Study Abroad Advisor at Southern Methodist University Inc in Dallas, Texas

Job Description:

Description



Salary Range:



Mid 40s.



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 Department:



SMU Abroad Office serves the SMU community by developing and coordinating international programs, and by providing support services during and after the experience abroad. Students at SMU have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of January, May, Summer and semester abroad programs, including academic programs that yield University Curriculum and Common Curriculum credit, major/minor-specific programs, internships, and guided research. These programs may be faculty-led, SMU approved affiliated, hybrid, or virtual abroad programs. Students studying, researching, or interning abroad encounter diverse global communities and intellectual traditions. SMU Abroad programs and global partnerships enhance academic and experiential learning around the world.



About the Position:



This role is an on-campus, in-person position.


SMU Abroad Advisors support students on study abroad opportunities according to the students' major, minor, and general education requirements (UC 2016 and CC). Working with the Director and colleagues, the Advisors will develop tools that serve students who plan to study abroad, focusing on the quality of students' study abroad experience from the recruitment and advising phase through the application process and preparation for departure.


In collaboration with the Director and Assistant Director of SMU Abroad, the Advisor will maintain close contact with academic departments and offices across the University to develop study abroad resources for academic advisors and departments. Additionally, the Advisors will assist the Director and Assistant Director in maintaining connections with providers, host institutions, and program staff abroad



Essential Functions:

• Advising and Academic Support: Advise students on study abroad opportunities appropriate for major, minor, and UC and CC requirements and manage information on abroad programs. Support the development of tools to help students make good choices when planning to study abroad. Such tools might include recommended programs for each major, online evaluations of study abroad programs.
  
  


• Advising and Financial Support: Advise students and provide resources on program costs, financial aid policies and abroad scholarships. Collaborate with the Director of SMU Abroad and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Fellowships to create a pipeline of students applying for grants, scholarships, and fellowships for international study.
  
  


• Application Tracking: Review applications and student records, communicate with students about missing documents, and track acceptances of provider programs. Conduct GPA checks for abroad participants, conduct two conduct checks (through Student Affairs) for each abroad participant, and do other relevant records checks, as needed.
  
  


• Outreach and Recruitment: Plan and organize annual SMU Abroad programming, outreach, and recruitment events such as the study abroad fair, program orientations, info sessions, workshops, etc. New initiatives to include all interested undergraduates to participate in study abroad. Represent SMU Abroad at university-wide events for current as well as prospective students and parents.
  
  


• Outreach and Communication: Create communication strategy with Director of SMU Abroad for students and other key stakeholders such as academic advisors during the advising, application, abroad, and return stages to support and enhance the student experience. Assist in oversight and support of undergraduate peer advisors who assist fellow students on study abroad opportunities, respond to the departmental email account, and answer phones.
  
  


• Marketing: Assist with updating and maintaining fresh content for SMU Abroad website. Assist in creating regularly disseminated digital communications through email, website, campus TVs, and social media platforms. Assist with the development of events for study abroad participants (study abroad fair, pre-departure orientation, etc.) supported by SMU Abroad including managing a student marketing intern.
  
  


• Other duties as assigned by Director.
  
  


• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required.
  
  


• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications



Education and Experience:



Bachelor's is required, preferably in international or global studies, area studies and/or education.


A minimum of two years of experience is required. Some experience in academic advising, teaching, higher education, and/or counseling is desirable.



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. A strong customer service orientation is essential.


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, planning and time management skills. The ability to provide accurate information is essential.


Candidate must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently, as well as work collaboratively in a team. The ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to changing priorities is essential. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions are essential.


Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). Experience with and/or knowledge of one or more of the following is desirable: Terra Dotta, Adobe, DocuSign, my.SMU, a relational database (e.g. PeopleSoft, imaging software (e.g. ImageNow), and website content management software (e.g. Sitecore).


Knowledge of a second language is preferred.



Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time


• Bend, stand


• Reach above shoulders


• Push/pull


• Carry/lift 25 lbs.

Deadline to Apply:



Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by March 28, 2024.


This position is open until filled.



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. Apply Now