Assistant Director of Events (HR Title: Meeting Event Planner II)
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Skills
About the role
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 serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
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 role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Assistant Director of Events is responsible for leading the planning and execution of events and special projects associated with the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. Specific event assignments will be determined based on calendar and event portfolio needs and may include high-profile events hosted by the Dean’s Office.
Events may include Simmons School academic ceremonies, signature departmental events, donor events, and special projects for the Dean. Responsibilities include collaborating with Simmons colleagues and other internal clients, caterers, event designers, vendors, campus partners, and external stakeholders.
Essential Functions:
Event Logistics: Manage a portfolio of events hosted by the Office of the Simmons Dean, including academic ceremonies, signature department events, donor events, and special projects led by the Dean. Responsibilities include collaborating with Simmons colleagues, internal clients, catering teams, event designers, vendors, campus partners, and external constituents. Oversee event production timelines and documentation, track monthly event budgets, and recruit staff to support event execution.
Guest Experience: Manage the communication schedule for each event, including overseeing invitations, guest lists, attendee tracking, internal Simmons event communications, seating arrangements, and database management. Coordinate post-event follow-up correspondence.
Executive and Operational Support: Serve as a trusted extension of the Chief of Staff by taking ownership of delegated assignments, follow-up items, special projects, and time-sensitive tasks to ensure priorities move forward and commitments are fulfilled. Provide flexible, high-level operational support for emerging priorities and projects that require sound judgment, organization, discretion, follow-through, and the ability to manage competing demands.
Development Systems and Processes: Support systems and processes within the Dean’s Office related to development activities. Maintain organized tracking and follow-up processes for donor communications, including Dean signature requests and other time-sensitive correspondence. Coordinate with Development Officers to ensure materials are prepared, routed, completed, and returned within established timelines.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Work evenings and weekends as needed to support events.
Travel occasionally to support selected events.
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 serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
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.