The PA Admission Specialist will support all aspects of recruitment/admissions for the developing* Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program in the College of Health Science (PCHS). Supported by the Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management, the specialist will build the recruiting and admissions infrastructure for the PA program. This includes: developing the application on the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) platform, systems and programmatic admissions cycle planning, technical integration, funnel dashboard and reporting development, prospect outreach, application gathering, coaching and review, conducting information sessions, and representing the program at conferences, campus programs, and recruiting events.

By enabling the ability of the PA program to recruit and enroll mission-aligned students into the program, the position contributes to and advances the University’s strategic plan and Christian Mission.

Duties

• The PA Admission Specialist will support the building and implementation of the recruiting and admissions infrastructure. This includes all admission and recruiting efforts for the PA program within the PCHS. The specialist is the main point of contact and provides comprehensive support for prospects by making calls, emailing, mailing, and face-to-face contact. In their role, the specialist will:
  • Plan the admission cycle for the PA program.
  • Assist in the design and creation of communication materials promoting admissions updates and activities, such as various mailers, brochures, newsletters, and other materials in coordination with the Integrated Marketing and Communication (IMC) department.
  • Advise prospects and families on admissions requirements, student life, spiritual life, and academics, as they move through the application process.
  • Monitor applicant activity throughout the funnel to increase completion and yield conversions.
  • Provide administrative support for the admissions process including communication with applicants for the completion of their admissions file, supporting applicants in meeting enrollment deadlines, and solves outstanding issues.
  • Assist in arranging, planning and coordinating the details of the admissions interviews.
  • Evaluate submitted documents to ensure the applicant meets all admission requirements.
  • As an evaluator, the specialist will be required to add/update submitted transcripts, test scores, and other admission documentation to appropriate University computing systems (SalesForce, PeopleSoft, Etrieve, etc.) to ensure accurate and timely processing. 
• The PA Admission Specialist will work as the liaison between the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), PCHA, and the School of Physician Assistant Studies (SPAS). These responsibilities include:
  • Supported by the Dean of SPAS and the PA Selection Committee, developing the application form and process on the CASPA platform.
  • Working in collaboration with Pepperdine IT personnel, the specialist will coordinate establishing the technical integration for data transfer between the CASPA system and Pepperdine computing platforms, specifically SalesForce and Etrieve.
  • After the initial application is developed, the specialist will be responsible to maintain and update all components of the CASPA application process and the data transfer process(es), as needed, including enrollment cycle setup and management.
  • In collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Admission, the specialist will assist in managing PCHS' relationship with CASPA.
  • Managing application review, application processing, and applicant status within the CASPA system.
  • Ensuring effective bidirectional communication and data flow from CASPA with the PA Selection Committee.
  • Entering admission decisions into the CASPA system.
  • Gathering and developing reports of key admission statistics from the CASPA system. 
• The PA Admission Specialist will work closely with the Dean of SPAS to ensure the recruitment, admission, and enrollment processes comply with regard and adherence to program, Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), regional educational accreditor (WSCUC), and other applicable standards. To ensure compliance, the specialist will:
  • Collaborate positively with the SPAS Selection Committee.
  • Manage all admissions data and provide regular reports and information to the SPAS Selection Committee.
  • Ensure that all admissions processes uphold institutional standards while providing accurate, timely, and transparent communication to prospective applicants.
  • Communicate and manage any required updates to the CASPA platform, program website, or promotional materials, as required. 
• Manage applicant and matriculant data in related CRM (SalesForce/Outcomes) and SIS (PeopleSoft) systems. 
• The specialist will be required to collaborate and consistently communicate with enrollment partners (Student Financial Services, Registrar, Student Advisers, IMC, etc.), faculty and other stakeholders, and program committees throughout the admissions process to ensure seamless enrollment and a positive applicant experience. 
• Deliver presentations to prospective students at information sessions, provide campus tours, and maintain compliance with a fair admissions process. Attend and support related recruiting events and fairs as appropriate. 
• Monitor PCHS website to ensure accurate information regarding recruiting events, application deadlines, admissions requirements and resources, and new program details as needed. 
• 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:

• A Bachelor's degree.
• Prior experience in admission, recruitment, or student services.
• Detail-oriented and result-driven with strong organizational, interpersonal, and oral/written communication skills.
• Customer service-oriented and a team player with a strong ability to plan and prioritize.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Google Workspace, and familiarity with imaging systems.
• Able to quickly assimilate new software, commercial databases, portals, and web sites.Entrepreneurial and collaborative mind-set.

Preferred:

• Master's degree.
• 3+ years of related experience, proven track record in higher education admission, recruitment, administration, and student systems.
• Proven track-record showing ability to work under pressure in education administration or recruitment environment, and business development.
• Data management and quantitative skill competency and experience.
• Proficiency in PeopleSoft, SalesForce, document imaging systems, and Google Workspace.

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

Expected Pay Range: $26.82 - $29.80 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.

*Pepperdine University, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The MSPAS program anticipates matriculating its first class in September 2027 pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the April 2027 ARC-PA meeting. The program will not commence in the event that provisional accreditation is not received.  

Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.  

The MSPAS program at Pepperdine University is pending approval by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).