Inside Higher Ed
Director, Operations & Communications
The Director of Operations & Communications plays a pivotal leadership role within Elon's Student Professional Development Center (SPDC), guiding the strategic direction of operations, communications, and data systems that support student career success. Acting as a senior operational partner to the Associate Vice President of Student Professional Development, they will ensure the seamless delivery of all SPDC services by managing office and administrative operations, event execution, optimizing technology platforms, and guiding the strategic direction of all communications efforts. Through cross-functional collaboration, data-informed decision making, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Director helps foster a dynamic and responsive environment that prepares students for meaningful professional lives while elevating the SPDC's visibility and impact. Benefits Of Working At Elon
As an Elon University employee, you'll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon's personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities. Elon University's home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes: 28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation. Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment. Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university. Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic. Free use of campus fitness facilities. Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics. Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon's principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one's identity. Minimum Required Education And Experience
Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of professional work experience including a minimum of two years at a supervisory level. Preferred Education And Experience
Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of professional work experience including a minimum of two years at a supervisory level. Previous experience working in a higher ed environment. Previous experience with the collection and distribution of first destination/career outcomes data. Previous experience working in a matrixed work environment. Job Duties
Operational Strategy & Administration Develop and manage administrative processes that ensure the smooth flow of work across the SPDC, including scheduling, resource allocation, onboarding, and internal coordination. Operationalize strategic goals by translating them into systems, procedures, and workflows that ensure alignment, accountability, and shared success. Create and monitor customer service practices and success metrics to ensure a responsive and student-centered experience. Lead special projects and cross-functional initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness and collaboration. Technology & Systems Leadership Serve as the lead administrator for the SPDC's technology tools and platforms, overseeing configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization. Evaluate and implement new technologies that improve operational workflows, data management, and stakeholder engagement. Liaise with IT and external vendors to ensure platforms meet the evolving needs of students, staff, and employers. Provide training and support to SPDC staff on technology platforms and systems. Data & Reporting Infrastructure Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of employment outcomes and engagement metrics to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement. Partner and coordinate with colleagues across campus, as needed, providing direction and oversight to ensure alignment with standards. Respond to internal and external data requests, including benchmarking studies and media surveys. Event Management & Execution Oversee the planning and execution of all SPDC events, including but not limited to employer engagement, career education, and signature events/programs/initiatives. Ensure consistency and quality across event logistics, hospitality, technology setup, and vendor coordination. Manage event budgets and resource planning to support strategic priorities and financial sustainability. Communications Strategy & Oversight Provides supervisory oversight to the Associate Director of Communications, who manages the strategic vision and deliverables for SPDC marketing and communications efforts. Ensure consistent, student-centered messaging across digital platforms, print materials, and other channels that promote SPDC services, career success stories, and other strategic initiatives and partnerships. Support collaboration with University Communications and campus partners to align messaging with Elon's brand and amplify the SPDC's reach. Budget & Resource Management Provides supervisory oversight to the Program Assistant, Operations, who supports financial operations and purchasing efforts for the SPDC. Manages the SPDC's operational budget, including forecasting, tracking, and reporting. Oversee contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement processes. Elon is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.
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The Director of Operations & Communications plays a pivotal leadership role within Elon's Student Professional Development Center (SPDC), guiding the strategic direction of operations, communications, and data systems that support student career success. Acting as a senior operational partner to the Associate Vice President of Student Professional Development, they will ensure the seamless delivery of all SPDC services by managing office and administrative operations, event execution, optimizing technology platforms, and guiding the strategic direction of all communications efforts. Through cross-functional collaboration, data-informed decision making, and a commitment to continuous improvement, the Director helps foster a dynamic and responsive environment that prepares students for meaningful professional lives while elevating the SPDC's visibility and impact. Benefits Of Working At Elon
As an Elon University employee, you'll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon's personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities. Elon University's home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes: 28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation. Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment. Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university. Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic. Free use of campus fitness facilities. Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics. Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon's principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one's identity. Minimum Required Education And Experience
Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of professional work experience including a minimum of two years at a supervisory level. Preferred Education And Experience
Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of professional work experience including a minimum of two years at a supervisory level. Previous experience working in a higher ed environment. Previous experience with the collection and distribution of first destination/career outcomes data. Previous experience working in a matrixed work environment. Job Duties
Operational Strategy & Administration Develop and manage administrative processes that ensure the smooth flow of work across the SPDC, including scheduling, resource allocation, onboarding, and internal coordination. Operationalize strategic goals by translating them into systems, procedures, and workflows that ensure alignment, accountability, and shared success. Create and monitor customer service practices and success metrics to ensure a responsive and student-centered experience. Lead special projects and cross-functional initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness and collaboration. Technology & Systems Leadership Serve as the lead administrator for the SPDC's technology tools and platforms, overseeing configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization. Evaluate and implement new technologies that improve operational workflows, data management, and stakeholder engagement. Liaise with IT and external vendors to ensure platforms meet the evolving needs of students, staff, and employers. Provide training and support to SPDC staff on technology platforms and systems. Data & Reporting Infrastructure Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of employment outcomes and engagement metrics to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement. Partner and coordinate with colleagues across campus, as needed, providing direction and oversight to ensure alignment with standards. Respond to internal and external data requests, including benchmarking studies and media surveys. Event Management & Execution Oversee the planning and execution of all SPDC events, including but not limited to employer engagement, career education, and signature events/programs/initiatives. Ensure consistency and quality across event logistics, hospitality, technology setup, and vendor coordination. Manage event budgets and resource planning to support strategic priorities and financial sustainability. Communications Strategy & Oversight Provides supervisory oversight to the Associate Director of Communications, who manages the strategic vision and deliverables for SPDC marketing and communications efforts. Ensure consistent, student-centered messaging across digital platforms, print materials, and other channels that promote SPDC services, career success stories, and other strategic initiatives and partnerships. Support collaboration with University Communications and campus partners to align messaging with Elon's brand and amplify the SPDC's reach. Budget & Resource Management Provides supervisory oversight to the Program Assistant, Operations, who supports financial operations and purchasing efforts for the SPDC. Manages the SPDC's operational budget, including forecasting, tracking, and reporting. Oversee contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement processes. Elon is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.
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