Assistant Director - Employer Relations (Employer Relations Specialist II)
Southern Methodist University Inc

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 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 Assistant Director on the Employer Relations team at the SMU Cox School of Business plays a key role in on campus and off campus recruiting activities and career outcomes for over 3,500 Cox School of Business students. This position cultivates relationships with employers, alumni, community partners, and staff to build and maintain relationships, enhance partnerships, increase student employment opportunities, maximize post-grad outcomes, and strengthen the Cox network. They will serve as the liaison to associated industries and recruitment programs. The Assistant Director is responsible for coordinating industry specific events, programming, info sessions and on campus recruiting activities.

Essential Functions:

• Employer Relationship Management: Build relationships with employers & alumni to develop and implement strategies and tools to build their brands and identify students for intern/full-time roles. Conduct regular outreach to employers to form new partnerships. Organize and execute campus recruiting events. Identify and rapidly address any recruiting changes and communicate changes to stakeholders.
  
• On-Campus Recruiting (OCR) Operations: Serve as primary point-of-contact to guide recruiters through OCR process (interview schedules, company information sessions, fairs, etc.). Present OCR-related information to employers and students (e.g., navigating Recruiting System) in virtual and in-person settings. Provide real-time support during events(occasional morning/evening hours may be required).
  
• Cross Team Collaboration: Have regular interactions/meeting with career coaches, alumni relations, Institutes, and other campus partners to exchange up-to-date information regarding employer engagement.
  
• Operations: Support office operations. Source job postings. Approve employer accounts and job postings according to university recruiting policies. Direct work of student assistants.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.
  
• Occasional evening/weekend hours will be required for career-related events and/or early mornings for on-campus recruiting.
  
• Occasional travel to site visits, conferences and workshops.
  
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree is required. Field of study in higher education, HR, business, communications, or related field is preferred.

A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required. Experience in a higher education, career center, university advancement/development, or experience in HR/talent development is required. Event management experience is required.

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 and customer service skills with the ability to interact with multiple stakeholders.

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 and thrive in a high-volume environment where multi-tasking is often necessary.

Candidate must be able to work with diverse teams, clients, and / or stakeholders.

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Familiarity with career services platforms (Handshake or 12twenty) is preferred and CRM experience is also preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Walk for long distances
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by April 7, 2026

Application deadline is April 14, 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.

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