Research Coordinator

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:

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

The Research Coordinator supports externally funded research projects within the Research in Mathematics Education (RME) unit in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development.

This position will coordinate field-based research activities, including data collection, project communications, and implementation support.

The position will also develop research project deliverables (i.e. websites, social media, flyers, handouts) to ensure a consistent and professional look to support research.

Essential Functions:

• Provide grant coordination support to RME projects. Coordinate all processes to ensure RME research projects achieve their goals and are compliant. Coordinate project related meetings, events, and travel, in conjunction with relevant university offices. Purchase office and meeting supplies and reconcile charges according to guidelines.
• Work with PIs and RME staff to ensure financial compliance. Prepare financial paperwork as purchase orders, invoices, payment requests. Monitor, reconcile, and process expenditure paperwork for RME grants and contracts. Assist staff to ensure completion of all necessary financial documentation and compliance for grants and contracts.
• Develop processes for data collection including preparation collection, and processing. Facilitate and implement materials preparation, data collection appointments, data collector training, data collection including observational data, secure processing, and managing data filing systems. Along with writing technical documentation to support dissemination efforts of research processes.
• Design and disseminate information related to research projects such as project websites, marketing materials, social media, and flyers. Ensure that all project materials are well designed, accurate, professional, and support the brand of the project and department. Strategize and implement project recruitment efforts to develop and sustain relationships with local districts.
• Provide research participants with ongoing implementation support to ensure research goals are met by conducting research including observing research participants and providing feedback based on observations.
• Position requires frequent DFW travel for data collection with mileage reimbursed. May also require occasional travel outside of DFW dependent on participants.
• Position may require supporting research projects after school hours, dependent on grant needs.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in Education or Communications.

A minimum of two (2) years of work experience is required, preferably supporting research projects and/or working with grants and contracts.

Experience with university administrative processes preferred.

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 be resourceful, proactive, and seek assistance as needed. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. The ability to work independently, as well as part of a team is essential.

Candidate must have a strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality, as the role involves handling sensitive information.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

July 17, 2026

Priority consideration may be give to submissions received by July 10, 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 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 .