USCAA

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

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:

The Manager of Athletic Development Operations will have four main responsibilities: management of the donor relations/stewardship strategy on behalf of the Athletic Development team, management of all responsibilities associated with the daily operations of the Athletics Development team, leading the Mustang Club's social media and communications strategies, and supervising operational staff who will assist in executing the department’s operations and donor relations.

Essential Functions:

Management of the department's donor relations strategy and process including gift acknowledgments, stewardship, and communications to all levels of donors, invitations to events, installing improvements to our donor relations processes, and coordinating the Athletics donor relations strategy with DEA Donor Relations. Ensuring that the team executes our donors relations strategy at a high level.

Management of the department's operations strategy and execution including oversight of hospitality and special events for donors and prospective donors such as Mustang Club home and away game tailgates, postseason tournaments and championships, the SMU Athletics Hall of Fame selection process, and the Silver Anniversary Mustang Award. Responsible for all communications to Mustang Club donors and season ticket holders regardless of topic, as well as the appropriate distribution of these communications. Works closely with the Development and External Affairs' Donor Relations team to coordinate schedules, management of invitations and RSVPs, tracking expenses and revenue, for all athletics related events. Expected to attend and support the many events our office executes. Responsible for ensuring all operations associated with the Athletics Development office are executed at a high level.

Management of the Athletic Development office's operations personnel (two employees) and all duties associated with supervising. This includes ensuring they have the tools and guidance they need to be successful, providing feedback, performing performance reviews and POA planning, approving schedules/time sheets/PTO, and supporting them in their professional growth and development.

Manage all social media and communications strategies for the Mustang Club including the Mustang Club website, Twitter and Instagram accounts, and coordinating the email and messaging calendars.

Manage interns and graduate assistants that assist in the Athletics Development office.

Serve as liaison to the SMU Lettermen's Association (the association of former student-athletes).

Other duties as assigned.

Position requires regular evening or weekend work

Occasional travel is required to support hospitality and donor stewardship at away games, tournaments and championships.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree is required.

A minimum of three years of professional work experience is required, preferably in event management. Experience in a customer service role is required. Experience with donor relations is highly desirable. Previous supervisory experience 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, as well as the ability to build trust with donors and their representatives. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

Candidate must possess strong organizational, planning and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. Must also possess a strong focus on attention to detail. The ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changing priorities is essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to be resourceful, proactive and seek assistance as needed. Must also demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively with others.

Candidate must demonstrate proficiency in MS Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel). A working knowledge and or experience with one or more of the following is preferred: BBEC, Publisher and/or Paciolan.

Experience using social media platforms in a professional role is desirable.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, stand, walk for distances
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Push/pull, kneel
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Exposure to excessive noise
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature/or humidity
• Drives motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply:

May 27, 2022.

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by May 13, 2022.

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.