Women and LGBT Center Director (HR Title: Director Women & LGBT Center)
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 Women and LGBT Center will be responsible for the development, implementation, and assessment of comprehensive educational programs to address the needs of women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community on campus. This position will serve as an advocate for students on issues related to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and strive to promote a positive and inclusive environment on campus. Primary responsibilities also include, but are not limited to, providing leadership in implementing programming and education for the entire university community; advise individual students and student organizations; counsel and assist students and student organizations with problem solving and conflict mediation; manage departmental and program budgets; and supervise program coordinator, student and para-professional staff in the office.

Essential Functions:

• Plan, execute, and assess departmental educational programs, initiatives, and services including but not limited to: Allies Program, Women Symposium, LGBT Equality Forum, campus training activities, and assist in the facilitation of learning experiences such as Intersections, and seminars, Athletics Diversity Council Class, among others.
  
• Work with students, faculty, and staff on women's, gender, and LGBT awareness issues, as well as issues affecting a diverse student population. This includes advising and/or collaborating with student organizations with a particular emphasis on issues related to the mission of the center and creating or enhancing partnerships with other offices on campus and in the local community.
  
• Provide administrative oversight for the Women & LGBT Center including budget management, website maintenance, assessment of program and learning outcomes, and daily operational functions.
  
• Direct public relations efforts related to the Women and LGBT Center including information fairs, campus outreach, and president commission committees.
  
• Work with students, staff, faculty, and community members to provide networking and program collaborations.
  
• Represent the Women & LGBT Center on the Student Development Leadership team, as well as university committees.
  
• Support the implementation and realization of the goals and learning domains in the student affairs strategic plan.
  
• Other Duties as assigned
  
• Occasional evening/weekend hours required for programs, trainings and retreats.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Master's degree is required.

A minimum of six (6) years of experience is required. Experience in programming, especially in the areas of gender issues, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender student experiences, and diversity; event planning experience, strong community networking is required. Experience in training, teaching, and/or facilitation of educational programs is also required.

A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory 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.

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.

Candidates must have a demonstrated ability to work well with college students in an advising and development environment. Additionally, they need a thorough understanding of complex issues surrounding inclusive collegiate environments.

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office, web programs and general computer skills.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Handle objects (dexterity)

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by April 17, 2026.

This position is open until filled.

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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