Director, Hilltop Scholars Program — On-Campus Leadership

Southern Methodist University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University in Dallas seeks a Director of the Hilltop Scholars Program to provide strategic and operational leadership for the program's growth and impact. The role aligns with SMU's priorities and coordinates recruitment, onboarding, and student progression from matriculation through degree completion.

The Director will build partnerships across campus and with the Dallas community, manage resources and assessment, and design high-impact, place-based service and leadership

Qualifications

• Master’s degree is required; Doctorate is preferred.
• Minimum of two years of work experience.
• Experience in student programming or university setting is preferred; TA/ instructor experience is desired.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Hilltop Scholars Program in line with SMU priorities.
• Independently manage program operations, timelines, and initiatives to deliver a high-impact experience.
• Develop and sustain relationships with Hilltop Scholars from year one through graduation.
• Monitor academic progress, enrollment, and alerts with faculty and campus partners, providing follow-up.
• Collaborate with faculty to support HSP courses and deliver a transformative student experience.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding for incoming scholars, and communicate program expectations.
• Design annual summer onboarding and orientation to ease transitions to SMU.
• Monitor participation and outcomes; manage budget and prepare reports; plan resource needs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Project management

Microsoft Office

Excel

Education

Master's degree

Doctorate preferred

Tools

Slate

Job description

Southern Methodist University in Dallas seeks a Director of the Hilltop Scholars Program to provide strategic and operational leadership for the program's growth and impact. The role aligns with SMU's priorities and coordinates recruitment, onboarding, and student progression from matriculation through degree completion.

The Director will build partnerships across campus and with the Dallas community, manage resources and assessment, and design high-impact, place-based service and leadership