Director of Hilltop Scholars Program (HR Title: Program Manager)
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 Director of the Hilltop Scholars Program provides strategic and operational leadership for the development, delivery, and growth of HSP in alignment with SMU's strategic priorities.

The Director designs a high-impact student experience centered on place-based community service, character formation, leadership development, and transformative, faculty-led curriculum, while coordinating recruitment, summer onboarding, academic progress, and engagement from matriculation through degree completion.

The role builds partnerships across campus and with the Dallas community, manages program resources and assessment, and leads continuous improvement to support program expansion and student success.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Hilltop Scholars Program in alignment with SMU's strategic priorities, including planning for program growth and expansion. Independently manage program operations, priorities, timelines, and initiatives to deliver a high-impact experience centered on community engagement, character formation, and leadership development.
  
  
• Develop and sustain meaningful relationships with Hilltop Scholars from their first year through graduation, creating opportunities for academic success, leadership development, and engagement with the Dallas community. Monitor student academic progress, enrollment, and relevant alerts in collaboration with faculty and campus partners, coordinating follow-up and support for at-risk students.
  
  
• Collaborate with faculty curriculum coordinators and academic partners to support the required HSP courses and deliver a transformative course-based student experience. Design and implement high-impact programming centered on place-based community service, character formation, and leadership, including opportunities for students to contribute meaningfully both locally and with nonprofit orgs.
  
  
• Coordinate recruitment, selection, and onboarding for incoming Hilltop Scholars in partnership with relevant university stakeholders, ensuring clear communications and a consistent introduction to program expectations and resources. Design and implement the annual summer onboarding and orientation experience to strengthen incoming students' transition to SMU and increase engagement before arrival.
  
  
• Monitor student participation, academic progress, enrollment, and program outcomes to assess effectiveness, inform decisions, and guide continuous improvement as HSP grows. Manage the HSP operating budget and program-related expenditures, prepare assessment and budget reports, and coordinate resource planning and potential funding opportunities with appropriate university partners.
  
  
• Develop and sustain partnerships with the SMU Dallas Office, local nonprofit organizations, and campus stakeholders to expand place-based service opportunities and connect students with meaningful community needs. Collaborate with the Dallas Office to relaunch and develop the We Lead program, creating opportunities for students to support small nonprofits across the DFW area while strengthening leadership skills and civic engagement.
  
  
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with HSP faculty, Honors & Scholars leadership, academic support offices, and other campus units to coordinate student resources, program activities, and curriculum-related initiatives. Manage HSP communications and stakeholder information, represent the program in relevant planning activities, and collaborate across campus to support program growth and alignment with SMU's strategic priorities.
  
  
• Some evening and weekend work may be required to support student programming.
  
  
• Some overnight travel may be required.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Master's is required. Doctorate is preferred.

A minimum of two (2) years of work experience is required.

Experience working in student programming or working directly with students in a university setting is preferred. College teaching as a teaching assistant or independent instructor is desired.

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 identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. Strong project management skills and a focus on attention to detail are essential. The ideal candidate will enjoy working with undergraduate students.

A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office is required. Advanced Microsoft Office Certifications, especially in Excel, are preferred. Experience working with Slate is desired.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, squat, stand, push, pull, kneel
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Walk for long distances

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be granted to applications received by November 17, 2026.

Deadline to apply is December 1, 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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