This position provides strategic and operational oversight of the Pepperdine Bible Lectures (Harbor) and related Church Relations initiatives, with responsibility for planning, execution, and continuous improvement of key programs. The Manager oversees program operations, financial processes, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and the University’s mission. This role collaborates cross-functionally, manages complex projects, and supports decision-making related to program development, resource allocation, and event strategy.

Duties

Provide strategic and operational oversight of the Pepperdine Bible Lectures (Harbor), including planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale event logistics supporting 1,000+ overnight guests. Oversee housing strategy and assignments, registration operations, marketing coordination, meal programming, and speaker engagement. Independently direct logistics, prioritize resources, and resolve complex operational challenges, including guest accommodations and cross-functional event execution.
Direct the planning and execution strategy for the annual Harbor Preview Dinner, including decision-making related to event design, vendor selection, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with program objectives and leadership expectations.
Oversee budget planning and financial administration for Church Relations and the Hub for Spiritual Life, including budget tracking, forecasting, and approval of expenditures, as well as oversight of contracts and speaker agreements for Church Relations. Assist with requisitions, expense reports, and Cashier's Office Forms for the Hub for Spiritual Life.
Contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of additional Church Relations programs, including E2 and Pepperdine Legacy Partners, supporting event logistics, communications, and program operations as needed to advance departmental initiatives.
Oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of temporary full-time employees when hired seasonally and student staff, including delegating responsibilities, setting priorities, and ensuring quality and timely completion of work in support of departmental operations.
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 or equivalent years of experience required.
An active member of a local Church of Christ.
Two or more years of general administrative or closely related experience.
Job-related experience with organizing, promoting, and coordinating events.
Experience with corporate payment systems and budgets.
Passionate commitment to Pepperdine University and its mission, vision, values, and goals.
Commitment to the highest ethical standards, with personal and professional character and integrity beyond reproach.
Exceptional aptitude for customer service.
Appropriate sense of urgency and responsiveness.
Ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities.
Collaborative approach to work with a demonstrated ability to build relationships with a variety of personalities and work styles.
Exceptional project management, organization, planning, and time management skills.
Excellent oral communication skills.
Superior written communication.
Superior attention to detail.
Ability to quickly learn new processes and procedures and adapt to assignment changes.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Creative and solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.
High levels of initiative and a proactive approach to work.
Commitment to excellence in every aspect of work.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Mac systems is required.

Preferred:

Three or more years of general administrative experience.
Knowledge of the Pepperdine system and Harbor Bible Lectures.
Experience with CVent, Canva, Adobe, Workfront (project management), and event registration systems.

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

Expected Pay Range: $28.84 - $31.25 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

Manager, Church Relations