Assistant Director, Retention

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

Rosemont (PA)

On-site

USD 57,000 - 72,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Wellness programs

Tuition assistance

Flexible work options

Job summary

Villanova University is seeking an Assistant Director, Retention to monitor and counsel CASA students, coordinating holistic support to recruit, retain and graduate emergent scholars, with attention to first-generation and Pell-eligible students.

The role requires 3+ years of related experience or a relevant master's degree, and occasional evening or weekend programs may be required. Commitment to a diverse, inclusive university environment is essential.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of related experience or Master’s degree with proven record in supporting diverse students.
Commitment to developing academic, professional and personal well-being of students.
Experience working with underrepresented or first‑generation students is valued.

Responsibilities

Provide ongoing monitoring and counseling support to CASA students as assigned.
Monitor academic, personal, professional progress and coordinate support services.
Identify emerging needs and practices for holistic student support and retention.
Develop programming that augments support and emphasizes student growth.
Coordinate retention services with campus partners (advising centers, Learning Support, Writing Center).
Deliver workshops, panels and events for student development; handle special projects.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Time and project management

Interpersonal skills

Social media and marketing

Commitment to student well-being

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (Higher Education or related field)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Banner

Nolij

Job description

Assistant Director, Retention

Posting Details

Posting Details (Default Section) Posting Number: 20260424S Position Title: Assistant Director, Retention Position Type: Staff Location: Villanova, PA Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants Work Schedule: full-time/12-months Avg Hours Week Department: 702 - Center for Access Success and Achievement Position Summary: The Center for Access, Success and Achievement ( CASA ) Assistant Director, Retention provides support for CASA students and aims to recruit, retain, and graduate emergent scholars, first-generation, and Pell-eligible students through holistic support in a culturally diverse and academically excellent environment. This position is primarily responsible for monitoring and counseling support of CASA students who make up our walk -in population ( WIS ), and other students outside of this population may be assigned. The Assistant Director, Retention will be required to support occasional evening or weekend programs.

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 others.
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

Provide ongoing monitoring and counseling support as needed to CASA students as assigned.
Monitor CASA student academic, personal, professional, social progress and coordinate the array of support services available to students.
Assist in identifying emerging needs and best practices regarding holistic student support and retention, with special emphasis on serving diverse student populations.
Assist in the development and design of programming that augments support and emphasizes students’ growth and development through marketing and communication.
Coordinate retention services with campus partners, such as but not limited to college advising centers, Learning Support Services, Writing Center, Math and Learning Resource Center.
Initiate, develop and deliver workshops, panels, presentations, and special programs and events that foster students’ personal, academic, and professional development.
Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Formal Education

A Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of related experience or Master’s degree (Higher Education, School Counseling, or related discipline) and proven record of supporting diverse high school or college students in a confidential setting.

Minimum Work Experience

3 years minimum of related experience.

Specific Work Experience

Sincere commitment to developing the academic, professional and personal well-being of students.
Ability to interact in a professional manner in many different contexts with a diverse population.
Excellent time and project management skills.
Excellent communication skills: both oral and written.
Excellent interpersonal and influence management skills, the ability to work at all levels of the organization/institution.
The individual must have a deep commitment to the well‑being of the 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.
Strong working knowledge of college level mentoring of underrepresented and first generation students.
Strong working knowledge of adolescent and young adult development.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and student database systems, e.g. Banner, Nolij.
Strong working knowledge of social media and marketing.

Preferred Qualifications

Second language skill is desired.
Fundraising and grant writing expereince is desired

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Special Message to Applicants: Posting Date: 09/09/2026 Closing Date (11:59pm ET): 09/16/2026 Salary Posting Information: This position falls within salaried grade 14 and the range for this position is $57,200-71,500. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity. Salary Grade: 14 Job Classification: exempt

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed 3 Maximum Number of References Needed 3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?
- Indeed.com
- Higheredjobs.com
- LinkedIn
- Glassdoor
- Chronicle Vitae
- Academic Keys
- PA CareerLink/JobGateway
- Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
- Diversity Association/Publication Website
- Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
- Referred by a current employee
- Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
- Heard about it at a conference or career fair
- Browsing the Villanova website
- Cabrini University employee
- Other
* If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have two (2) years direct experience working in an educational or social service environment along with experience working with vulnerable youth and culturally diverse populations?
- Yes
- No
* Do you have previous experience in the development and retention of student programming leading to increased retention and academic outcomes?
- Yes
- No