Executive Assistant 2, Office of Research

Job Category Administrative Managers & Professionals Salary Range Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications 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 meetings and overseeing the VPR’s calendar, supports intra- and extramural communication, maintains records, coordinates 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 orders supplies for the 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, and other SMU offices. Coordinate office communication with faculty, students, other SMU offices, and extramural entities, schedule and oversee the VPR’s calendar, and make appointments and travel arrangements. Identify, develop, and implement strategies to improve office function, technology use for communication, data management, office management, and event management. Provide administrative and logistical support for special events for faculty and students, including receptions and seminars. Support website content development and maintenance for the Office of Research, update content as needed, develop forms with SiteCore, and manage links for DocuSign. Act as point of contact for faculty, students, and extramural entities, address inquiries in person or direct them to the VPR or staff as appropriate. Support the Chair of the University Research Council by scheduling meetings, processing research and travel grant proposals, recording minutes and recommendations, and preparing draft notifications to faculty. Oversee plans and schedules of distinguished guests, speakers, and interviewees for open positions in the Research Office, arranging travel and expenses. Ensure timely processing of invoices, bill payments, and transfer of funds. Occasional work on weekends or evenings to cover special events. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred. At least five years of professional experience providing administrative support, program support, or project management; experience coordinating special events preferred. Experience supporting a high-level executive or senior management in a high-profile office; experience with a wide range of constituencies preferred. Work or volunteer experience in higher education or a non-profit organization is a plus. Experience in analyzing office functions and workflow management and developing innovative solutions to improve productivity and efficiency desired. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills to interact with diverse constituencies. Strong customer service orientation with diplomacy. Flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. Strong written communication skills with precise, effective written communications. High attention to detail, including grammar, spelling, and data accuracy. Strong time management, organizational, and planning skills to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. High level of initiative, working independently with minimal supervision and following through on actions. Strong problem-solving skills, being resourceful, proactive, and seeking assistance as needed. Strong process and/or project management experience. High proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel). Experience with SharePoint, SiteCore, and/or Adobe desirable. Strong technical aptitude for learning new software quickly. Physical and Environmental Demands Sit for long periods of time Carry/lift 25 lbs. Reach above shoulders Squat Handle objects (dexterity) Walk for long distances Deadline to Apply 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 healthand 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 SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU. #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern Methodist University