Executive Briefer, Office of President or Provost

Job Description - Executive Briefer, Office of President or Provost (OFF)

Job Description

Executive Briefer, Office of President or Provost - ( OFF )

Description

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

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.

Southern Methodist University (SMU) seeks a highly skilled, service-oriented, and strategically minded Executive Briefer to support either the President or Provost.

This pivotal role serves as a trusted partner responsible for preparing senior leadership for meetings, decisions, and engagements by synthesizing information into concise daily briefing materials. The Executive Briefer combines exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, and organizational excellence to ensure the executive is consistently prepared, informed, and positioned for success.

In addition to executive briefing responsibilities, the position serves as a primary point of contact for the assigned executive office, helping manage access to executive leadership, coordinating information flow, and providing a welcoming and professional experience for internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, exercises discretion with sensitive information, anticipates needs, and demonstrates a commitment to exceptional service. The position may require occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work based on the executive's schedule and University events.

The position works primarily on campus and requires consistent in-person presence in the Executive Office Suite.

Prepare daily briefing materials aligned with the executive's schedule, upcoming decisions, and anticipated issues.

Conduct research and gather relevant information to ensure the executive is fully informed and prepared for meetings, events, and engagements.

Review, analyze, and synthesize correspondence, meeting materials, reports, requests into concise executive briefing documents.

Identify information gaps, outstanding issues, and follow-up needs; coordinate with university leaders and stakeholders to obtain timely and accurate information.

Serve as the first point of contact for the senior executive office

Provide a welcoming, professional, and high-touch experience for visitors, callers, and stakeholders.

Manage incoming calls, inquiries, and requests by appropriately triaging, resolving, routing, or escalating matters as appropriate.

Exercise professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential issues.

Partner closely with the Executive Scheduler to ensure briefing materials and preparation needs align with the executive's calendar and priorities.

Monitor upcoming…