Job Details

Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President and Provost

Position Number: 6717700
Location: Dallas, TX
Position Type: Executive Assistants

Executive Assistant to the Executive Vice President and Provost

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

A nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching.

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:

SMU's Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP) oversees all the academic programs and units of the University; supporting and shaping the direction of undergraduate and graduate education; supporting faculty teaching and research; and overseeing academic policies of the University.

The ultimate mission of the office is to support and implement the academic mission of SMU: to create new knowledge, and to provide a transformative education that will equip students to be lifelong learners and engaged citizens in a globalized, diverse, and rapidly changing world.

The deans, associate and assistant provosts, together with the provost's administrative and operations staff, support the Executive Vice President and Provost in carrying out the responsibilities of the Provost.

About the Position:

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

This role provides high-level administrative and operational support to the Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP), ensuring smooth day-to-day operations across Academic Affairs and effective coordination with internal and external stakeholders. It requires strong executive presence, discretion, and the ability to build trusted relationships across campus and beyond. The position also supports strategic initiatives that connect academic priorities with student experience, institutional planning, and cross-divisional collaboration.

Essential Functions:

Executive Support & Calendar Management:
- Manage a dynamic calendar for the EVPP, including scheduling, rescheduling, and prioritizing meetings-often including evenings and weekends.
- Prepare detailed daily itineraries and meeting materials.
- Triaging and prioritizing critical issues requiring the EVPP's or designee's attention.
- Coordinate meetings with EVPP's direct reports and other senior leaders.
- Support the university's annual budget process through scheduling and logistics.
Communication & Correspondence:
- Draft professional communications, memoranda, and responses on behalf of the EVPP and the Office of the Provost.
- Monitor multiple inboxes and phone lines, including the Office of the Provost, to ensure timely and professional responses.
  Flag and follow up on incoming correspondence requiring action or attention.
Front Desk & Office Operations:
- Serve as the first point of contact for visitors, calls, and inquiries to the EVPP Office.
- Support front desk operations and ensure a welcoming and professional environment.
- Manage office supplies, equipment needs, and general operational support.
Event & Meeting Coordination:
- Coordinate logistics for academic ceremonies, retreats, social engagements, and high-profile events. Partner closely with the Executive Support Coordinator for catering arrangements, venue setup, and on-site execution to ensure seamless event delivery.
- Liaise with Development and External Affairs and academic deans to ensure seamless event coordination.
- Assist with planning and execution of Council of Deans meetings and Academic Leadership Forum sessions.
- Assist in preparing and distributing materials for quarterly Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee meetings.
Memberships:
- Maintain and renew memberships for the EVPP Office, ensuring accurate records.
- Register EVPP leadership and staff for professional conferences, tracking deadlines and handling logistics.
Strategic & Cross-Divisional Support:
- Support initiatives that align academic priorities with student experience and institutional goals.
- Collaborate across divisions to ensure effective communication and coordination.
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required.

A minimum of seven years of professional work experience providing administrative/executive support is required. Event coordination experience is also required.

Experience providing staff support in a high profile administrative office or experience in an office that supports a high level executive or senior management is strongly preferred. Experience in higher education is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal communications skills to effectively interact with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must also demonstrate a strong customer service orientation. The ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changing priorities and needs is essential.

Candidate must demonstrate strong written communication skills with ability to disseminate information into precise and effective written communications. Must also demonstrate a strong focus on attention to detail (with grammar/spelling, data, etc.).

Candidate must possess strong time management, organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet. Must also demonstrate a high level of initiative on assignments, with the ability to work with minimal supervision and follow through with appropriate actions. Strong process and/or project management experience is essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to be resourceful, proactive, and seek assistance as needed. Must also have the ability to exercise diplomacy and adhere to strict confidential standards.

Candidate must demonstrate a high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel). A strong technical aptitude with the ability to learn new software quickly is essential.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Sit for long periods of time
Carry/lift 25 lbs.
Handle objects (dexterity)

Deadline to Apply:

The 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 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.

Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas

Job: Administrative Managers & Professionals

Organization: Provost - Other

Schedule: Regular

Shift: Staff

Employee Status: Director

Job Type: Full-time

Job Level: Day Job

Travel: No

Job Posting: Oct 20, 2025, 2:48:47 PM

To apply, visit https://smu.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=PRO00000346&tz=GMT%2B00%3A00&tzname=UTC