Dean of International Programs

Frank R. Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences

Pepperdine University’s Frank R. Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences invites nominations, expressions of interest, and applications for the position of Dean of International Programs.

The University

Named after its founder, George Pepperdine, Pepperdine University (Pepperdine) is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Cutting edge, original scholarship and highly effective classroom teaching are developed and delivered within a framework of Christian beliefs and values. Religiously affiliated with Churches of Christ, these ideals are derived from both religious heritage and the deep commitment to nurturing and growing Christian values. At Pepperdine, students, faculty, and administration affirm this commitment and advance the University's standing as a premier, global, Christian educational institution by growing in knowledge, as well as faith. For more information about Pepperdine, please visit: https://www.pepperdine.edu/about/

Frank R. Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences

Seaver College is the flagship college of Pepperdine’s five schools. Home to its residential undergraduate program in Malibu, the College enrolls approximately 3,400 baccalaureate students coming from all 50 states and nearly 60 foreign countries, offering 45 majors and 40 minors in liberal arts curriculum that integrates academic excellence and Christian values. With a student/faculty ratio of 13:1, Seaver emphasizes student-centered teaching by holistically investing in each and every student by faculty who serve as mentors, research partners, and graduate school and career advisors. Over 96% of Seaver students get hands-on experience through student employment, student teaching, and internships. In addition, more than 85% of Seaver College students study abroad, taking up residence in Pepperdine's six permanent facilities in Europe, South America, and Asia, or in other programs worldwide. Extending its educational offerings beyond the classroom, Seaver College challenges its students to become global citizens who value lives of service, purpose, and leadership. For more information about Seaver College, please visit https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/.

The Office of International Programs

Within Seaver College, the Office of International Programs (International Programs) provides students with a unique opportunity to grow personally and culturally. International Programs’ mission is to provide students a life-changing international experience designed for intellectual, social, personal, and spiritual transformation. The Institute of International Education has ranked Pepperdine as the #1 university in the nation for the highest percentage of study abroad participation three consecutive years. Approximately two thirds or more of Seaver students study abroad during their time at Pepperdine, typically during their sophomore year.

Pepperdine owns state-of-the-art facilities in seven different locations around the world where students can participate in both single semester and full academic year programs. The University’s six overseas locations are located in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Florence, Italy; Heidelberg, Germany; Lausanne, Switzerland; London, United Kingdom; Shanghai, China; and one domestic site in the United States located in Washington D.C. At all locations except for Buenos Aires where students live with local families, students are part of a Living/Learning Community Model whereby they live, attend class, eat, and travel together. To foster cultural development and enrichment, all programs provide a wide array of programs and resources including listening summits, language learning, service opportunities, and educational field trips. Self-discovery and learning is encouraged by providing students local information and travel guides at all the locations, including Washington D.C. In addition to spending a semester, academic year, or summer session at one of the University’s international campuses, students can also choose to study abroad by participating in summer internship programs in Lausanne, London, Shanghai, and Washington D.C.To learn more about Seaver College’s International Programs, please visit https://seaver.pepperdine.edu/academics/international-programs/.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean of Seaver College, the Dean of International Programs leads and manages all aspects of the university’s international programs, including the operation of all international campus sites. The Dean of International Programs is responsible for managing a budget of approximately $14 million dollars, approximately 21% of the Seaver College’s annual expense budget, and providing programmatic and operational support for all programs, including the Malibu International Programs office, the Washington D.C. campus, and all oversea sites. H/she has oversight of over 90 faculty and staff members, manages the application, selection, and registration processes for all programs, establishes the strategic direction for all programs, addresses student affairs issues, ensures the safety and security of the students and staff, directs the operation and maintenance of all facilities, and works collaboratively with the Dean’s Office and academic divisions to advance and maintain a high level of academic excellence. The Dean of International Programs ensures that Pepperdine’s international programs support the University’s Christian mission and produces engaged global citizens.

The Dean of International Programs will work collaboratively with University and College leadership, including the dean, associate deans, and divisional deans, faculty, all academic divisions, and administrative units, including Student Affairs, Student Accessibility, Community Standards, Public Safety, Insurance and Risk, Human Resources, and Planning, Operations, and Construction, across the University to support all international program activities and promote opportunities for international program development. As the leader, the Dean of International Programs is responsible for:

• Ensuring the effective operations of each site by providing a cohesive vision, strong support for academic excellence, and oversight of student affairs issues in support of the mission and goals of Pepperdine.
• Leading the International Programs’ marketing and recruitment efforts to successfully achieve the enrollment goals of each program and managing the admission and selection process.
• Planning, directing, and coordinating the International Programs’ annual operating budget and capital fiscal plans, including facilities and human resources.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant university policies and procedures as well as federal, state, local and international regulations.
• Ensuring that international sites operations are carried out in a safe environment and that internal controls and procedures are appropriately implemented.
• Representing Pepperdine and the Seaver College in the greater community by working effectively with key external community stakeholders.

For a complete list of qualities, characteristics, and qualifications, please visit https://www.pepperdine.edu/.

Application Process

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. Nomination letters should include the name, position, address and telephone number of the nominee. All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence. Applicants must submit:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae.
• A cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position.
• The names and contact information of three references.
• A statement indicating how the candidate will support the Christian values of the University and the mission of Seaver College.

Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted by email to:

 Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner or

Emy Peña, Partner

Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates

6512 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601

Email: apsearch@storbeckpimentel.com

Refer to “Pepperdine-International” in subject line

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 harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists. It is the intent of the University to create and promote a diverse work force consistent with its stated goals and mission.