Director of Student Ministries

Job no: 505043
Work type: Regular
Location: Malibu Campus
Categories: Student Services

The Director of Student Ministries supports the Vice President for Spiritual Life in creating dynamic, consistent worship and spiritual engagement opportunities for students. This role plays a key part in advancing the university's spiritual life objectives by offering pastoral care and coordinating various programs, including retreats, training, leadership development, worship services, small groups, Bible studies, memorials, and other spiritual life initiatives. The Director serves as a Christian role model, actively participating in the campus community and a local church.

Duties

• Supervise and provide ongoing mentorship to the Student Ministries Team, consisting of four staff members, fostering their growth and aligning their efforts with the University's spiritual mission. Build a healthy staff Discipleship Team including clear job descriptions, OKRs, and accountability to achieve world-class excellence in discipleship ministry. Train, mentor, and manage all discipleship leaders. Hold regular Discipleship Team meetings as needed to build a kingdom culture and excellence.
• Lead the production and scheduling of spiritual life events, including "The Well" (a weekly worship service) and other campus-wide activities. Supervise event logistics, speaker selection, and ensure cohesive communication through announcements and program materials.
• Positively contribute to the Hub and larger Pepperdine community. Model and demand a kingdom culture of deep abiding personal relationship with Jesus, loyalty, honor, joy, encouragement, and work ethic on the Discipleship Team and the Hub Team at large.
• Oversee all aspects of discipleship and student ministries across all Pepperdine schools and campuses. Initiate conversations with the spiritual life lead at each graduate school to cast the University's vision for discipleship ministry in each school and help develop a customized manifestation of discipleship opportunities at each graduate school. Implement a discipleship ministry at each graduate school in collaboration with that school. Lead at least one student discipleship group weekly throughout the academic year, either students or discipleship leaders.
• Work in partnership with various teams, including Worship, Community Engagement, and Service, to foster a unified approach to spiritual life programming and engagement. Ensure integration of spiritual initiatives across all university schools and departments.
• Work closely with the Vice President of Spiritual Life in shaping the vision and direction for discipleship initiatives through the Hub for Spiritual Life. Contribute to the development of strategies that support and expand spiritual life programs across all five schools within the university.
• 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:

• 4+ years experience in college student development, ministry, or ministry leadership and management.
• 2+ years professional experience in a university, non-profit organization, or education field.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Active involvement in a local church.
• Demonstrated support for the Christian mission of the university.
• Ability to integrate Christian faith with student development theories and practice.
• Ease and ability in working professionally with students, staff, faculty, community members.
• Ability to manage and supervise students.
• Excellent interpersonal, public relations, written communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop and execute marketing plans and/or marketing strategy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and conflict management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access), Google Suite (Docs, Drive, Sheets, Forms, etc.).

Preferred:

• Active Member of the Churches of Christ.
• Master's level theological education preferred, 2+ years experience working in spiritual formation.
• Demonstrated experience working with volunteers or college student development.
• Demonstrated ability to write and produce non-accredited curriculum.
• Experience teaching and preaching, leading Bible studies and providing pastoral care.
• Familiarity with OU Campus, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube and Design software like Adobe Creative Suite.

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

Expected Pay Range: $90,000 - $100,000 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.

Advertised: 29 May 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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