The Director of Student Employment oversees all aspects of student employee recruitment, hiring, and lifecycle management across the University—including all schools, colleges, and campuses—supporting a student employee population of approximately 1,800 in 200 departments. This role ensures full compliance with applicable federal and state employment regulations while providing strategic leadership to the Office of Student Employment Team, consisting of an associate director, senior manager, and a specialist. The director also drives the development and implementation of student development programs and supervisor training initiatives to enhance the overall student employment experience.

Key responsibilities include ensuring adherence to Federal Work-Study and Pepperdine Work Program guidelines in close collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid. The director also manages student employee relations and partners with Human Resources, the Office of General Counsel, and Title IX on workplace investigations as needed.

In addition to overseeing a departmental budget, the director engages in strategic planning for the department, fosters cross-departmental partnerships, and champions equitable access to meaningful employment and professional growth opportunities for students. The director also serves on the Student Affairs Cabinet.

Duties

• Create and enforce policies related to student employment to ensure consistency and compliance. Ensure all student employment practices comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), SB 525, equal employment opportunity, and the Federal Work-Study Program.
• Analyze data to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of student employment programs, using findings to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making. Design, develop, and enhance student employment initiatives that align with divisional and institutional priorities, address student needs, and support the University's strategic goals.
• Prepare and submit reports on student employment statistics and trends to institutional leadership, providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
• Manage the Federal Work-Study and Pepperdine Work Program in partnership with the Office of Financial Assistance, ensuring appropriate spending of federal and University funds.
• Represent Student Employment on University-wide committees and in meetings with key stakeholders, including developing and delivering training and sharing resources with University leaders, student employee supervisors, and student employees.
• Work closely with academic and administrative departments to identify student employment needs and opportunities. Build and maintain relationships with on-campus and external employers to secure job opportunities for students.
• Manage the budget for the department, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources. Identify and pursue funding opportunities, such as grants, to support student employment programs.
• Train and supervise office staff, ensuring they are knowledgeable and effective in their roles.
• Lead investigations into student employee complaints, misconduct, and policy violations, ensuring thorough and unbiased inquiry. Assist student employee supervisors with addressing performance issues, and providing support for disciplinary actions when necessary. Develop and monitor performance development plans for student employees with performance challenges. Serve as a point of contact for student employees regarding workplace concerns, providing support and guidance.
• Stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in student employment through continuous professional development.
• 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:

• Personal faith in Jesus Christ and active involvement in a local church.
• Master’s degree, or Bachelor's Degree with 5+ years of leadership related to Student Employment.
• Experience in Human Resources, or related field.
• 2-3 years of HR or Payroll Experience ideally in student employment, career development, accounting, or related area.
• Proven success in leading and implementing projects and programs with advanced experience in technology systems.
• Advanced technology skills and familiarity with Human Resource Information systems and electronic timekeeping systems.
• Strong critical thinking skills, an attention to detail, and an ability to meet deadlines in a multi-tasking environment.
• Ability to use PC, photocopier, fax, 10-key calculator. In addition, be able to lift moderate weight, 10-15 lbs.

Preferred:

• Experience in student employment and student development.
• Experience in staff supervision and building effective campus partnerships.
• Experience working with PeopleSoft or similar enterprise systems.
• Knowledge of High Impact Practices in a co-curricular setting.

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: $80,000 - $90,000 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.