This position will lead the planning, development, coordination, and execution of Pepperdine University's campus-wide initiatives surrounding the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Working collaboratively across University departments and with external partners, this position will develop meaningful experiences that celebrate Pepperdine's Olympic heritage, strengthen community engagement, promote service, and position the University as a welcoming and mission-driven participant in one of the world's largest global events. This temporary position will oversee strategic projects from concept through implementation while ensuring alignment with the University's Christian mission and institutional priorities. This position will also establish systems, partnerships, and documentation that create lasting value for Pepperdine beyond the conclusion of the 2028 Olympic Games

Duties

• STRATEGIC PLANNING & PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:
  • Lead the strategic planning, development, and implementation of Pepperdine University's comprehensive engagement strategy surrounding the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • Develop and manage multi-year project plans, timelines, and priorities while identifying opportunities for new initiatives, partnerships, and campus programming that advance the University's mission and strategic goals.
  • Ensure projects are thoughtfully coordinated, executed on schedule, and aligned with institutional priorities, while continually assessing opportunities to expand the University's impact and legacy before, during, and after the Games.
• CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT & EVENT MANAGEMENT:
  • Plan, coordinate, and oversee a wide variety of Olympic-related events and engagement initiatives designed to foster campus participation and community connection.
  • Responsibilities include managing programs such as the Olympic Speaker Series, watch parties, campus competitions, service initiatives, arts showcases, and other special events leading up to the 2028 Games.
  • Coordinate event logistics, schedules, vendors, volunteers, and campus resources while ensuring a high-quality experience for participants and guests. 
• CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION:
  • Serve as the primary coordinator for Olympic-related initiatives across the University by developing strong collaborative relationships with Athletics, Advancement, Student Affairs, IMC, Facilities, Business Services, Alumni Affairs, and other departments.
  • Facilitate regular communication, coordinate project timelines, and ensure that Olympic programming is cohesive, mission-aligned, and representative of the University's vision and values. 
• COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS & EXTERNAL RELATIONS:
  • Develop and maintain relationships with external organizations and community partners that support Pepperdine's involvement in LA28 initiatives.
  • Coordinate with Olympic representatives, alumni, local schools, churches, nonprofit organizations, vendors, and other community partners to create meaningful engagement opportunities.
  • Represent the University at planning meetings, community events, and partnership discussions while identifying opportunities to expand Pepperdine's visibility and impact throughout the Olympic movement. 
• COMMUNICATIONS & STORYTELLING:
  • Collaborate with IMC to develop and implement promotional campaigns and communications that celebrate Pepperdine's Olympic heritage and engage the campus community throughout the LA28 planning process.
  • Coordinate storytelling initiatives by collecting and sharing stories of Pepperdine Olympians, alumni, students, faculty, and staff through digital media, publications, exhibits, social media, and other communication platforms.
  • Assist in maintaining Olympic-related web content and supporting marketing efforts for campus events and initiatives. 
• BUDGET ADMINISTRATION & PROJECT COORDINATION:
  • Assist in the preparation and administration of budgets associated with Olympic-related initiatives.
  • Coordinate purchasing, vendor agreements, contracts, and expense tracking while ensuring responsible stewardship of University resources.
  • Maintain project documentation, schedules, and records to support efficient planning and execution of multiple concurrent initiatives. 
• TRACKING & PROGRAM EVALUATION:
  • Monitor participation, collect feedback, and evaluate the effectiveness of Olympic-related initiatives through attendance data, participant surveys, and other engagement metrics.
  • Prepare reports and recommendations for University leadership that assess program outcomes, identify opportunities for improvement, and document best practices to ensure a lasting institutional legacy beyond the 2028 Olympic Games. 
• 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:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 2 years of experience in project management, event management, higher education, nonprofit, marketing, athletics, hospitality, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience collaborating across multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Creative problem-solving.

Preferred:

• 4 years of experience in project management, event management, higher education, nonprofit, marketing, athletics, hospitality, or related field.
• Experience in higher education.
• Experience with large-scale events.
• Marketing or communications experience.
• Volunteer management experience.
• Sports or Olympic-related experience.
• Project Management experience. 

This is a Restricted, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $29.80 - $31.25 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.