Elon University, located in the small town of Elon, North Carolina, is a selective private university renowned for its commitment to experiential learning and student success. Founded in 1889 as Elon College, it transitioned to university status in 2001, reflecting its growth into a comprehensive institution with over 7,000 students. The university's beautiful campus, often ranked #1 by Princeton Review, features oak-lined paths, modern facilities, and the upcoming Inn at Elon, enhancing its appeal for faculty and staff. Elon stands out for preparing graduates for employment, as recognized by Zippia naming it North Carolina's leading university in this category. Positions at Elon span faculty, research, administration, and support roles, all emphasizing innovation, community engagement, and undergraduate research.
Established by the Christian Church in 1889, Elon University has evolved from a modest college into a national leader in higher education. Key milestones include its Division I athletics transition in the 2001, joining the Colonial Athletic Association, and consistent U.S. News rankings, with multiple #1 regional college honors in the South. The university's focus on liberal arts, professional programs, and global study away has built a reputation for holistic development. Recent developments, such as the appointment of Jennifer Strawley as Director of Athletics in 2023 and plans for a full-time Elon Law program in Charlotte announced in early 2026, signal ongoing expansion. These changes create dynamic opportunities for careers in legal education, athletics administration, and beyond.
Elon offers more than 70 majors across schools like Arts and Sciences, Business, Communications, Education, Health Sciences, and Law. The School of Communications consistently earns top rankings, including national top 10 in the Hearst broadcast news competition. Psychology department faculty, like Bilal Ghandour, contribute to timely research on social media's impact on teen mental health. Experiential learning is core, with over 30 study abroad/study away programs and Winter Term innovations like free Health EU wellness courses. These programs demand faculty passionate about hands-on teaching and research integration, making Elon ideal for educators seeking impactful roles.
Careers at Elon University include tenure-track professors, adjunct lecturers, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants, department chairs, deans, and staff in admissions, student affairs, athletics, and facilities. Faculty jobs focus on teaching loads with research expectations, while administrative positions support operations in a growing institution. For a full breakdown, explore university job types available in higher education. Recent posts on X highlight athletics roles following coaching changes and law program expansions, indicating hiring in sports management and legal academia.
To secure faculty positions at Elon University, candidates typically need a PhD, EdD, or equivalent terminal degree in their field, such as a Doctor of Musical Arts for music professors or JD for law roles. Research assistant jobs often require a master's or bachelor's with specialized training. Administrative leadership may demand advanced degrees plus higher education certification. Elon prioritizes candidates who align with its teacher-scholar model, where undergraduate mentoring is key.
Elon's research emphasizes interdisciplinary work, sustainability, communications, health sciences, and social impacts like digital media on youth. Faculty grants support projects in these areas, with students involved via fellowships like Lilly Molina's 2025 Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellowship on shark conservation. Expertise in experiential research methods, data analysis, and grant writing is essential. Postdocs and researchers contribute to centers focusing on global engagement and innovation.
Preferred candidates have peer-reviewed publications, grant funding history, and teaching portfolios demonstrating student outcomes. For senior roles, prior department leadership or program development experience is valued. Athletics staff benefit from Division I coaching backgrounds, as seen in recent hires. Adjuncts need practical industry experience alongside academic credentials. Elon's emphasis on employment preparation favors those with career advising or internship coordination records.
Key skills include strong communication, adaptability to experiential learning, proficiency in learning management systems, and cultural competence. Competencies like team collaboration, student mentoring, and data-driven decision-making are crucial. Technical skills in areas like digital media tools for communications roles or statistical software for psychology research enhance candidacy. Soft skills such as empathy and innovation align with Elon's community-focused ethos.
Apply through Elon's online portal at elon.edu/jobs, submitting a cover letter, CV, transcripts, references, and diversity statement. Tailor applications to Elon's mission of active learning. Tips: Highlight undergraduate research involvement; network via conferences; prepare for teaching demos. Use resources like free resume templates and winning academic CV advice. Interviews often include campus visits with student panels. Follow up promptly and research recent initiatives like the Charlotte law program.
Elon University actively advances diversity through the Office of Inclusion, Equity, and Student Success, offering recruitment pipelines for underrepresented faculty and staff. Initiatives include the Mosaic mentoring program, annual diversity conferences, and hiring goals reflecting demographic commitments. Events like Elon Cares cabaret support equity causes, and leadership emphasizes inclusive excellence in hiring. Recent MLK commemorations with speakers like Kwame Anthony Appiah underscore social justice focus.
Elon's campus life promotes balance with wellness programs, free Health EU courses during Winter Term, recreational facilities, and proximity to the Research Triangle. Faculty enjoy sabbaticals, professional development funds, and family-friendly policies. The Inn at Elon provides convenient lodging, while community events like convocations foster belonging. Athletics successes and study abroad options enrich life, with flexible schedules supporting research and teaching. Employees praise the supportive culture and beautiful setting.
In 2026, Elon announced Elon Law's application for a full-time Charlotte program, expanding legal faculty needs. An intent to merge with Queens University aims to boost graduate offerings. Student successes, like Pulitzer fellowships, highlight research vibrancy. Posts on X reflect strong rankings and innovations, positioning Elon for growth in employment-focused roles.
Experiential Learning: Hands-on education integrating real-world application with academics, core to Elon's model through internships and study away.
Teacher-Scholar Model: Faculty balance teaching undergraduates with personal research and scholarship.
Terminal Degree: Highest academic qualification in a field, like PhD or MFA, required for tenure-track positions.
Diversity Statement: Document outlining commitment to inclusive practices, often required in applications.
Jobs at Elon University offer rewarding opportunities in a dynamic North Carolina environment renowned for career preparation. Whether pursuing higher ed jobs, faculty roles, or research, leverage higher ed career advice and explore university jobs. Institutions like Elon seek passionate professionals; consider posting a job if recruiting.
