Communication Specialist II, Program Services
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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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 Department:

About department (insert text or delete if not applicable)

Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.

DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.

SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fund-raising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Communication Specialist for Program Services is responsible for communication needs for the unit's events and key donor initiatives. Events include large and small scale University events, Academic Ceremonies, the Tate Lecture Series and the PwC SMU Athletic Forum and Doak Walker Award.

The role is responsible for researching and writing event scripts for University administration and key leadership as well as producing much of the written communication that comes from the unit.

Responsibilities also include partnering with DEA's Marketing and Communications Planning team for the project management of collateral creation - including copywriting and editing of programs, signage, website, e-communication and invitations as well as deadline management and budgets. This position also is responsible for social media presence for select signature events.

Essential Functions:

• Manage projects working collaboratively and closely with the Marketing and Communication Planning team and serve as liaison for Program Services collateral for both print and electronic projects. Project management responsibilities include: writing copy for collateral, managing deadlines, editing and responsibility for final review/proof on behalf of team members, identifying and recommending impact stories, etc.
• Independently research and write remarks for University administration and other speakers as necessary for key events. Build working relationships with contacts in University schools and departments that can assist with providing content. Script writing requires accurate subject matter research and management of different voices and writing for a number of vastly different events and may require collaboration with Marketing and Communications and DEA leadership for signature events.
• Write and edit communication to donors, constituents, event sponsors and others, including letters and select press releases. Maintain final review of the majority of communication produced by Program Services.
• Manage social media accounts for Tate Lecture Series and PwC SMU Athletic Forum and Doak Walker Award, working with the Marketing and Communications social media team on strategy as needed. Develop and execute social media strategy for existing and new Program Services social media channels.
• Assist in day of event production for Program Services events. Assist in general office duties.
• Manage the email communications system for Tate Lecture Series and PwC SMU Athletic Forum and Doak Walker Award.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Position requires some evening and weekend work for events

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required.

A minimum of three year's of work experience required, with at least one year in a position requiring writing, proofreading and editing, marketing and/or design.

Experience with a non-profit or in a fast-paced, high-profile team environment handling events and/or major productions is strongly preferred. Experience that includes website management and social media desired. Experience writing remarks for executive level leadership a plus.

Project management experience strongly preferred.

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. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Suite required. Experience in FileMaker preferred. Experience in SiteCore and InDesign desired.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

May 13, 2024

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by May 3, 2024.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

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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