Under the general direction of the Director of Student Services, the Manager of Student Experience is responsible for designing and implementing a wide range of strategies and programs that enhance the academic, social, spiritual, and cultural experiences designed to support students at the College of Health Science (CHS) located at Pepperdine University’s Calabasas campus. This role works collaboratively with Pepperdine Malibu campus departments and academic units to ensure a seamless onboarding experience and sustained student engagement for undergraduate and graduate students both in-person and online. The Manger of Student Experience also oversees volunteer programs and service events, fostering a culture of community involvement by building campus and community partnerships, organizing meaningful service opportunities, and promoting leadership in alignment with the University’s mission. The manager will also collaborate with the Hub for Spiritual Life to provide worship and spiritual care events, programming, and resources to cultivate a vibrant and consistent spiritual life within the CHS.

The Manager of Student Experience will be responsible for integrating both online and in-person student communities to ensure an inclusive and connected student experience across all delivery modalities. In addition, manager enhances the student experience by facilitating student engagement through club and organization programming, student governance, and leadership development initiatives that promote applied learning and a vibrant campus life. As this is a new position supporting a newly developing program and location, the manager will play a critical role in establishing both student and spiritual life within the CHS, as well as shaping the foundational CHS Calabasas campus culture from the ground up.

With its initial academic programs scheduled to begin in August 2025, the College of Health Science is early in its development. As needs arise, the Student Experience Manager must be adaptable and adept at responding to unexpected requests and responsibilities should they arise. Additionally, it is reasonable to expect that as the college grows and develops, the Student Experience Manager’s duties will evolve within the area of student services to meet program and college performance metrics and objectives and provide support for the college’s students, schools, and programs.

Duties

• Develop, promote, and implement high-quality student programs that foster a vibrant campus culture, sense of belonging, and active participation in co-curricular activities. 
• Develop, support, and manage New Student Orientation (NSO) and other student experiences to support the academic and social engagement of the CHS student population across multiple campus locations and both online and in-person learning modalities. 
• Collaborate with the director of student services, college deans, and program stakeholders to design student experience initiatives that promote retention and persistence. 
• Lead service programming by planning and executing opportunities that foster a culture of service, volunteerism, and community involvement. 
• Advise student leaders on event planning best practices, organizational processes, and compliance with University policies while proactively ensuring risk management procedures are in place for all student-led events and managing the annual student organization calendar through the student organization management platform. 
• Partner with Pepperdine's Hub for Spiritual Life to support student well-being and facilitate spiritual development as part of the CHS student experience. 
• Leverage digital tools and media platforms to create and distribute marketing materials that promote student services events; including workshops, orientations, and community-building activities. 
• Track and evaluate the success of service programs and events, using data and student feedback to guide continuous improvement. 
• Support student community and belonging by engaging with student organizations and university partners across Pepperdine. 
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student employees and student leaders, ensuring a developmental and enriching employment experience. 
• 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:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 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.
• Ability to integrate Christian faith with student development theories and practice.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Excellent administrative, organizational, program coordination, leadership development, and fiscal management skills.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work collaboratively as a team member.
• Experience designing or managing student services that bridge online and in-person programs is essential to ensure consistent support and engagement across all learning environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-faceted events and communicating effectively with a variety of vendors and campus partners.
• Proficiency in digital and social media platforms is required to support the effective communication and promotion of student events and activities.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in education or a related field and 5 years of professional experience in student success, academic support services, or a related role within higher education—preferably within a College of Health Sciences or a health science-focused academic environment.
• A background in student affairs, student activities, or campus programming.
• Demonstrated experience working with non-traditional student populations.
• Expertise in event planning, leadership development, or program coordination, along with a strong record of supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
• A proven ability to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals of all perspectives and experiences is essential.

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, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $28.84 – $31.73 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.