Administrative Specialist II, O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute

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:

SMU's O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute was launched in Fall 2020. The Institute aims to develop research connections between SMU's faculty affiliates and corporations, federal/state/local governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

The Institute strives to provide these partners with access to graduate and undergraduate students in our data science programs for project participation, internships, and potential full-time employment. We also serve as a gateway to SMU's high performance computing environment and data science training tutorials and workshops.

About the Position:

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

The position manages day to day operations of the O'Donnell Data Science and Research Computing Institute (ODSRCI) and supports the research goals of ODSRCI by ensuring compliance and serving as the primary contact for the Institute.


The position also supports the goals and objectives of the ODSRCI in the areas of professional and program development, marketing, events and workshops, and academic and corporate relations.

Essential Functions:

• Provide administrative support to Institute staff. Serve as primary point of contact for all inquiries. Serve as liaison of ODSRCI to SMU, faculty, staff, students, and the public. Oversee and coordinate support for the Institute in academic, research, and administration, including making travel arrangement for Inst. staff. Schedule faculty meetings, subcommittee mtgs, oversee board mtgs.
• Develop standard best practices, oversee continuous quality improvement and develop/modify policies procedures and processes. Draft and prepare letters, monthly reports, and responses on behalf ODSRCI. Assist with Graduate RA/postdoc contracts, reporting, visa issues.
• Oversee financial processes and budgets. Create and manage budget and works with the Provost Financial Officer. Prepare financial forms. Oversee financial aspects of conferences. Purchasing/requisitioning supplies. Entering expense reports, budget monitoring and entering procurement card reports.
• Support the activities of the ODSRCI. Create marketing materials, newsletters, social media and website content, design, edits, and updates. Coordination of conferences, guest travel, accommodations, catering, as well as external communications and publications associated with related activities. Develop and execute programs.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree with two years of work experience providing administrative support is required.

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. A strong customer service orientation is essential.


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 with the ability to manage concurrent projects and multiple task. A strong focus on attention to detail and the ability to work independently, as well as part of a team are essential.


Candidates must have a strong working knowledge of MS Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Reliable attendance and punctuality are required.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

June 8, 2026

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by May 25, 2026.


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, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io .

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 .