Event Assistant

Southern Methodist University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University is seeking an Event Assistant to provide administrative support for presidential and university events. You will coordinate attendance, manage ticket sales, and assist with event logistics and vendor coordination.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least one year of clerical experience; familiarity with CRM systems and Cvent is preferred. Evening/weekend work may be necessary to support major events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• Minimum of one year of clerical and administrative support experience.
• Experience coordinating events and working with diverse constituencies is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and track event attendance and ticket sales.
• Provide event logistics support, including vendor management and staff coordination.
• Provide administration support including screening calls and managing correspondence.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling university leadership and donor information.
• Support UE events and perform data entry and file maintenance.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Customer service

Multitasking

Database management

Cvent

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

CRM database

Job description

Job Description - Event Assistant (DEA00000516)

Job Description

Event Assistant - ( DEA00000516 )

Description

Hourly Range:

$23.07 per hour

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:

This position will provide administrative support for Presidential and University events and experiences. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, to coordinate and track event attendance and ticket sales, provide event logistics support, and general office support.

Essential Functions:

Coordinate and Track Event Attendance and Ticket Sales: Accept responses and orders via mail, email, online, and phone; create and manage databases; work with the project lead to produce necessary documentation; receive revenue and process gift transmittals and ticket sales; and track event participation in SMU's Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database.

Provide Event Logistics Support: Coordinate mailings, update event calendars, produce correspondence, print name tags and other event materials , assist with vendor management, submit invoices, coordinate staff volunteers, and provide staff support at events. May include joining the team that greets guests and manages vendors during football games at the President's Football Suite .

Provide Administration Support: Screen and refer telephone calls, manage correspondence, assist with board and sponsor relations, maintain office inventory, maintain event files, and perform data entry .

General Office Support for Program Services Team: Receive and sort mail, answer phone calls, and assist with ticket sales for all UE events. Assist with building-wide administrative support and perform other duties as assigned.

Maintain confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when working with information related to University leadership, donors, guests, students, and University events.

Ability to work evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred.

A minimum of one (1) years of work experience providing clerical and administrative support in an office environment is required.

Development internship or work experience in a Development department is preferred. Experience working in a nonprofit environment is desirable, with demonstrated ability to work effectively and successfully with multiple constituencies, including students, faculty, donors, and Board members. Experience supporting or coordinating events 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 and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess srong customer service skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while working effectively with diverse constituents, including students, faculty, donors, and Board members.

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, attention to detail, planning and time management skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel is required. Experience with database management, is also required. Experience with Cvent is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

Physical:

• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Sit for long periods of time
• Squat
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Kneel
• Stand
• Walk for long distances

Push/Pull

Drives motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply:

October 13, 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.