Executive Briefing Specialist

Job Description - Executive Briefer, Office of President or Provost (OFF00000192) Job Description Executive Briefer, Office of President or Provost - ( OFF00000192 ) 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 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: Southern Methodist University (SMU) seeks a highly skilled, service-oriented, and strategically minded Executive Briefer to support either the President or Provost. This pivotal role serves as a trusted partner responsible for preparing senior leadership for meetings, decisions, and engagements by synthesizing information into concise daily briefing materials. The Executive Briefer combines exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, and organizational excellence to ensure the executive is consistently prepared, informed, and positioned for success. In addition to executive briefing responsibilities, the position serves as a primary point of contact for the assigned executive office, helping manage access to executive leadership, coordinating information flow, and providing a welcoming and professional experience for internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, exercises discretion with sensitive information, anticipates needs, and demonstrates a commitment to exceptional service. The position may require occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work based on the executive's schedule and University events. The position works primarily on campus and requires consistent in-person presence in the Executive Office Suite. Essential Functions: Executive Briefing & Preparation Prepare daily briefing materials aligned with the executive's schedule, upcoming decisions, and anticipatedissues. Conduct research and gather relevant information to ensure the executive is fully informed and prepared for meetings, events, and engagements. Review, analyze, and synthesize correspondence, meeting materials, reports, requests into concise executive briefing documents. Identify information gaps, outstanding issues, and follow-up needs; coordinate with university leaders and stakeholders to obtain timely and accurate information. Front Office, Access & Executive Experience Serve as the first point of contact for the senior executive office Provide a welcoming, professional, and high-touch experience for visitors, callers, and stakeholders. Manage incoming calls, inquiries, and requests by appropriately triaging, resolving, routing, or escalating matters as appropriate. Exercise professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential issues. Calendar Coordination & Daily Readiness Partner closely with the Executive Scheduler to ensure briefing materials and preparation needs align with the executive's calendar and priorities. Monitor upcoming engagements and proactively identify competing demands, preparation requirements, and urgent requests. Ensure all briefing materials, talking points, meeting documents, and supporting resources are provided accurately and on time. Assist in maintaining executive readiness by anticipating needs and facilitating the smooth flow of information. Judgment, Follow-Through & Team Collaboration Exercise sound judgment when managing sensitive, urgent, or rapidly changing matters. Track action items, commitments, and follow-up activities to ensure timely completion. Provide cross-coverage and operational support within the President's and Provost's executive offices as needed. Qualifications Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of six years of work experience OR Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of wok experience is required. Progressively responsible experience in executive support, executive-office operations, chief-of-staff-adjacent work, communications, or another high-touch professional environment preferred. Experience supporting a senior executive or working in a high profile office desired. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with executive presence and a service-oriented approach. Must also demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills with a keen attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to quickly synthesize complex information into concise summaries. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement, discretion, confidentiality, and political acumen are 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. The ability to manage competing priorities, make sounds decisions with limited direction, and collaborate with senior leaders and internal and external constituents is essential. Physical and Environmental Demands: Handle objects (dexterity) Sit for long periods of time Deadline to Apply: The position is open until filled. Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by October 2, 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. 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. Job : Administrative Managers & Professionals #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern Methodist University