Manager of Strategic Engagement and Events

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. Supports PCHS leadership in supporting and managing philanthropic councils and boards to advance fund-raising efforts. Corporate & Strategic Partnerships Management. Operationalizes new and established PCHS partnerships with corporate entities, community leaders, and alumni to enhance college initiatives, experiential learning, and community engagement. Strategic Event Planning, Production, & Execution. Leads the end-to-end lifecycle of critical PCHS events, maintaining standards of excellence across recruitment programs, academic ceremonies, co-curricular events, and orientations. 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. Duties Strategic Event Planning, Production, & Execution Event Lifecycle Management: Oversee the conceptualization, vendor selection, venue logistics, staffing, contract negotiation, budgeting, and post-event analysis for all signature college events, including: Recruitment & Admissions: Open houses, prospective student showcases, new student orientations, and admitted-student welcome programs. Student Ceremonies & Milestones: Dedication and commencement ceremonies, award banquets, and similar events. Board & Council Meetings: On-campus and virtual high-profile meetings, lunches/dinners, and receptions. Co-curricular and Community: Student services programs, guest lectures, conferences, and community engagement events. Advancement: Donor events and receptions. Marketing, Communications, & Registration: Partner with University marketing and event teams to coordinate digital invitation workflows, registration portals, program agendas, printed materials, and multi-channel promotion strategies. Vendor & Budget Oversight: Reconcile event budgets, negotiate contracts with external vendors, and ensure full compliance with university risk management, accessibility (ADA), and procurement policies. Data Analytics & Continuous Improvement: 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. Philanthropic Board & Council Facilitation Governance and Meeting Management: 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. Member Onboarding and Stewardship: In partnership with Advancement, execute comprehensive onboarding, cultivation, relationship-building frameworks and materials for current and prospective board members. Executive Communication: 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…

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