Executive Assistant to the President

Pepperdine; Malibu (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepperdine University is seeking an Executive Assistant to the President to provide high-level administrative support and partner closely with the President on prioritizing and advancing University initiatives. The role requires exceptional organization, proactive communication, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

The position supports complex scheduling, travel planning, and coordination with trustees, donors, faculty, staff, students, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of experience as an executive assistant or similar, with at least 2 years of assisting senior executives.
• Extensive experience as an office manager and executive secretary.
• Experience with event planning and management.
• Ability to work effectively with University administrators, Regents, faculty, staff, students, vendors, attorneys, and government officials.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, management and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills and experience using Google Suite.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to remain highly confidential and professional.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive administrative and front-office support for the President.
• Manage the President's complex calendar and coordinate meetings and appointments with internal and external executives, trustees, donors, and other constituents.
• Coordinate all aspects of the President's travel.
• Process and reconcile credit card transactions and billing statements, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with University policies.
• Plan and coordinate meetings, lunches, and special events involving the President.
• Work closely with the First Lady to communicate and coordinate University events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

Skills

Calendar management

Executive support

Communication

Discretion/confidentiality

Event planning

Google Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

The Executive Assistant to the President provides high-level administrative and executive support to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Office of the President. This position serves as a trusted partner to the President, managing complex schedules, coordinating executive priorities, facilitating communication, and supporting key University initiatives.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, proactive, adaptable, and resourceful, with exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. This individual will interact professionally with a broad range of internal and external constituents, including trustees, donors, faculty, staff, students, and community partners, while maintaining the highest standards of discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism.

Through effective executive support and operational coordination, this position contributes to the President's ability to advance the University's mission, strengthen relationships, and fulfill its strategic priorities.

Duties

• Provide comprehensive administrative and front-office support for the President. Serve as the primary point of contact for incoming calls, inquiries, and visitors, ensuring professional and timely responses and appropriate referrals. Maintain presidential files, review and route incoming correspondence, and coordinate updates to the University faculty and staff directory for departments reporting to the President's Office.
• Manage the President's complex calendar and coordinate meetings and appointments with internal and external executives, trustees, donors, and other constituents. Partner with the President to establish and adjust scheduling priorities, balancing competing demands related to University business, travel, donor engagement, speeches, and other executive commitments.
• Coordinate all aspects of the President's travel, including airfare, ground transportation, lodging, itineraries, and other logistical arrangements.
• Process and reconcile credit card transactions and billing statements, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with University policies. Coordinate housekeeping, maintenance, and other operational needs related to the President's residence.
• Plan and coordinate meetings, lunches, and special events involving the President. Collaborate with Bon Appétit staff and other University departments to coordinate catering and event logistics. Work closely with the First Lady to communicate and coordinate University events, meetings, meals, and other engagements requiring her participation.
• 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
• 5+ years of experience as an executive assistant or similar, with at least 2 years of assisting senior executives
• Extensive experience as an office manager and executive secretary
• Experience with event planning and management
• Ability to work effectively with University administrators, Regents, faculty, staff, students, vendors, attorneys, and government officials
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, management and organizational skills
• Strong computer skills and experience using Google Suite
• Detail-oriented
• Ability to remain highly confidential and professional

Preferred:

• Master’s degree
• 7+ years of related experience
• Professional experience in a non-profit or higher-education setting
• Experience with board administration
• Familiarity with Pepperdine University

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

Expected Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000 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. 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.