Responsibilities

• The Marketing Communications Manager provides day-to-day marketing and communications leadership and support for the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and related programs and initiatives.
• The position is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and executing marketing and communications activities that promote the Institute's programs, accomplishments, events, faculty, students, alumni, and areas of expertise to internal and external audiences.
• The position serves as a primary marketing communications contact for the Straus Institute and works closely with Institute leadership, faculty, and staff to identify communications needs, develop appropriate messaging, and coordinate projects from concept through completion.
• The position collaborates with Integrated Marketing Communications colleagues and other University partners to ensure communications are consistent with Pepperdine University's brand, messaging, and strategic priorities.
• Responsibilities include content development, website and digital communications, email marketing, social media, print and digital collateral, event promotion, and coordination of marketing projects.
• The position also works with University partners and external vendors, as appropriate, to execute communications initiatives and ensure projects are delivered accurately, efficiently, and on schedule.
• The Marketing Communications Manager exercises independent judgment within established University and IMC guidelines and provides recommendations to improve the effectiveness, consistency, and reach of Straus Institute communications.
• Significant strategic, budgetary, policy, or reputational decisions are made in consultation with the appropriate IMC and Institute leadership.
• Duties
• Marketing Communications & Content Strategy: Develop, plan, and execute comprehensive marketing and communications content tailored to Straus Institute initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, business, or a related field.
• Three or more years of related marketing, communications, content development, or higher education experience required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Writing, Editorial & Content Strategy
• Editorial Excellence: Superior writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with demonstrated discretion when handling sensitive institutional communications.
• Multi-Channel Publishing: Proven ability to create clear, engaging content across mediums, including high-impact blog posts, long-form feature writing, and newsletter production (e.g., Common Ground).
• Market Planning: Ability to analyze market position, evaluate target audience segments, translate organizational goals into messaging, and construct actionable marketing plans.
• Digital, Technical & Media Skills
• Email & Digital Systems: Strong operational knowledge of email marketing best practices (Salesforce/Marketing Cloud), web content management systems, and event management platforms (serving as Cvent liaison).
• AI & Emerging Technologies: Practical, applied working knowledge ("hard skills") of modern AI platforms and digital tools to streamline workflows and enhance asset creation.
• On-Set Media Production: Hands-on experience directing shots, coordinating creative execution, and managing logistics on photo and video production sets

Preferred

• Experience managing marketing and communications projects in a higher education, nonprofit, professional services, or similar environment.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, managing competing priorities, and coordinating projects from concept through completion.
• Experience in higher education marketing and communications.
• Experience developing communications plans or content strategies.
• Familiarity with integrated marketing communications practices and University brand standards.
• Experience coordinating vendors or external creative partners.
• Knowledge of marketing analytics and audience engagement measurement.
• Experience supporting enrollment, advancement, academic, or professional program marketing.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud or similar creative software.
• Proficiency with Adobe Suite (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator}, survey software.