The Executive Director, Advancement Administration is responsible for leading the administrative and operational teams within Advancement, including the Center for the Arts, Donor Engagement, and University Events. This role ensures the timely and successful execution of strategic priorities while effectively representing the Office of the Vice President for Advancement and Pepperdine University.

The Executive Director works closely with the Vice President for Advancement to communicate and implement strategies across the division. They independently drive key business outcomes, foster a culture aligned with the University's values, and implement best practices across various processes. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Advancement, this position plays a critical role in advancing the Vice President’s strategic vision and leadership.

Duties

• Strategy and Execution:
  • Collaborate with the VP to develop, communicate, and implement strategic plans that align with the University's and division's goals.
  • Work closely with the VP to define operational priorities, ensuring alignment between the department's resources and strategic objectives.
  • Analyze operational processes and workflows, identifying areas for improvement to drive efficiency, cost savings, and overall performance.
• Administrative and Operational Support:
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the VP's office, ensuring that key priorities are addressed and tasks are efficiently delegated.
  • Coordinate and prepare briefing materials for meetings, presentations, and events attended by the VP.
  • Supervise administrative teams, as well as the Center for the Arts, Donor Engagement, and University Events, ensuring high-quality support services and effective resource management.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational policies and procedures across administrative processes, identifying and implementing best practices.
• Project and Program Management:
  • Lead and manage special projects on behalf of the VP, ensuring timely completion and alignment with strategic goals.
  • Develop project timelines, manage resources, and track deliverables to ensure project success.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are delivered on time and within scope.
  • Lead and manage complex projects, including large-scale departmental initiatives and cross-functional efforts, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Financial and Resource Management:
  • Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets in partnership with the VP and finance teams.
  • Oversee resource allocation, ensuring optimal use of financial, human, and physical resources to meet operational demands.
  • In collaboration with the Office of Financial Planning, prepare financial reports, forecasts, and analysis to support strategic planning and operational decision-making.
• Facilities and Asset Management:
  • Oversee the management and maintenance of the department's physical spaces, including facilities, equipment, and other assets.
  • Ensure that facilities are safe, compliant with regulations, and optimized for efficiency and productivity.
  • Coordinate logistics for departmental events, meetings, and other activities requiring significant operational planning.
• Compliance and Risk Management:
  • Ensure that the department operates in compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal organizational policies.
  • Identify potential risks and implement controls to mitigate operational, financial, and administrative risks.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external audits, ensuring timely and accurate responses to audit findings.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management:
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the VP's office and internal/external stakeholders.
  • Facilitate clear and consistent communication between the VP and the department's leadership team.
  • Draft communications, reports, and presentations on behalf of the VP.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, partners, and other departments within the organization.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors, ensuring service levels are met and that cost-efficiencies are achieved.
  • Act as a key liaison between the VP's office and other departments, ensuring seamless coordination of administrative and operational matters.
• Leadership Support:
  • Support the VP in leading the department's leadership team, including agenda setting and meeting facilitation.
  • Represent the VP in meetings or on committees, as needed.
• Team and Culture Development:
  • Foster a positive and high-performance culture within the VP's office and across the department.
  • Mentor and guide team members, encouraging professional growth and development.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the administrative and operations teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
  • Provide performance management and professional development opportunities to ensure staff growth and high performance.
  • Promote an inclusive and positive workplace culture that aligns with organizational values and priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Advanced degree in higher education administration, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in operational leadership roles within higher education, including at least 5 years in a management position.
• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and overseeing complex administrative operations.
• Experience managing and leveraging data assets to optimize organizational performance and decision-making.
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills, with the ability to develop and implement effective operational strategies.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to engage diverse stakeholders within and outside the organization.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to inform strategic decision-making.
• Sound judgment and discernment in navigating complex organizational challenges.
• Intellectual curiosity with an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving, constructive feedback, and organizational improvement.
• Exceptional professionalism, attention to detail, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to discretion, confidentiality, and ethical leadership.
• Ability and willingness to articulate and embody Pepperdine’s Christian mission and culture in daily work and interactions.

Preferred:

• 10+ years of experience in operational leadership roles within higher education, including substantial experience at the executive or senior management level.
• Experience leading large-scale process improvements, change management initiatives, or technology implementations in a complex organizational environment.
• Demonstrated success in optimizing administrative operations through data-driven decision-making and innovative solutions.
• Previous experience working in a faith-based institution and a deep understanding of how to integrate mission-driven values into operational strategy.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Regular, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $140,000 - $160,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.