Southern Methodist University
Associate Director of Literacy Programs (HR Title: Associate Director Academic D
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
Overview
Associate Director of Literacy Programs (HR Title: Associate Director Academic Development) at Southern Methodist University. This role is on-campus, full-time, and reports to the Senior Director of ADSA as part of the ADSA leadership team. The primary responsibility is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the ADSA Literacy Specialist Program and the ADSA Peer Tutoring Program, manage a student caseload, and contribute to strategies that improve student-athlete academic performance, retention, and well-being. About SMU
SMU serves more than 12,000 students across eight degree-granting schools. SMU is data driven with a strong research ecosystem and a commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry. The university supports diverse learners and provides opportunities for leadership development, research, international study, and community engagement. About the Department
The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) reports through the Office of the Provost and supports all undergraduate and graduate Division I student-athletes. Services include academic counseling, major/degree planning, course selection, literacy support, peer tutoring, executive functioning development, and priority registration to help student-athletes balance academics and athletics. About the Position
This is a 12-month, on-campus position reporting to the Senior Director of ADSA. The role oversees the ADSA Literacy Specialist Program and its full-time staff, the ADSA Peer Tutoring Program, and all SMU ADSA tutors. Responsibilities include managing a student caseload and assisting with planning and executing strategies to enhance academic performance, success, retention, and well-being of student-athletes. Essential Functions
Manage the full life cycle of three literacy specialists, including hiring, training, and development. Direct daily operations of ADSA Interventions, supervise specialists to manage student caseloads, and recruit/oversee the integrated peer student tutor program. Provide literacy specialist support to student-athletes, including designing individualized learning plans, utilizing assistive technology, and guiding students in understanding their learning profiles. Help students develop executive functioning skills for academic success. Serve on the ADSA leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and program enhancements, and advising the Senior Director on initiatives. Lead strategic development and improvement of academic intervention programs, including tutoring, assessments, and workshops, and oversee development and evaluation of ADSA interventions, seminars, and workshops. Use data analysis to inform improvements and policy development. Develop and implement strategies to identify academic needs for incoming and current student-athletes, focusing on high-need individuals. Support documentation for accommodations and related services as needed. Set professional development goals, participate in university conferences and committees, maintain certifications, and represent ADSA on committees and associations. Attend local, state, and national workshops. Lead meetings on student progress with the student’s ADSA learning team to ensure cohesion and progress while maintaining confidentiality. Act as primary liaison with the SMU DASS department and Athletic Medicine to facilitate NCAA-required documentation and support learning profiles. Ensure compliance with NCAA regulations and university policies related to academic support services. Perform related duties as assigned. Regular evening work and occasional weekends during Fall and Spring; anticipated summer hours 8–5. Education and Experience
A master’s degree in Education, Sport/Athletic Management, or a closely related field is required. A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required, including two years of supervisory experience. Experience supporting students with learning differences and differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including language-based learning differences and executive functioning challenges, is required. Experience with NCAA Division I student-athletes is preferred. CALT or equivalent experience is preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate across the university and build relationships. Strong written communication, problem-solving, organizational, planning, and time-management abilities. Understanding of how attention, memory, language, social skills, and executive functioning affect learning. Ability to tailor instruction using data-driven assessments, create individualized plans, administer and interpret assessments, multitask, and develop flexible group supports. Proficiency in basic computer skills and Microsoft Office; experience with Box, Google Drive, Teamworks, Retain, and other university programs. Familiarity with instructional technology to aid writing and guiding AI-assisted learning is preferred. Physical and Environmental Demands
Sit for long periods Bend, squat, stand Reach above shoulders Handle objects (dexterity) Carry/lift up to 25 lbs Deadline to Apply
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 16, 2025. 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 a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits, wellness programs, and retirement options. The university supports professional and personal development, including tuition benefits. Location and Details
Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas. Job: Administrative Managers & Professionals. Organization: Provost - Other. Schedule: Regular. Shift: Staff. Employee Status: Manager with Direct Reports. Job Type: Full-time. Job Level: Day Job. Travel: Yes, up to 25%. Job Posting: Sep 2, 2025, 1:44:45 PM
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Associate Director of Literacy Programs (HR Title: Associate Director Academic Development) at Southern Methodist University. This role is on-campus, full-time, and reports to the Senior Director of ADSA as part of the ADSA leadership team. The primary responsibility is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the ADSA Literacy Specialist Program and the ADSA Peer Tutoring Program, manage a student caseload, and contribute to strategies that improve student-athlete academic performance, retention, and well-being. About SMU
SMU serves more than 12,000 students across eight degree-granting schools. SMU is data driven with a strong research ecosystem and a commitment to academic freedom and open inquiry. The university supports diverse learners and provides opportunities for leadership development, research, international study, and community engagement. About the Department
The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) reports through the Office of the Provost and supports all undergraduate and graduate Division I student-athletes. Services include academic counseling, major/degree planning, course selection, literacy support, peer tutoring, executive functioning development, and priority registration to help student-athletes balance academics and athletics. About the Position
This is a 12-month, on-campus position reporting to the Senior Director of ADSA. The role oversees the ADSA Literacy Specialist Program and its full-time staff, the ADSA Peer Tutoring Program, and all SMU ADSA tutors. Responsibilities include managing a student caseload and assisting with planning and executing strategies to enhance academic performance, success, retention, and well-being of student-athletes. Essential Functions
Manage the full life cycle of three literacy specialists, including hiring, training, and development. Direct daily operations of ADSA Interventions, supervise specialists to manage student caseloads, and recruit/oversee the integrated peer student tutor program. Provide literacy specialist support to student-athletes, including designing individualized learning plans, utilizing assistive technology, and guiding students in understanding their learning profiles. Help students develop executive functioning skills for academic success. Serve on the ADSA leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and program enhancements, and advising the Senior Director on initiatives. Lead strategic development and improvement of academic intervention programs, including tutoring, assessments, and workshops, and oversee development and evaluation of ADSA interventions, seminars, and workshops. Use data analysis to inform improvements and policy development. Develop and implement strategies to identify academic needs for incoming and current student-athletes, focusing on high-need individuals. Support documentation for accommodations and related services as needed. Set professional development goals, participate in university conferences and committees, maintain certifications, and represent ADSA on committees and associations. Attend local, state, and national workshops. Lead meetings on student progress with the student’s ADSA learning team to ensure cohesion and progress while maintaining confidentiality. Act as primary liaison with the SMU DASS department and Athletic Medicine to facilitate NCAA-required documentation and support learning profiles. Ensure compliance with NCAA regulations and university policies related to academic support services. Perform related duties as assigned. Regular evening work and occasional weekends during Fall and Spring; anticipated summer hours 8–5. Education and Experience
A master’s degree in Education, Sport/Athletic Management, or a closely related field is required. A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required, including two years of supervisory experience. Experience supporting students with learning differences and differentiating instruction for diverse learners, including language-based learning differences and executive functioning challenges, is required. Experience with NCAA Division I student-athletes is preferred. CALT or equivalent experience is preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate across the university and build relationships. Strong written communication, problem-solving, organizational, planning, and time-management abilities. Understanding of how attention, memory, language, social skills, and executive functioning affect learning. Ability to tailor instruction using data-driven assessments, create individualized plans, administer and interpret assessments, multitask, and develop flexible group supports. Proficiency in basic computer skills and Microsoft Office; experience with Box, Google Drive, Teamworks, Retain, and other university programs. Familiarity with instructional technology to aid writing and guiding AI-assisted learning is preferred. Physical and Environmental Demands
Sit for long periods Bend, squat, stand Reach above shoulders Handle objects (dexterity) Carry/lift up to 25 lbs Deadline to Apply
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 16, 2025. 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 a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits, wellness programs, and retirement options. The university supports professional and personal development, including tuition benefits. Location and Details
Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas. Job: Administrative Managers & Professionals. Organization: Provost - Other. Schedule: Regular. Shift: Staff. Employee Status: Manager with Direct Reports. Job Type: Full-time. Job Level: Day Job. Travel: Yes, up to 25%. Job Posting: Sep 2, 2025, 1:44:45 PM
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