Research Administrative Coordinator (HR Title: Administrative Specialist II)

Location: Dallas, TX. Office: Administrative Support, Provost.

About the role

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Office of Research & Innovation (ORI) at SMU is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and experienced Research Administrative Coordinator to provide advanced administrative, operational, programmatic, and research-support functions for a dynamic central research office. This position serves as a key operational partner within ORI, coordinating complex activities across research administration, events, communications, records management, and cross-unit initiatives. The role independently manages multiple priorities, serves as a trusted point of contact for faculty, staff, university partners, and external stakeholders, and handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion. The position also supports ORI leadership and operations through meeting coordination, documentation, project tracking, and follow-through on strategic and administrative initiatives that advance the University's research mission.

Responsibilities

• Research Administration & ORI Ops: Provide administrative and operational support for ORI and its four functional areas, including RIC, TTC, SPA, and Operations. Coordinate calendars, meetings, resources, workflows, inquiries, and projects. Serve as a key contact for faculty, staff, university offices, and external partners. Resolve issues, maintain documentation, and support efficient operations.
• Event Planning & Research Engagement: Provide administrative leadership for O