Assistant Director (HR Title: Student Success Professional II)
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 Department:

This position is housed under the Dean of Students and is part of the Office of Student Advocacy & Support. This position reports directly to the Assistant Dean of Students and Director for the Office of Student Advocacy & Support (OSAS). OSAS is dedicated to working collaboratively with parents and families to support students throughout their collegiate journey.

About the Position:

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

The Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the vision, initiatives, programs, and daily operations of Parent and Family Programs. The Assistant Director will design programs and services to support student success through collaboration with parents and families throughout each phase of their student's SMU experience. The Assistant Director will serve as the liaison for parents and families and assist with providing information, guidance and resources to parents and families in order to assist in supporting their student. The Assistant Director will serve as the lead on programs for parent and family members of SMU's college students as they support their student throughout their time at the University. The Assistant Director is responsible for overall office operations including budget, communications, marketing, and event implementation for a variety of annual projects as well as advising the parent and family association(s).

Essential Functions:

• Serves as the main contact for families seeking information, guidance, and resources so they can appropriately support their student throughout the SMU experience. Serves as a liaison between families and campus support services. Manages systems, such as Maxient, to collect and track parent/family questions/concerns.
  
• Advises and supports the leadership teams for the SMU Mothers' and Dads' Clubs made up of annual and lifetime members. This includes advising the organization on programming, financial planning and management, and responding to parent concerns.
  
• Designs programs and services to equip families with skills and resources to support their student (i.e. Family Orientation activities, Family Calendar, Who's New at SMU Booklet).
  
• Oversees and manages CampusESP, a platform used to communicate with over 14,000 SMU family members. Produces timely and interesting content to drive user engagement. Hosts trainings for campus partners to use the platform as needed. Oversees marketing, social media, publications/ brochures and communications for Parent and Family Programs.
  
• Oversees an orientation program aimed to help new students and families transition to SMU prior to the start of classes. Collaborates with other University offices such as Development and External Affairs, Orientation, Student Academic Engagement and Success, Hegi Career Development Center, Admissions and more to provide information and services to parents and families.
  
• Works with external partners interested in providing services for the SMU community and ensures they are compliant with institutional policies and procedures (i.e. Mustang Laundry, and community sponsorship opportunities).
  
• Serves on relevant divisional and institution committees such as SMU Aware, a team comprised of several campus administrators who manage emergency communication. Other duties as assigned.
  
• Occasional evening/weekend hours are required to support programs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Master's degree is required.

A minimum of three years of experience is required. Experience working with parents and understanding/knowledge of pertinent issues regarding family involvement in higher education is preferred. Experience working with event programming is a plus. Experience working with data sets and systems is also a plus.

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 must be skilled in establishing systems and managing data.

Candidate ability to work well with students in counseling, training, and advising situations is essential.

Candidate must possess high-level, interpersonal and networking skills, as well as a professional demeanor that thrives in an intense deadline-filled environment.

Candidate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other related programs is essential.

Candidate familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and web editing software (i.e. Sitecore) is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.

Deadline to Apply:

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.

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