The temporary summer program coordinator will serve as a critical member of the summer staff for Special Programs. The coordinator will be responsible for upholding, fostering, and expanding the University’s commitment to hospitality and excellence in customer service. Working with external and internal stakeholders, this position is responsible for advancing the legacy of Pepperdine University and ensuring a world-class experience for everyone visiting Pepperdine’s Malibu campus in the Summer of 2026. This position requires a flexible and optimistic servant leader, willing to take the steps necessary to contribute to the department and Pepperdine University as a whole. This is a highly visible role, which necessitates a variety of communication, patience, determination, and critical thinking in order to thrive.

This role is responsible for assisting Special Program’s summer operations in a variety of ways, including but not limited to client communication and problem resolution. This individual, in addition to the team of student employees, plays a critical role in the summer programs by ensuring excellence in the execution of events and overnight stays as an outstanding exemplar for the Pepperdine community. This position is a critical point person for groups coming to campus to ensure strong hospitality. Due to the department’s varied needs in the summer, the temporary summer program coordinator must be willing to work flexible hours, including later shifts and weekends. This position will be eligible for overtime.

Duties

• ASSIST WITH SUMMER OPERATIONS: Serve as a point person for summer clients coming to Pepperdine's Malibu campus. Coordinate with permanent staff and student employees in order to provide world-class hospitality and customer service for all guests. Anticipate clients' needs and proactively communicate information critical to a successful summer program, ensuring the University's needs are met. Work with numerous internal and external stakeholders to ensure the success and reputation of the department. Undertake and delegate the various daily, weekly, and ad hoc tasks needed to run a summer program. 
• ASSIST STUDENT EMPLOYEES: In conjunction with the Manager, assist in providing varied and relevant assignments to students in order to build their professional experiences. Assist the students in tasks directly or indirectly when necessary. 
• CLIENT COMMUNICATION: Ensure excellence in proactive client communications for various groups visiting in the summer and work interdepartmentally to address any questions. 
• VENDOR COORDINATION: Coordinate, maintain relationships, and communicate with vendor services, such as dining, catering, and linen providers, on behalf of the department. 
• VISITING FACULTY HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT: Assist the Special Programs team with visiting faculty apartments during summer months. Communicate arrival and departure dates with visiting faculty and stakeholders as needed. Provide friendly and warm hospitality to faculty and guests staying on campus. 
• Complete other duties as assigned 
• Uphold the University's mission through all 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:

• One plus year of professional or educational experience in faith-based higher education or event planning.
• Passionate commitment to Pepperdine University and its mission, vision, values, and goals.
• Commitment to the highest ethical standards, with personal and professional character and integrity beyond reproach.
• Collaborative approach to work with a demonstrated ability to build relationships with a variety of personalities and work styles.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Superior discretion and confidentiality.
• Exceptional organization, planning, and time management skills.
• Appropriate sense of urgency and responsiveness.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work weekends, some holidays, evenings, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to quickly learn new processes and procedures and adapt to assignment changes.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Creative and solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Superior attention to detail.
• High levels of initiative and a proactive approach to work.
• Commitment to excellence in every aspect of work.
• Joyful and optimistic demeanor, with an aptitude for customer service and hospitality.
• Familiarity and knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• General office familiarity with printers, scanners, copiers, phone systems, etc.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with Pepperdine University business practices
• Experience or background in faith-based higher education
• Experience in event planning or hospitality management
• Knowledge of StarRez

This is a Temporary, Nonexempt, 30-40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Rate: $22.00 per hour

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. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, and staff represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine is permitted under applicable law and reserves the right to seek, hire, and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists who support Pepperdine's Christian mission.

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. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.