Southern Methodist University
Senior Assistant Director, Employer Relations (HR Title: Employer Relations Spec
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
Job Description - Senior Assistant Director, Employer Relations (HR Title: Employer Relations Specialist III) (COX00000270)
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 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 Senior 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 Senior 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 and 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 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).
Program Management: Will oversee the employer relations management of assigned special recruiting programs (such as the Career Accelerator Program) for the Career Management Center. Will be the main CMC lead for assigned recruiting events (examples are: Women in Business Dinner, Black History Month Event, International Student Mix and Mingle, etc).
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.
Requires some evenings for career‑related events and/or early mornings for on‑campus recruiting.
Some travel to site visits, conferences and workshops.
Qualifications Education and Experience A Bachelor’s degree is required. Preferred field of study in higher education, HR, business, communications, or related field.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required. Experience in higher education, career center, university advancement/development, or experience in HR/talent development is required. Event management experience is also 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 organizational skills that include the ability to remain organized and thrive in a high‑volume environment where multi‑tasking is often necessary.
Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Familiarity with career services platforms (Handshake or 12twenty) and CRM is 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 January 9, 2026.
Application deadline is January 16, 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.
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.
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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 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 Senior 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 Senior 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 and 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 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).
Program Management: Will oversee the employer relations management of assigned special recruiting programs (such as the Career Accelerator Program) for the Career Management Center. Will be the main CMC lead for assigned recruiting events (examples are: Women in Business Dinner, Black History Month Event, International Student Mix and Mingle, etc).
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.
Requires some evenings for career‑related events and/or early mornings for on‑campus recruiting.
Some travel to site visits, conferences and workshops.
Qualifications Education and Experience A Bachelor’s degree is required. Preferred field of study in higher education, HR, business, communications, or related field.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience is required. Experience in higher education, career center, university advancement/development, or experience in HR/talent development is required. Event management experience is also 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 organizational skills that include the ability to remain organized and thrive in a high‑volume environment where multi‑tasking is often necessary.
Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Familiarity with career services platforms (Handshake or 12twenty) and CRM is 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 January 9, 2026.
Application deadline is January 16, 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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr