The Assistant Director of Advancement Operations and Employment works closely with the Executive Director of Advancement Administration to manage and further implement Human Resources-related initiatives for the department. This includes navigating employee relations concerns, increasing professional development and engagement opportunities for the Advancement department, and administrating and implementing all transactional human resources-related work for Advancement. The individual in this role will also be the point person for hiring, separations, job descriptions, refining operational processes, etc. for the department. This individual also oversees and manages the Operations Coordinator and the student worker team for the front desk.

Duties

• Human Resources/Employee Relations:
  • Manage all staff changes, including ensuring the appropriate paperwork is completed, job descriptions are updated, etc. Assist hiring managers with forms and procedures for job postings and selection processes. Review departmental position proposals with Human Resources to ensure organizational structure, compensation level, internal equity, and other considerations are fully vetted.
  • Oversee the process for hiring and onboarding staff and consultants. Provide best practices for hiring to hiring managers across Advancement.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between Advancement and Human Resources and actively help to implement policies, practices, and programs developed by Human Resources across Advancement. 
• Engagement:
  • Develop and implement initiatives that promote employee engagement and reinforce the Pepperdine mission.
  • Plan staff retreats, all staff meetings, holiday gatherings/celebrations, bell ringings, etc.
  • Plan occasions to celebrate staff; promote a positive work environment, and work diligently to promote a positive workplace morale.
  • In partnership with Operations Coordinator, oversee the ongoing unreasonable hospitality challenge for employee recognition.
  • Organize celebrations for employees and their life milestones, in addition to supporting staff members during times of grief and personal loss.
  • Provide ongoing training for the department and ensure that there are processes in place, documentation, acknowledgment forms, etc. created for various trainings across Advancement. 
• Oversee Operations Team:
  • Manage the Operations Coordinator and student employee teams for the operations department.
  • Develop, review and implement individual staff and department plan of actions.
  • Prepare and conduct annual performance reviews for direct reports.
  • Oversee front desk operations by supervising student employees, including hiring, training, and performance management.
  • Create and manage staff schedules to ensure consistent coverage and high-quality customer service.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for student employees. 
• Operations:
  • Work closely with DDC/POC on continuous improvement plans for Advancement staff work spaces
  • Collaborate with department heads to refine and document processes and procedures across Advancement. Lead efforts to streamline workflows, implement best practices, and support operational consistency. 
• Finances
  • Manage personal finances, including credit card reallocations and substantiations, ensuring that all purchases are within budget.
  • Assist the finance team by providing personnel updates and serve as a resource for Advancement questions. 
• 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
• 2-3 years experience working in operations, human resources, or a related field
• Good instincts and exceptional people skills; customer service oriented
• Self-starter with the capacity to take ownership of important projects and tasks
• Ability to manage projects and collaborate with various groups of people
• Strong attention to detail with appropriate follow through on important projects and communications
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly
• Ability to work well under pressure and adhere to deadlines
• Ability to proactively address issues and maintain confidentiality with sensitive information
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with high-level executives and administrators
• Strong computer skills and comfortability learning new systems
• Professional appearance and dress required
• Experience working with student groups
• Ability to articulate the Pepperdine mission and incorporate it into daily work

Preferred:

• Experience working in a higher education setting
• Previous experience as a supervisor
• Experience working in Advancement in a higher education setting
• Familiarity with Pepperdine University and its 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. 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: $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.