The Director of Recruitment and Program Relations at Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy is responsible for growing and maintaining the student body through innovative recruitment strategies aligned with the school’s mission. This includes expanding the Master of Public Policy program, managing recruitment events, implementing digital strategies, and building partnerships with like-minded institutions. The director works closely with the dean and senior director of student services to develop a multi-year strategic enrollment plan, collaborates with marketing on promotional campaigns, and manages prospective student communications. Additionally, they serve as the primary contact for educational partners, ensuring that partnerships support student recruitment and career opportunities.

The position will be evaluated by the performance of:

1. Growing lead generation and inquiries at the School of Public Policy 

2. Building and maintaining student enrollment in the degree(s) and summer programs based on University targets;

3. Elevating the School of Public Policy brand among the broader policy, academic, and political communities (gauged by advancement of P4 partnership opportunities in the interest of recruitment and student enrollment)

Duties

• RECRUITMENT: Develop and execute an innovative recruitment plan that takes advantage of in-person recruitment events, digital recruitment with IMC, targeted advertising, and program relationships. Serve as a voting member of the School of Public Policy Admissions Committee. As it relates to the advancement of recruitment/admissions/enrollment, student services, and alumni engagement, serve as point of contact for educational and program partners; represent the School of Public Policy at all relevant admissions Pepperdine University committees such as the Recruitment and Admissions and CRM Salesforce Core Team; develop on-ground recruitment campaign that may consist of recruitment graduate fairs, open house events, online workshops, presentations to classrooms and faculty; travel to and table at graduate workshops and fairs (PPIA, Model UN, Idealist). Write, edit, and implement prospective student journey communications in CRM; regularly meet with the University CRM team, build reports, analyze data, and be accountable for metrics at each stage of the funnel; provide analytics on recruitment strategies and their effectiveness; and be able to report on the frequency of partnership relationship building (events, meetings) to aid in decision making. Market the program, including writing all program materials to elevate the overall development and promotion of the School of Public Policy's image through targeted strategies including: recruitment events, presentations to faculty and students at targeted institutions, and regular relationship-building with those who influence prospective student decisions (i.e., professors, policy leaders). Create a recruiting calendar for graduate fairs with the assistant director of recruitment and admissions; set up school visits and campus tours for interested candidates; recruit students to SPP's growing presence in Washington, DC, and any other academic and professional programs created. Build program awareness by traveling to local and national markets in support of student recruitment.
• PROGRAM RELATIONS: Revise and implement strategies and plans to strengthen existing educational and program partnerships and build new relationships for the School of Public Policy, its flagship programs, and other academic and professional programming to promote enrollment and professional development. These relationships should be across academia both internally at Pepperdine University and externally with other like-minded and appropriately targeted institutions and the political, policy, public affairs, and mission-aligned communities. These partnerships should primarily focus on increasing prospective students/applicants. Grow the Pepperdine Partner Policy Program (P4) network through additional MOUs and nurture existing relationships.
• MARKETING: Develop and implement a marketing and advertising strategy for the School of Public Policy's programs, including promoting the school's image regarding recruitment and enrollment growth. Strategies will include developing print collateral materials, digital assets, website copy, and digital recruitment strategies (display ads, Google search, YouTube marketing, paid social media, and related channels in collaboration with the Integrated Marketing and Communications team). Develop content that drives top-of-funnel prospective student traffic with cost-effective, lead-generation tactics. Collaborate with the director of marketing and communication and various University departments to develop prospective student marketing content. Oversee and write prospective student journey communications in CRM Salesforce, including editing email communications and assets, leading meetings, updating CRM content, and reporting metrics at each funnel stage.
• SUPERVISORY AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT: Review all recruitment-related expenses, including externally funded activities. Supervise between one and three graduate assistants who will serve as school ambassadors, providing training and a script on best practices to communicate the uniqueness of the school or program to prospective students.
• 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: Bachelor's degree in management, marketing, or related field to the School of Public Policy (i.e., public administration, public policy, history, political science, economics, statistics, most social sciences). Working 5-10 years’ experience in comparable position will be considered for degree equivalency.

Superior work ethic for long hours, including evenings and weekends. High energy level required to meet the demands of the position. Must be able to sustain high level of productivity under stress, while maintaining accuracy and positive public image to all students, clients and audiences; ability to scan quickly and accurately detailed reports and correspondence to discover critical success factors and items. Must be willing to travel a minimum of three months a year for extended periods of time, ability to drive to various locations, must own car and have good driver record. A minimum of 5 years in an academic/policy environment (university, think tank, policy organization, political organization) with a successful track record of building relationships with leaders in these areas (i.e., professors, department deans, policy researchers, think tank executives, political leaders, etc.). In particular, the candidate should be familiar with the Christian/religious college environment along with the networks of liberal arts colleges, universities, and student organizations. Candidates should have some familiarity with the admissions process.

Experience in prospective student marketing publication preferences; ability to interact with diverse populations including students, executives, and high profile alumni; superior communication abilities to supervise staff; and proven track record of making independent decisions. Experience in developing strategic plans within an academic/policy environment and working with others to achieve challenging goals. Effective communication skills, oral and written, including editing ability. Superior interpersonal and public relations skills; well-developed university/policy relationships, managerial/supervisory skills, knowledge and experience in educational administration relative to institutional management. Candidate should have some background in communications with awareness of social media platforms and basic marketing concepts. Ability to analyze broadly defined policies/activities and formulate plans for implementation of recruitment, financial aid, and student services issues; ability to initiate and take independent action.

Experience with Salesforce CRM, Marketing Cloud, Oracle/PeopleSoft, and Etrieve Imaging, Handshake, PeppConnect and SPP Mentorship, and Raiser’s Edge.

Preferred: Master’s degree in management, marketing, or related field to the School of Public Policy (i.e., public administration, public policy, history, political science, economics, statistics, most social sciences). Working 5-10 years’ experience in comparable position will be considered for degree equivalency. Preferred candidates will have experience in writing and presenting on public policy issues whether in an academic context or to wider audiences. Preferred candidate will have some experience in developing academic programs and events for networking purposes. Preference given for a candidate with recruitment experience for academic or quasi-academic organizations.

Qualified individuals should be able to articulate a strong commitment to diversity, 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 - $85,000 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.