Manager of Strategic Engagement and Events

Pepperdine University•Calabasas, CA

23h•$29 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

Pepperdine University’s College of Health Science (PCHS) is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to serve as the inaugural Manager of Strategic Engagement & Events. The position has responsibilities in three primary areas: Philanthropic Board & Council Facilitation, Corporate & Strategic Partnerships Management, and Strategic Event Planning, Production, & Execution. The position directly advances the University's strategic plan by enhancing the ability of PCHS to foster relationships that advance partnership opportunities, fund-raising, and strategic engagement with a broad range of individuals and companies. Through event planning, the manager will advance the ability of the college to enroll students, engage students in activities that support their success, and encourage students to maintain a strong relationship with the University and PCHS as alumni. The manager reports to the Dean of the College of Health Science and is expected to work collaboratively with deans, faculty, and staff across the PCHS and University. The manager will need to be adaptable to working some evening and weekend hours, as required, to perform the responsibilities of the position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Exceptional organizational skills, with a proven ability to multitask and manage several projects simultaneously.
Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to include nights and weekends.
Understanding of higher education organizational structures, academic culture, and administrative workflows.
Proficient computing skills, including knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office; fluency in digital work environments.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in a related discipline.
Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in event management, donor relations, board facilitation, corporate relations, or strategic engagement—ideally within a higher education, non-profit, or complex corporate environment.
Prior experience with event platforms, registration systems, and digital invitation tools (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite, Qualtrics).
Familiarity with CRM/database systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or PeopleSoft).

Responsibilities

Oversee the conceptualization, vendor selection, venue logistics, staffing, contract negotiation, budgeting, and post-event analysis for all signature college events, including Recruitment & Admissions events, Student Ceremonies & Milestones, Board & Council Meetings, Co-curricular and Community events, and Advancement events.
Partner with University marketing and event teams to coordinate digital invitation workflows, registration portals, program agendas, printed materials, and multi-channel promotion strategies.
Reconcile event budgets, negotiate contracts with external vendors, and ensure full compliance with university risk management, accessibility (ADA), and procurement policies.
Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for event success, oversee attendee survey distribution and data synthesis, and present post-event evaluation briefings to drive continuous operational improvement.
Coordinate the logistical, operational, and strategic planning for PCHS philanthropic council, board and subcommittee meetings. Support the preparation of meeting agendas, briefing materials, talking points, and presentation collateral for the Dean and senior leadership.
In partnership with Advancement, execute comprehensive onboarding, cultivation, relationship-building frameworks and materials for current and prospective board members.
Working in collaboration with Integrated Marketing and Communications, synthesize complex college, school, and program updates, academic priorities, and development reports into compelling executive summaries, quarterly progress reports, newsletters, and personalized communications from the Dean and PCHS leadership to board members.
Coordinate with University Advancement staff to align board activities with campaign priorities and major-gift programs. Gather and share information with Advancement to maintain records of member interests and committee contributions. Provide information to support the ability of Advancement to ensure board members fulfill advisory and development commitments, and assess member engagement metrics annually.
Act as the central administrative contact for existing corporate, industry, and organizational partners.
Coordinate with partner personnel to execute collaborative ventures, such as research symposia, guest lecture series, career pathway events, and community engagement opportunities.
Track partnership milestones, evaluate outcomes against strategic objectives, and draft reports for internal leadership to ensure long-term engagement, ROI, and partnership renewal.
Serve as an internal liaison between corporate partners and institutional stakeholders- including career services, IMC's corporate partnership team, faculty leads, and alumni relations- to maximize University/partner integration, represent PCHS's strategic goals, and amplify impact with all partners.
Partner with Pepperdine Advancement event team on large scale PCHS events that involve University stakeholders.
Recruit, hire, and manage student workers to assist in the performance of duties.
Uphold University mission through work performed.