Southern Methodist University
Assistant Director for Community Partnership (HR Title: Student Recruiter II)
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
Assistant Director for Community Partnership (HR Title: Student Recruiter II)
Salary:
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 The Assistant Director for Community Partnership serves as a member of the Undergraduate Admission Office and is responsible for building meaningful relationships with prospective students, families, community partners, and faith‑based organizations. This role supports the University’s mission to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment by developing outreach strategies, coordinating recruitment and yield initiatives, and guiding prospective students through the admission process. The position will also collaborate closely with the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life. In alignment with the University’s longstanding mission, this role helps strengthen SMU’s historic commitment to engaging and supporting Jewish students and families as part of its broader community partnership efforts.
Essential Functions
Cultivate relationships with students and families through thoughtful outreach programs, high school and community‑based presentations, and campus visits. Provide personalized support on academic planning and college preparation, while introducing students to campus faith‑based organizations, student leaders, student leaders, and student life opportunities that foster belonging and connection. This includes contributing to SMU’s ongoing efforts to engage and support Jewish students and families as part of broader community outreach.
Work closely with the SMU Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life to coordinate and integrate events and education as needed, including collaborations that strengthen connections across diverse faith communities.
Engage faith‑based alumni, students, parents, educators, and community advocates in Dallas County to foster strong support networks and meaningful pathways for prospective students. Ensure timely communication, continual engagement, and follow‑up to sustain long‑term relationships and community trust.
Weekly and monthly reporting on achievements, challenges, and student/parent/partner interactions. Track, monitor, and assess recruitment and engagement efforts and report on effectiveness.
Education and Experience A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience is required for this position. Previous experience in nonprofit or higher education recruitment and college readiness programming is preferred. Prior experience partnering with cultural or faith‑based communities, including Jewish organizations, is a plus.
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.
Familiarity with SMU or other four‑year selective residential universities, as well as community colleges, is a plus.
Must have demonstrated knowledge of MS Office, Excel and Outlook.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Sit for long periods of time
Reach above shoulders
Handle objects (dexterity)
Stand, carry/lift up to 25 lbs.
Walk for long distances
Drive motorized equipment
Deadline to Apply January 12, 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.
Primary Location USA‑TX‑Dallas
Job Information Job type: Full‑time, schedule: Regular, shift: Staff, employee status: Individual Contributor, job level: Day Job, travel: 75% of the time.
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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 The Assistant Director for Community Partnership serves as a member of the Undergraduate Admission Office and is responsible for building meaningful relationships with prospective students, families, community partners, and faith‑based organizations. This role supports the University’s mission to foster a welcoming and inclusive campus environment by developing outreach strategies, coordinating recruitment and yield initiatives, and guiding prospective students through the admission process. The position will also collaborate closely with the Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life. In alignment with the University’s longstanding mission, this role helps strengthen SMU’s historic commitment to engaging and supporting Jewish students and families as part of its broader community partnership efforts.
Essential Functions
Cultivate relationships with students and families through thoughtful outreach programs, high school and community‑based presentations, and campus visits. Provide personalized support on academic planning and college preparation, while introducing students to campus faith‑based organizations, student leaders, student leaders, and student life opportunities that foster belonging and connection. This includes contributing to SMU’s ongoing efforts to engage and support Jewish students and families as part of broader community outreach.
Work closely with the SMU Office of the Chaplain and Religious Life to coordinate and integrate events and education as needed, including collaborations that strengthen connections across diverse faith communities.
Engage faith‑based alumni, students, parents, educators, and community advocates in Dallas County to foster strong support networks and meaningful pathways for prospective students. Ensure timely communication, continual engagement, and follow‑up to sustain long‑term relationships and community trust.
Weekly and monthly reporting on achievements, challenges, and student/parent/partner interactions. Track, monitor, and assess recruitment and engagement efforts and report on effectiveness.
Education and Experience A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience is required for this position. Previous experience in nonprofit or higher education recruitment and college readiness programming is preferred. Prior experience partnering with cultural or faith‑based communities, including Jewish organizations, is a plus.
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.
Familiarity with SMU or other four‑year selective residential universities, as well as community colleges, is a plus.
Must have demonstrated knowledge of MS Office, Excel and Outlook.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Sit for long periods of time
Reach above shoulders
Handle objects (dexterity)
Stand, carry/lift up to 25 lbs.
Walk for long distances
Drive motorized equipment
Deadline to Apply January 12, 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.
Primary Location USA‑TX‑Dallas
Job Information Job type: Full‑time, schedule: Regular, shift: Staff, employee status: Individual Contributor, job level: Day Job, travel: 75% of the time.
#J-18808-Ljbffr