Employee Engagement Specialist

The Employee Engagement Specialist serves as a communications and event planning expert for Human Resources, supporting the planning and execution of learning, wellness, and major community engagement initiatives for Pepperdine University’s staff and faculty. The successful candidate will bring enthusiasm for strengthening employee wellbeing, creating professional development resources, and coordinating and delivering high‑quality events. Reflecting the University’s mission and values in all interactions, this position is critical to attracting, retaining, and engaging the best workforce for Pepperdine University. Duties Coordinate and execute major annual events at Pepperdine, including Pepperdine Honors, Leadership Conference, Holiday Receptions, and other campus‑wide engagement initiatives. Manage all logistical aspects of events, including timelines, vendor coordination, space reservations, catering, communications, event‑related problem‑solving, and event documentation and evaluation. Write and edit content for communications on behalf of Human Resources, including email newsletters, supervisor communications, community emails, and ad‑hoc announcements about various programming, employee benefits, and events. Maintain strong working relationships with University partners such as department heads, executive assistants, University Events, Printing Services, Integrated Marketing Communications, Dining Services, and more. Support onboarding and new employee orientation, serving as an ambassador to new employees. Plan and implement streamlined, educational, and welcoming onboarding processes to aid in the facilitation and continuous improvement of monthly new employee orientations. Provide logistical support for wellness and learning initiatives aligned with Pepperdine’s holistic wellness and employee development priorities. Manage all event planning logistics and communications related to employee wellbeing programs and development workshops. Coordinate and manage aspects of employee reward and recognition, including vendor partners, dedicated recognition days, and informal recognition opportunities that support a culture of gratitude and belonging. 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 and one year of full‑time professional work experience (which may include experiences in event planning, customer service, or hospitality). Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and execute events or programs, with strong attention to logistics, timelines, and end‑to‑end event execution. Commitment to excellence, service, and hospitality. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting professional communications for diverse audiences. Exceptional attention to detail and follow‑through, organization, and time‑management skills. Ability to prioritize work and oversee multiple, concurrent projects. Ability to build and manage timeframes for reviews and approvals, and foresee challenges. Exceptional project management skills. Ability to appropriately interact with high‑level administrators and distinguished guests. Ability to work harmoniously, professionally, and effectively with co‑workers and supervisors. Must dress professionally. Ability to integrate the University’s Christian mission within HR practice. Proficiency in Google Workspace and creative design applications (Adobe, Canva, Marq, etc). Preferred: Two or more years of full‑time professional work experience. Experience in event planning, communications, human resources, marketing, higher education, learning and development, or related fields. Experience with website design, email analytics, program evaluation, and advanced graphic design skills. This is a Regular, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position. Expected Pay Range:$24.66 - $27.40 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr