Program 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 Department:

The Gerald and Gail Turner Scholars Program is a four-year academic program that aims to help students achieve early success at SMU by promoting academic achievement, leadership, professionalism, and personal excellence. With a critical emphasis on the first- and second-year experiences, the Turner Scholars four-year program provides students with a community of support and resources from day one through graduation. Turner Scholar cohorts are comprised of 150 students, pursuing a vast array of majors and career paths. With dedicated staff and peer mentorship, the program improves retention by helping students work through new experiences and challenges they may face at SMU.

About the Position:

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

The Program Coordinator will be a highly involved and visible position that will provide essential administrative and event support to the Gerald & Gail Turner Scholars Program. As a four-year academic community supporting up to 600 undergraduates from all disciplines with equally varying career aspirations, this position must be adaptive to the evolving needs of students as they progress towards graduation. This position plays a key role contributing to program operations, supporting student success, and serving as liaison between program staff, Turner Scholars, campus partners, prospective students, and external stakeholders. The job requires a detail oriented, efficient, organized and self-motivated person with a strong skill set of managing multiple competing priorities.

Essential Functions:

• Provide administrative support to Turner Scholars Program. Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to) overseeing student program records, manage program calendar, maintain organized digital records, contact lists, Study Hall Tracker system, and program documentation. Routinely update program Canvas module, program website, SMU360 roster, and Box folders.
• Support planning and execution of Turner Scholar programs and student events. Manage event logistics; procure venue, catering, communication, coordinate with additional event support services (AV, facilities, etc), invoice and receipt organization; monitor and track event expenditures; purchase goods and materials for regular programs and signature events (gala, RISE, staff meetings, etc).
• Coordinate day-to-day office operations, including manage, procure, track and distribute supplies and snacks; maintain tidiness of office common areas; update displayed office marketing materials regularly; fields phone calls, and responds to student, staff/faculty emails sent to Turner Scholars email account and takes appropriate actions. Manage student worker schedules and meeting booking system
• Assist with collection and organization of data and records related to program outcomes and impact metrics. Help monitor and update student requirement completion. Track event participation and engagement metrics to inform annual end of year reports and enhance future programming. Collect, process, and maintain Student Senate Turner Fund requests and supporting documents to ensure accurate record keeping and timely distribution of application materials for program director and review committee.
• The program coordinator will be a contributing member of the Honors & Scholars unit. This may involve presentations at family and new student events, committee work, cross campus projects, admissions programs, and other support as needed. Serve as a Turner Scholars and unit representative and maintain relationships with on and off campus stakeholders, including prospective students and families.
• The position requires occasional weekend and evening work in regard to event programming and orientations.
• Minimal travel may be required to attend local events or workshops.

Education and Experience:

An Associate's degree is required. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience is required, may include graduate assistant positions. Experience with administrative support, event planning and facilitation, and data entry required. Previous experience working in higher education environment preferred. Experience with student support and stakeholder coordination 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.

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.

Candidate must be able to create, maintain, and learn a database system. Strong technical aptitude with ability to learn and apply new applications quickly is essential.

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). Familiarity with my.SMU (Oracle/PeopleSoft), Sitecore, SLATE, Qualtrics, Canvas (LMS) and other computer software is a plus. Must be willing to learn other computer programs and applications as needed.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, squat, stand
• Push/pull
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Walk for long distances

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by May 29, 2026

Application deadline is June 5, 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 .