Southern Methodist University

Assistant Director for Early Outreach (HR Title: Student Recruiter II) - (PRO00000347)

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 Position:

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

The Assistant Director for Early Outreach will represent SMU to middle and early high school prospective students, parents, and school counselors for the purpose of early recruitment and education in Dallas County. This role develops targeted outreach and educational programs, guiding students and their families through key steps in college planning. Advises students about academic planning, and application strategies to strengthen their future college candidacy.

Essential Functions:

• Recruit prospective undergraduate students to the University through relationships with middle school and early high school students through innovative and school level-appropriate presentations, workshops, and campus visits. Provide personalized guidance to students and families regarding educational pathways, academic requirements, and college readiness.
• Work closely with the Inclusive Excellence Team in Undergraduate Admission to coordinate and integrate events and education as needed. It is also helpful for the seamless hand-off as students reach their high school senior year.
• Conduct market research for recruitment region and create strategic plan. Communicate and build relationships with alumni, current students, parents, school counselors in Dallas County, and community advocates. Manage communication and follow-up with these groups.
• Weekly and monthly reporting on achievements, challenges, and student/parent/partner interactions. Track, monitor, and assess recruitment and engagement efforts and report on effectiveness.
• Manage and develop programming and recruitment strategies that support office and university initiatives.
• Assist with admission programs as assigned. Attend meetings/conferences. Attend all division and team meetings, as well as attend staff development activities. Support recruitment programs as appropriate and assist with other Enrollment Services areas as needed. Management of projects not exclusive to region which may include but are not limited to website, social media, CRM, and vendors.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s is required.

A minimum of three years of experience is required

Work experience recruiting for a nonprofit, selective, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences university/college or a two year non-profit college is a plus. Preference given to candidate who is able to give presentations in Spanish and converse with applicants and prospects whose first language is Spanish. Familiarity with SMU or other four-year selective residential universities, as well as community colleges 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.

Position requires the ability to attend events that may happen in the evening or on the weekend. Travel is frequent both local and regionally.

Demonstrated knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Outlook. Sufficient computer experience to demonstrate ability to learn new software.

Valid driver’s license and good driving history required. Requires evening and night driving.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

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

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by November 13, 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 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

: Individual Contributor

Job Type

: Full-time

Job Level

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 75 % of the Time

Job Posting

: Oct 31, 2025, 2:09:26 AM

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