Executive Assistant to the Dean (HR Title: Executive Assistant 2)

**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:

The Simmons School of Education and Human Development works to advance education, human flourishing, and community wellbeing through evidence-based practice, collaborative partnerships, and innovative research centers. Simmons offers nationally recognized graduate programs across Applied Physiology & Sport Management, Counseling, Education Policy & Leadership, Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies, and Teaching & Learning, and its EdD/PhD pathways. The School also offers undergraduate programs in Educational Studies, Sport Management, Sport Performance Leadership, and Applied Physiology & Health Management, preparing students to become impactful educators, leaders, and practitioners in their local and global communities.

About the Position:

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

The Executive Assistant will be highly organized, proactive, and professional Executive Assistant to support the Dean and the operations of the Dean’s Office. This role serves as the operational hub of the dean’s suite, ensuring the smooth coordination of the dean’s schedule, communications, meetings, and administrative workflow. The Executive Assistant plays a key role in helping the Dean manage priorities, anticipate upcoming needs, and ensure that meetings and engagements are well prepared and productive. Working in close partnership with the Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff, the Executive Assistant supports the coordination of leadership priorities and helps ensure that the Dean’s Office operates efficiently and professionally. This position requires exceptional discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced academic environment.

Essential Functions:

• Executive Support to the Dean. Provide high-level administrative and logistical support to the Dean. Responsibilities include: Managing a complex and dynamic calendar, coordinating meetings with university leadership, faculty, staff, donors, and external partners. Anticipating scheduling conflicts and proactively managing adjustments to the dean’s calendar. Preparing briefing materials and background information to ensure the dean is well prepared for meetings and engagements. Coordinating meeting logistics including agendas, materials, and follow-up actions. Managing confidential correspondence and sensitive administrative matters. Ensuring timely follow-up on requests, communications, and administrative needs associated with the dean’s leadership responsibilities.

• Leadership Workflow Management. Support the effective management of the dean’s priorities and commitments. Responsibilities include: Maintaining awareness of the dean’s key priorities, initiatives, and upcoming commitments. Tracking action items and follow-ups associated with leadership meetings and decisions. Helping ensure the dean’s time and meeting schedule align with strategic priorities.

• Dean’s Office Operations. Serve as the central administrative coordinator for the Dean’s suite. Responsibilities include: Coordinating visitors, meetings, and internal communication. Managing office logistics and supporting day-to-day operations. Assisting with workflow related to approvals, documents, and institutional processes. Maintaining an organized and responsive office environment.

• Dean’s Office Leadership: Oversee special projects within the Dean’s Office. Lead designated staff or project teams as assigned. Ensure effective coordination between academic and administrative functions. Handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.

• Event and Engagement Support. Provide logistical support for key events and leadership engagements hosted by the Dean’s Office. Responsibilities include: Assisting with planning and coordination of school events, advisory boards, and leadership gatherings. Supporting logistics for donor events and external engagements. Coordinating invitations, materials, and event preparation. Working collaboratively with advancement, communications, and school leadership teams.

• Travel and Administrative Logistics. Support travel planning and related administrative needs. Responsibilities include: Coordinating travel arrangements for the Dean. Preparing travel itineraries and materials. Managing expense reports and reimbursements. Ensuring travel logistics align with the dean’s schedule and institutional priorities.

• Coordination with Leadership Team. Work closely with the Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives & Chief of Staff to support the operational needs of the Dean’s leadership team. Responsibilities include: Assisting with scheduling and logistics for leadership meetings. Managing Chief of Staff’s calendar. Supporting follow-up on key initiatives and leadership discussions. Helping ensure alignment between the dean’s calendar, priorities, and ongoing initiatives.

• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required to support school priorities.