Under the general supervision of the Director of Student Engagement and Success, the Assistant Director, Student Engagement and Success is responsible for developing and cultivating an exceptional Graziadio student life experience through program development and planning, event management, and student organization advisement and support. The Office of Student Engagement and Success (SES) drives initiatives and experiences designed to support, nurture, and enhance the student experience at the Graziadio Business School. As an integral member of SES, the Assistant Director works both independently and collaboratively with students, staff, faculty, and other School/University departments in service of the Pepperdine University mission to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

Duties

• Student Clubs and Organizations
  • Oversee all aspects of PGBS student-led clubs and organizations, providing comprehensive support, training, advisement, and leadership development to student leaders and advisors.
  • Guide student leaders in achieving effective organizational management and creating exceptional involvement opportunities that promote leadership development, school pride, and community engagement.
  • Develop, coordinate, implement, and assess student leader training programs aligned with student learning outcomes.
  • Advise student leaders on event planning best practices, succession planning, organizational processes, risk management, and compliance with University policies.
  • Proactively research, anticipate, and ensure risk management practices and safety procedures are in place for all student-led events, consistent with University policies.
  • Develop the annual student organization calendar and utilize the student organization management platform to administer club registration, budget requests, and other organizational processes.
  • Serve as co-advisor for the Graziadio Student Advisory Board, fostering a meaningful, educational, and fulfilling involvement experience for its members.
  • Provide administrative oversight for the PGBS Student Activity Fee budget and related expenses, ensuring policy compliance and facilitating student reimbursements and vendor contract payments.
  • Assist the Graziadio Student Advisory Board in allocating student activity fee revenue to student clubs and organizations through a fair and equitable process.
  • Strategically promote student club and organization involvement using a variety of marketing tools, activities, and initiatives.

• Event Management
  • Plan and execute SES events and programs, including new student orientation, Welcome Week, and annual tradition events.
  • Manage communication, logistics, and stakeholder participation, coordinating with vendors, presenters, campus partners, and volunteers to ensure successful events.
    
    

• Programs and Initiatives

  • Develop, promote, and implement high-quality student programs that foster a vibrant campus culture, sense of belonging, and active participation in co-curricular activities.
  • Design program objectives and activities focused on specific learning outcomes based on assessed student needs.
  • Contribute to the development of new student onboarding programs, creating a welcoming and exceptional experience for incoming students.
  • Promote SES programs and services through strategic marketing, outreach, and collaborative partnerships.
  • Stay informed on University resources to provide appropriate referrals for student support services.
  • Occasionally work evenings and weekends to support program activities.
    
    

• Supervision

  • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student employees, ensuring a developmental and enriching employment experience.
  • Set clear goals and objectives to create a positive learning environment that supports a diverse student population.

• Assessment and Evaluation
  
  • Conduct ongoing assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and measure student learning outcomes.
  • Participate in departmental assessment projects, developing data collection methods, and preparing detailed written reports.
  • Use assessment findings to recommend and implement future initiatives that enhance student experiences.
  • Maintain accurate records of student involvement, program participation, and overall impact.
    
    

• University and Professional Responsibilities

  • Engage in professional development, staff trainings, and departmental meetings to stay current on best practices in higher education.
  • Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Actively participate in professional associations (i.e., NACA, NASPA, NODA, CAS) to remain informed on current research and issues pertaining to higher education, new student orientation, assessment, and student development.
  • Support committees and initiatives that advance student success and departmental goals.
  • Maintain confidentiality of student information in compliance with FERPA regulations.
  • 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 Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • A minimum of three years of relevant full-time professional experience in a student affairs or student service-related area with evidence of proficiency and potential for further growth.
  • Demonstrated experience working with student organization administration and/or new student orientation and independently advising and training student leaders and groups.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-faceted events and communicating effectively with a variety of vendors and campus partners.
  • Ability to work independently and exercise autonomy in planning and organizing work to meet competing objectives, priorities, and deadlines.
  • Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively within a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with frequent interruptions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations, exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality, identify solutions, and consistently apply policies and procedures.
  • Ability to anticipate problems, reconcile conflicts, and maintain a strong philosophical base for student learning and engagement.
  • Superior knowledge of event coordination, logistics, risk management principles, and working with vendors.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Superior customer service skills.
  • Strong organizational, time management, prioritization, and administrative capabilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to comfortably, professionally, and effectively interact, collaborate, and communicate with diverse stakeholders (students, faculty, staff, senior administrators) within a higher education setting.
  • Highly proficient in a variety of remote communication tools, Google Workspace, MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Zoom, file sharing, mobile devices, PC, Mac, phones, scanning, and copiers/printers.
    
    

• Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in education, counseling, or other relevant field.
  • Four or more years of relevant full-time professional experience working in a student affairs or similar student support role serving a diverse student population with varying levels of need.
  • Experience hiring, recruiting, supervising, and training student employees.
  • Experience working with international student populations is highly desired.
  • Experience collaborating with and supporting graduate students.
  • Understanding of budget management principles.
  • Strategic ability to proactively anticipate and plan for the delivery of annual programs, services, and initiatives according to the academic calendar.
  • Understanding of and the ability to apply student development theories to practice. 
  • Experience in student training and leadership development.
  • Competency with data collection and analysis methods to assess learning and achievement.
  • Aptitude for learning and implementing new technologies and devices.
  • Experience with 25Live and PeopleSoft.
  • Familiarity with a student organization management platform such as Campus Groups or Anthology.
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage current and emerging technology tools to enhance student communication and engagement.
    
    

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, 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 that may be eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the University Policy Manual.

Expected Pay Range: $68,640 - $73,000 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.