Executive Assistant 1 (Lyle School of Engineering)

Southern Methodist University
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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 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 the Department:

SMU’s Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering, founded in 1925, is one of the oldest engineering schools in the Southwest. The school offers eight undergraduate and 29 graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees, through the departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Computer Science; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; and Operations Research and Engineering Management. Lyle students participate in programs in the unique Deason Innovation Gym, providing the tools and space to work on immersion design projects and competitions to accelerate leadership development and the framework for innovation; the Hart Center for Engineering Leadership, helping students develop nontechnical skills to prepare them for leadership in diverse technical fields; the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education, developing new methodologies for incorporating engineering education into K-12 schools; and the Hunter and Stephanie Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanity, combining technological innovation with business expertise to address global poverty.

About the Position:

This Executive Assistant provides day-to-day managerial, executive level administrative, project management, and logistical support to multiple Assistant and/or Associate Deans in the Lyle School. The position manages high level projects with a great deal of autonomy on behalf of Associate and Assistant Deans. The position manages and maintains systems and processes under purview of Associate and Assistant Deans and provides overflow and backup support for Dean's Office. The Executive Assistant ensures confidential handling of departmental files, data, and correspondence.

We seek an Executive Assistant who shares our values of a diverse and equitable workplace based on collaborative teamwork, personal initiative, and a commitment to consistency and excellence.

Essential Functions:

  • Position provides day-to-day managerial, executive level administrative, project management, and logistical support to multiple Associate and Assistant Deans, including making necessary decisions on behalf of the deans. Ability to deal with confidential materials is essential.
  • Manages high level projects with a great deal of autonomy on behalf of Associate and Assistant Deans. Serves as project manager/project coordinator as needed to ensure projects continue to stay on schedule and provides regular status updates to Associate and Assistant Deans. Manages events and planning, promotes internal events, conferences, and lectures.
  • Manages and maintains systems and processes under purview of Associate and Assistant Deans. Oversees and coordinates support for Associate and Assistant Deans in academic, research, and administrative duties including overseeing grant budgets, processing paperwork, conducting research and collecting statistics as needed.
  • Drafts and prepares letters, monthly reports, responses, and memorandum on behalf of Associate and Assistant Deans. Proof and edit documents as needed.
  • Organizes and maintains calendars for Associate and Assistant Deans, schedules meetings and appointments; plans and makes all arrangements for meetings, including all logistics and catering. Screens and refers calls; answers questions in areas under the purview of Associate and Assistant Deans. Assists Associate and Assistant Deans in meetings with regards to taking formal minutes or informal notes and may undertake other tasks or research as needed.

Job Requirements:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree is required. Three years executive level administrative experience is required.

Experience working in a college or university setting is a plus. The ability to interface professionally with high level internal and external constituents is essential.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required. Must possess the ability to quickly learn new software.

Experience maintaining and reporting data, survey results and other program reports, is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must have outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the proper use of spelling, grammar and punctuation, with the ability to produce error-free communications.

Candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills and communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies. Must have excellent customer service orientation.Must have outstanding organizational, and time management skills. Must possess the ability to manage concurrent projects.

Candidate must be a proactive problem solver with the ability to independently seek alternatives and recommend solutions.

Candidate must have the ability to maintain confidentiality and deal with highly sensitive materials.

Must be able to monitor expenditures against budget, prepare documents for approval and appropriately handle financial responsibility. A strong attention to detail and accuracy is needed.

Candidate must be able to adapt to new processes and technological advances.

Candidate must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others.

Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

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

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 10, 2022.

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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