Senior University Events Coordinator

Pepperdine University; Malibu (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA seeks a Special Events Manager to oversee planning and execution of university events, including commencements, concerts, luncheons, and receptions. You will manage budgets, logistics, and vendor relationships to promote ongoing connections with students, alumni, faculty, staff, and donors.

The role requires strong communication, organization, and end-to-end production expertise, with the flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, 1+ years of special project and event coordination, and conference and events production.
• Professional knowledge of university and donor culture with the executive presence to communicate directly with senior leaders.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills across diverse media.
• Advanced organizational and multitasking abilities, with a proven track record of prioritizing high-impact initiatives, making independent decisions, and managing complex changes under pressure.
• Strong background in comprehensive event logistics, physical setup/strike, and end-to-end production.
• Physical stamina for lifting.
• Demonstrated excellence in building relationships with diverse constituents—executives, faculty, staff, students, employers, and donors—while maintaining composure in fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate major university events from start to finish.
• Supervise vendors, staff, and volunteers.
• Develop budgets and track expenses.
• Coordinate on-site logistics and setup/teardown.
• Prepare promotional materials and programs.
• Schedule contracted services and equipment rentals.
• Represent the university at planning meetings.
• Provide post-event evaluation and reporting.

Skills

Executive presence

Communication

Organization

Event coordination

Team leadership

Google Workspace

On-site supervision

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

PeopleSoft

Desktop publishing

Job description

Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA seeks a Special Events Manager to oversee planning and execution of university events, including commencements, concerts, luncheons, and receptions. You will manage budgets, logistics, and vendor relationships to promote ongoing connections with students, alumni, faculty, staff, and donors.

The role requires strong communication, organization, and end-to-end production expertise, with the flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed.