Executive Assistant 2, Office of Research

Executive Assistant 2, Office of Research

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 Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) as well as the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies advance the goals of SMU's 2nd Century Strategic Plan to enhance the academic quality and stature of the University by supporting and safeguarding the growth of research and graduate education. ORI aims to provide leadership, quality communication, responsiveness and transparency to the research community. The ORI provides leadership in the development of new research initiatives, guidance and assistance through intellectual property development, grant management, and adherence to regulations and policies, and facilitates graduate recruitment, retention and graduation.

About the Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Executive Assistant provides comprehensive administrative support to the Vice Provost for Research and Chief Innovation Officer (VPR/CIO). The occupant has sole responsibility for scheduling meeting and oversight of the calendar of the VPR, and supports intra- and extramural communication, maintains records, maintains coordination with the Office of the Provost, assists with grant application and report processing, makes travel arrangements, prepares expense reports for the VPR and guests, organizes workflow and order supplies for Office of Research, processes invoice payments and oversees timely bill payment and transfer of funds, and supports special events organized by the OR.

Essential Functions

Provide comprehensive administrative support for the VPR for Research by coordinating with the Office of the Provost, the Deans, coordinating office communication with faculty, students, other SMU offices, and extramural entities, scheduling and oversight of the VPR's calendar, and making appointments and travel arrangements for the VPR. Identify, develop and implement strategies to improve office function, use of technology for communication, data management, office management, managing special events. Provide administrative and logistical support for special events for faculty and students, including multiple receptions and seminars. Support website content development and maintenance for the Office of Research, independently identifying need for and providing updated content as necessary, developing forms with SiteCore as required, and managing links for docusign. Act as point of contact for faculty, students, and extramural entities, and either personally address inquires or direct the inquiries to the VPR or staff members as appropriate to ensure timely response. Support the Chair of the University Research Council by scheduling meetings, processing faculty research and travel grant proposals, recording the minutes and recommendations of Council meetings, and preparing draft notifications to faculty of URC decisions for the signature of the VPR. Oversee final plans and schedules of distinguished guests, speakers, and interviewees for open positions in the Research Office, arranging travel arrangements and expenses as appropriate. Ensure timely processing of invoices, bill payments and transfer of funds. Position requires occasional work on weekends or in evenings to cover special events.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree is required. Master's degree is preferred. A minimum of five years of professional work experience providing administrative support, program support and/or project management is required. Experience coordinating special events preferred. Experience providing staff support in a high-profile administrative office or experience in an office that supports a high-level executive or senior management desired. Experience working with a wide range of constituencies and interests preferred. Work or volunteer experience in higher education, or a non-profit organization, is a plus. Experience in analysis of office functions and workflow management and the development of innovative solutions to improve productivity and efficiency 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 with the ability to exercise diplomacy. 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 deadlines in a fast-paced team environment. Must also demonstrate a high level of initiative on assignments, with the ability to work with minimal supervision and follow through with appropriate actions. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to be resourceful, proactive, and seek assistance as needed. Strong process and/or project management experience is essential. Candidate must demonstrate high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel). Experience with and/or a strong knowledge of SharePoint, SiteCore and/or Adobe desired. A strong technical aptitude with the ability to learn new software quickly is essential.

Physical and Environmental Demands: Sit for long periods of time Bend Carry/lift 25 lbs. Reach above shoulders Squat Handle objects (dexterity) Walk for long distances

Deadline to Apply: June 19, 2026. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by June 12, 2026. 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, 10 % of the Time Job Posting: Jun 8, 2026, 10:43:18 PM