Job Details

Assistant Director of Student Services, Graduate Programs in Public Administration

Position Number: 6134426
Location: Villanova, PA
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

Assistant Director of Student Services, Graduate Programs in Public Administration

Posting Number: 20254328S
Position Title: Assistant Director of Student Services, Graduate Programs in Public Administration
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Department: 981 - Internal Online Prog Mgmt

Position Summary: The Assistant Director of Student Services will work with current students on Villanova's campus, hybrid and online graduate degree and accompanying certificate programs as well as with the combined BA/MPA (or BIS/MPA) and MPA/JD students. This role necessitates flexibility and adaptability based on student and programmatic needs. This role includes assisting students with curricular advising, course registration, gaining access to various campus resources, graduation clearances as well as providing general support over the duration of a student's time in the program. Working closely with Department Leadership (Department Chair, Program Director and Associate Director) and leadership within the Office of Graduate Studies the Assistant Director will serve as a primary point of contact for students as assigned, ensuring that they feel supported by the program, that their questions are answered in a timely manner, that their professional development needs are met and that they are aware of and can take advantage of all College and University resources available. The Assistant Director will also assist students with tracking their progression through the curriculum, advising on such items as appropriate class sequence, class modality, and credit load, connecting them with other University subject matter experts as appropriate. The Assistant Director will communicate and reinforce the policies and procedures of the Office of Graduate Studies and maintain student records.

In addition, the Assistant Director will function as the MPA program's primary liaison with various colleges outside the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), including the College of Professional Studies, Villanova School of Business, Law School, and others. This role extends to departments such as Athletics, providing guidance to advisors of students who may be enrolled in the MPA or a Graduate Certificate program.

Additionally, the Assistant Director will facilitate initial career development support via connecting the students with MPA Alumni in the field of interest and as necessary collaborate with the Career Center, Alumni Center, and offices focused on Professional Development and Internships. This aims to support students seeking internships or employment by coordinating professional development opportunities and preparing them effectively for the job market.

The Assistant Director will assist with the planning and facilitation of information sessions and assist with hosting sessions for potential students. Additionally, the Assistant Director will help plan and attend new student orientation, facilitate and attend student events and programs, and support course and curricular management activities. They will also contribute to strategic projects as needed. They will work closely with the admissions leadership in the Office of Graduate Studies and the MPA recruitment team to transition admitted students into the program and support the onboarding of new students through formal meetings, and conduct mid-semester check-ins to ensure their success. In all types of communications, they will serve as an ambassador of the University and the graduate programs in accordance with its brand and its values. They will be responsible for managing the data throughout the student services process that may be required for various rankings, accreditation, and other industry reports as well as that required to provide timely updates to leadership. The Assistant Director will maintain regular communications with the Office of Graduate Studies to remain current with College and University policies and procedures and to foster student engagement with the broader College and University.

As extended members of the Office of Online Programs, the Assistant Director will work collaboratively with this team to continually adopt innovative strategies and approaches to assist remote students. They will support the overall mission of the Office of Online Programs and remain current on the latest technology/trends in the space to ensure we offer best-in-class and comparable support to all students regardless of modality or program.

Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!

Why work at Villanova?

Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to
Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order. The University is an Equal Opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides assistance and guidance on course registration, course selection and curricular progression for a subset of students as they matriculate through the program – inputting information into the Banner Student Information System and other data/communication repositories as may be necessary.
Ensures students stay on target to their planned graduation date, championing their progress and assisting with any issues/concerns they have along the way.
Connects students to the appropriate subject matter expert as needed (e.g., faculty, career center, learning support services) for any additional advice and assistance that may be needed to meet their unique needs.
Establishes student communication plans related to key deadlines each year.
Monitors student retention and other key statistics, reporting metrics to leadership as needed.
Maintains student records and completes degree audits at designated times of the year.
Communicates and reinforces policies and procedures to students.

Serves as a primary point of contact for all programmatic questions for students as assigned.
Responds to email, phone calls, voicemails in a timely manner providing actionable assistance.
Proactively seeks answers to unknown questions, keeping the student informed of progress along the way. Stays up to date on all student resources available across the College and University and makes appropriate recommendations to students based on needs assessment.
Develops relationships with appropriate team members across the University in order to efficiently and effectively find needed information or connect students to the appropriate resources.
Monitors student satisfaction and alerts leadership to any pervasive concerns/issues.
Participates in and assists with registration, course and curricular management activities as needed to support various aspects of the student experience.
Assists with strategic projects related to the current initiatives, goals and objectives of the student services team, the Graduate Programs office, the Office of Online Programs and the Office of Graduate Education.
Represents the Graduate Programs Office at industry and professional organization events and leverages relationships to impact and improve the overall student experience.
Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Formal Education

Bachelor's degree is required.

Specific Job Knowledge

Must have direct experience in student support, academic advising and/or professional development at an institution of higher education, preferably at the graduate school level for both online and campus programs or comprable experience in an organization/corporation (preferably for remote and onsite employees).
Must have knowledge of learning or working in a remote environment and understand the associated benefits and challenges. Must have a track record of providing excellent customer service and the ability to nurture relationships with various stakeholders.
Must be proficient in all standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office products, particularly, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Minimum Work Experience

Must have a minimum of 3 – 5 years of relevant and applicable work experience in a professional environment.
Must have excellent written, oral communication, presentation, facilitation, interpersonal and collaborative skills. Must have experience writing effective communications to students or employees for whom they are responsible for providing support and guidance on academic and/or professional development related plans. Must convey a highly professional demeanor and be a team player. They must have strong organization skills, the ability to handle a fast-paced environment and manage mutiple requests/projects/tasks with varied deadlines. Must be a results oriented individual who can anticipate and identify problems and opportunities and takes decisive action to proactively address them. Must have experience coordinating and executing events onsite and virtually. The individual must be poised with strong customer-service skills and be able to work independently under general supervision. They must be able to quickly learn and stay abreast of detailed curricular and program features in the degree portfolio.
The individual must have a deep commitment to the well-being of Villanova University, a commitment to the University's Catholic/Augustinian heritage, and the advancement of its mission, and to serving the needs of a diverse community. They must be able to serve as an ambassador of the University, the Graduate Programs, its brand and values in all communications/presentations.
Knowledge of general office equipment

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree is a plus.
Knowledge of Banner is a plus.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

Must possess the ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as the demands of the job dictate.

Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date: 04/03/2025
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information: Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band: 13
Job Classification: exempt

To apply, visit: https://jobs.villanova.edu/postings/31439