Assistant Director for Admission Events (HR Title : Meeting / Event Planner II)

Overview

Assistant Director for Admission Events (HR Title : Meeting / Event Planner II) - DIV . This on-campus, in-person position leads planning, coordinating, and executing events to engage prospective students and families. The Assistant Director will oversee the planning and logistics for 8 unique events (approximately 75 admission events) annually, which may include open houses, high school counselor fly-in events, admitted student receptions, and special programs for various constituencies. The role collaborates with other teams within the Office of Admission and across the university to ensure events run smoothly, promote SMU’s unique culture, and meet enrollment goals.

About SMU : SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries; SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry. SMU is data driven and supports research excellence.

Responsibilities

• Event Planning & Coordination : Plan and execute large-scale recruitment events, yield programs, and admission-related activities. Manage venue selection, catering, transportation, AV needs, and event materials. Oversee event registration processes. Coordinate with vendors, faculty, etc.
• Strategic Event Planning : Collaborate with the Director of Admission Student Experience and other senior staff to align event strategy with Office of Admission goals. Analyze data and attendee feedback to assess effectiveness; adjust future programs and develop new event strategies to engage prospective students and promote the SMU brand.
• Customer Service and Event Support : Provide exceptional customer service to event attendees; be the primary point of contact for all event-related inquiries and troubleshoot event-day issues.
• Budget Management : Manage event budgets, ensuring programs are within financial parameters while maintaining quality; monitor expenditures in coordination with the Director.
• Collaboration and Outreach : Partner with academic departments, student organizations, faculty, and campus offices to ensure programs are comprehensive and inclusive; maintain relationships with prospective students and families.

Qualifications

Education and Experience : Bachelor’s degree is required. A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required. Experience coordinating events with attendees is strongly preferred. Work experience recruiting for a four-year residential liberal arts and sciences university / college is desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to learn new software; strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate across the University and build relationships; strong written communication skills; strong problem-solving, organizational, planning, and time management skills; valid driver’s license and good driving history.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Deadline to Apply : Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by September 23, 2025.

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, ,

SMU offers health and related benefits, wellness programs, and retirement programs to attract, support, and retain employees; eligibility details provided by SMU.

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