Title: Assistant Director, Odyssey Program

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: Monday- Friday

Hours Per Week: 40

VP Area: Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs

Department: Center for Access and Success

Position Summary

The Assistant Director for the Odyssey Scholars Program plays a critical role in delivering student-centered, equity-minded support systems that promote academic achievement, professional readiness, and post-graduate success for a dynamic cohort of high-achieving, civically engaged scholars from historically marginalized backgrounds. Under the direction of the Associate Director and in collaboration with the Faculty Director for the Odyssey Program and the Executive Director for the Center for Access and Success, the Assistant Director leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of initiatives that align with the university’s strategic academic priorities and commitment to inclusive excellence.

This role is ideal for a forward-thinking practitioner who excels at relationship building, program development, student coaching, and interdepartmental collaboration. The Assistant Director is a champion of student potential and well-being, contributing to a culture of access, engagement, and impact across the institution.

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. In addition to the beautiful canopy of historic oak trees iconic to our campus, you’ll find boundless opportunities for family-friendly recreation, cultural events and outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, fine dining and entertainment are just a few of the many happenings in the Elon area, making the region one of the nation’s premier travel destinations.

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.

Eligibility for tuition remission at Elon for spouses, qualifying domestic partners and dependents begins at two years of service. After two years of employment, eligibility begins for participation in the Tuition Exchange, a national scholarship exchange program that enables dependents to enroll in nationally recognized partner colleges and universities.

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. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, counseling, education, or related field.
• Two or more years of progressive experience in college access, student development, or educational equity-focused roles.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, education, or related field.
• Specialized certification or training in coaching, academic advising, career development, or student support services.
• Experience with high-achieving first-generation college students, underrepresented student populations, and student success programming.

Job Duties

• Student Engagement & Support Provide direct coaching and support to Odyssey scholars, focusing on academic persistence, skill-building, and goal attainment. Design and implement high-impact programs that promote academic, co-curricular, professional, and personal growth aligned with university and division goals. Co-Design and implement a rigorous, integrated four-year academic curriculum for Odyssey Scholars, emphasizing transition, personal purpose, academic success, leadership, and post-graduate readiness. Develop workshops, series, and milestone events tailored to scholar identity, developmental stage, and future aspirations. Monitor and track individual scholar engagement, ensuring proactive interventions and referrals when participation lags or needs arise. Collaborate with key university partners to embed Odyssey scholar needs into student support services. Contribute to planning and delivering intentional family and parent programming that supports the scholar experience and family engagement in student success.
• Campus Partnerships & Success Advancement Lead efforts to strengthen partnerships with Elon enterprise and external organizations to promote scholar success outcomes. Represent the Odyssey Program through campus-wide presentations, orientations, and collaborative planning committees. Coordinate engagement with faculty, alumni, and partners to support experiential learning, mentorship, and career exposure. Establish and maintain ongoing communication with Odyssey alumni to foster relationships, track career progression, and identify opportunities for engagement, mentorship, storytelling, and giving. Contribute to strategic planning that aligns the Odyssey Program with Boldly Elon and engaged learning priorities.
• Communication, Evaluation & Assessment Develop communication plans that engage scholars, alumni, families, and campus stakeholders. Track, assess, and report program effectiveness using defined learning outcomes, participation data, satisfaction data, and impact narratives. Maintain up-to-date databases of student engagement, alumni interactions, and family participation to inform program strategy and outreach. Support the design and implementation of assessment strategies to enhance program quality, relevance, and student outcomes. Ensure the Odyssey Program is telling its story through digital platforms, publications, and stakeholder communications.
• Administration & Operations Assist with management of assigned budgets and track expenditures for programs, events, and student support. Oversee logistical elements of signature events such as retreats, orientation, networking trips, and recognition ceremonies. Maintain accurate student records and support documentation needed for institutional reporting. Perform other duties as assigned to support the Center’s and University’s strategic priorities.