Deputy Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the President

The Deputy Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the President serves as a trusted partner, strategic advisor, and operational leader supporting both the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost in advancing the University’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

Duties

Executive Support to the President 

• Manage the President's calendar, communications, travel, and correspondence with precision, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Serve as the first point of contact for the President's Office, screening inquiries, coordinating responses, and ensuring timely and appropriate follow-up.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, and briefing materials for meetings, donor engagements, and events.
• Coordinate and manage logistics for executive meetings, leadership retreats, and University functions involving the President.
• Liaise with regents, senior leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to ensure smooth communication and scheduling.
• Supervise administrative support staff, student workers, and front-office operations within the President's suite as needed.
• Oversee select operational details such as budgeting, procurement, event planning, and maintenance coordination for the President's residence and official functions.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Senior Vice President for Global Impact and Chief of Staff and Provost to advance academic and institutional priorities.
• Oversee coordination among the University's schools and academic support units to ensure alignment with University-wide goals and initiatives.
• Lead or coordinate cross-divisional projects related to academic excellence, faculty affairs, and student success.
• Develop briefing materials, analyses, and reports to inform strategic decision-making.
• Partner with Deans and administrative leaders on academic planning, resource allocation, and policy development.
• Serve as a key liaison between the President, Provost, and other executive offices to ensure clarity, consistency, and timely communication.
• Promote a collaborative and mission-driven culture within the President's and Provost's Offices and across academic units.

Cross-Divisional Coordination and Institutional Effectiveness

• Facilitate coordination and information flow between the President's and Provost's Offices, ensuring alignment on institutional priorities and key initiatives.
• Anticipate needs and issues, preparing talking points, presentations, and briefings for both executives.
• Support University-wide initiatives requiring collaboration across academic and administrative divisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve communication, workflow, and decision-making processes between leadership offices.
• Maintain a strong understanding of University operations, governance, and strategic goals to provide informed guidance and support.
• 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 progressively responsible administrative and project management experience, preferably in higher education or executive settings.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, sensitive communications, and confidential information.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively across multiple teams, balancing strategic priorities with
  day-to-day operational needs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and project management
  software.
• Commitment to the University’s mission and values.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and perform work while under pressure.
• Ability to work effectively with University administrators, Regents, faculty, staff, students, vendors, attorneys, and government officials.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree.
• 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with Pepperdine University.

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

Expected Pay Range: $90,000 - $110,000 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