Campus Services Office Administrator (Administrative Specialist I)

Southern Methodist University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University seeks a Campus Services Office Administrator to support the Associate Vice President and multiple departments. This on-site, in-person role serves as the information hub and coordinates services across Campus Services.

You will manage executive calendars, handle procurement and payroll tasks, and supervise temporary staff. Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving are essential in this dynamic university setting.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A bachelor’s degree is preferred, preferably in Business or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional-level administrative support experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Greet and direct callers and visitors, escalating to leadership when appropriate.
• Manage end-to-end mailboxes for Vending, Conference Services and Event Services.
• Oversee accounts payable/receivable, budget reconciliation, payroll documentation and asset tracking.
• Coordinate complex meetings and take accurate minutes; ensure action items are completed.
• Lead cross-departmental special projects with proactive communication and updates.
• Maintain websites for Campus Services, Conference Services and Event Services.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Problem solving

Organization

Time management

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Sitecore CMS

Job description

Job Description - Campus Services Office Administrator (Administrative Specialist I) (ORG00000043)

Job Description

Campus Services Office Administrator (Administrative Specialist I) - ( ORG00000043 )

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 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 Campus Services Administrator will perform a wide range of administrative and office management activities for the Associate Vice President (AVP), who manages multiple departments. Facilitating efficient departmental operations and ensuring the effective delivery of services are key responsibilities of this role.

This critical position serves as the informational hub for the AVP and the leadership teams across the multiple departments within Campus Services. Additionally, the Campus Services Administrator interacts with clients and guests, providing information and responding to inquiries, concerns, and requests regarding services offered by all departments within Campus Services.

A high degree of creativity and latitude is expected, along with a strong level of initiative and sound judgment when handling a variety of critical and complex decisions. The ideal candidate will excel in a diverse and dynamic office environment.

This role is deemed operationally critical and is an on-campus, in-person position. Working from home to provide continuity of service during inclement weather is required.

Essential Functions:

Greet and direct callers and in-person visitors to the appropriate Division Director, escalating matters to the Director of Operations or Associate Vice President when appropriate, using critical problem-solving skills and sound judgment.

Manage the end-to-end process for the Vending, Conference Services, and Event Services mailboxes, including responding to inquiries, directing messages to appropriate team members, and escalating issues as necessary.

Manage the Campus Services Executive Office by overseeing internal processes related to purchasing, building management, payroll, and SMU brand standards. Perform office management tasks, including accounts payable and receivable, budget reconciliation, student worker payroll documentation, and asset tracking.

Provide comprehensive calendar management for the Associate Vice President and Director of Operations. Effectively coordinate a range of complex meetings, accurately record meeting minutes as required, and ensure all action items are followed through to completion.

Initiate and manage special projects requiring cross-departmental coordination from inception to completion, utilizing proactive, high-touch communication and providing regular project updates.

Manage Coca-Cola and food vending service-related matters campus-wide, including contract management, problem resolution, monthly vendor meetings, service requests, and machine location and relocation.

Maintain the Campus Services, Conference Services, and Event Services websites, including updating relevant text and coordinating an annual refresh of images.

Coordinate with all divisions and manage the completion of the annual assessment process, annual accomplishment reporting, and annual reports encompassing all divisions within Campus Services.

Manage key functions within STABLE, including facilitating external group alcohol service approvals, processing internal work orders, and coordinating space reservations upon request.

Assist in the development of key materials, including spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and executive-level communication pieces for dissemination to a wide audience.

Train all temporary, summer, and student workers on office procedures, office protocols, telephone etiquette, and administrative procedures necessary to complete their assignments.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, preferably in Business or a related field.

A minimum of 5 (five) years of professional-level work experience providing administrative support is required. Experience in project administration, budget and expense management, and providing administrative support for a high-functioning dynamic teams is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, guests, and leadership team. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as provide innovative ideas and solutions. Must also have a collaborative manner, and a tactical approach to a variety of challenges and opportunities.

Candidate must have strong organizational, planning and time-management skills with an ability to balance multiple projects/reports and deadlines. Demonstrated ability in coordinating work among multiple parties is essential.

Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Experience with or knowledge of a web content management system (e.g. Sitecore), or an equivalent platform is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Reach above shoulders
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Sit for long periods of time
• Stand
• Walk for long distances
• Push/Pull

Deadline to Apply:

October 12, 2026

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by October 2, 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 healthand related benefit s.
• 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 SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.