Director Of Strategic Partnerships - Division Of Enrollment Services

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:

The Director of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for the recruitment, evaluation and matriculation students that represent the inclusive excellence goals of the University. This person will develop and implement a strategy for increasing the number and diversity of students from traditionally underrepresented populations including from outside the United States. They will oversee relationships with counselors and government agencies, foreign credential evaluation, and the necessary documentation for international student enrollment. Extended travel, both foreign and domestic, will be required.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and implement strategic plan for key inclusive excellence communities (i.e. First Generation, Pell, International Baccalaureate, etc.) as well as international recruitment for any country outside the United States. Travel extensively around the world.

• Evaluate international academic credentials and admission applications for undergraduate first-year and transfer students; chair the International Admission Committee to render admission decisions; serve as expert in foreign academic credentials for the Division of Enrollment Services; build relationships with official representatives of foreign governments and cultural affairs offices.

• Collect and analyze data to inform decision making and provide reports to the Dean of Admission and Director of Recruitment on those inclusive excellence communities; use data to inform recruitment and admission strategies, events and programming.

• Participate in the leadership of the undergraduate admission office through staff training, program management, and other responsibilities as assigned.

• Serve as liaison to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services and other offices across campus that serve these communities; coordinate necessary paperwork and documentation between these office and the admission office.

• Represent the University to major international professional organizations (e.g. OACAC, CIS, etc.); build relationships with international high school counselors, government, consulate, and education agency personnel (US State Department's EdUSA, Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission, etc.) As well as develop and coordinate current student and alumni volunteers to assist within those communities.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree is required for this position.

A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required.

Work experience recruiting for a nonprofit, selective, four-year residential research university with international recruitment experience required. Preference given to candidate who is able to give presentations in Spanish and converse with applicants and prospects whose first language is Spanish.

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.

Familiarity with SMU or other four-year selective residential universities is a plus. Fluency in a language other than English is highly preferred (special preference will be given to fluency in Spanish, Chinese or Arabic but other foreign languages would be considered); working knowledge of education systems in SMU's major international markets is helpful (China, Central America, Europe and the Middle East);

A valid driver's license and passport and good driving history required (night driving required).

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

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

• Bend, Squat, Stand

• Walk for long distances

• Reach above shoulder

• Handle objects (dexterity)

• Push/Pull; Carry/Lift 25 lbs.

• Drives motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

Priority consideration will be given to those who apply by June 28, 2024.

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.