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 Assistant Director of Signature Academic Experiences is a dynamic and student-focused professional responsible for developing and implementing new signature academic programs that enhance the residential experience by connecting academic life with on-campus living. This role focuses on creating academic initiatives that promote academic support, foster student success, increases interactions with faculty, and strengthen a sense of belonging within the residential community. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with residential life staff, campus partners, and student leaders to design initiatives that align with institutional retention goals and contribute to the overall development of students. Reporting to the Director of Academic Initiatives, this position plays a vital role in shaping a positive and supportive academically engaging residential culture.

Essential Functions: Lead the development of new unique, high-impact academic experiences tailored to each of the 11 commons. Collaborate with faculty-in-residence, commons student leadership, faculty affiliates, staff, and academic departments, to align signature academic experiences with institutional learning outcomes and community themes. Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and engagement of Faculty and Staff Affiliates for each residential commons. Design meaningful opportunities for interaction between affiliates and students. Co-lead the Connect Faculty initiative with the Director of Academic Initiatives. Supervise academic initiatives student employees to support academic experiences and programs. Plan and execute the annual HOPE Banquet and other recognition events that celebrate academic excellence. Identify and implement additional strategies to elevate and acknowledge academic achievement among residents throughout the year. Work closely with campus partners such as Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and campus partners to align residential initiatives with institutional goals. Assess, gather data, and evaluate programs to ensure they meet the intended outcomes. Assist with training and professional development for residential life staff related to program planning and student engagement. Maintain program budget. Support the department, division and University in strategic planning and other duties as assigned. Occasional evening/weekend hours will be required for events related to departmental and university initiatives. Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, or College Student Counseling and Personnel is a plus.

A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required. Experience in Residential Life, Academic Affairs, or Student Affairs-especially involving academic support or student engagement in a college/university setting is 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 ability to demonstrate success in developing and implementing academic programs or high-impact educational practices is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands: Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 15, 2025.

This position is open until filled .

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. 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 .