Communications Officer

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Villanova University is seeking a Communications Officer to staff the public safety communications center. You will respond to radio and phone calls, dispatch officers, and manage information during emergencies.

You will operate CAD, CCTV, access control, and several law enforcement information systems to support on-campus safety. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, be at least 18, and demonstrate clear, calm communication under pressure.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 18 years of age.
• APCO certification as Public Safety Telecommunicator preferred or ability to become certified within 12 months of hire date.
• Ability to read and write the English language.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely, especially during stressful situations.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to proficiently operate a personal computer, keyboard and peripheral devices.
• Ability to operate various telecommunications equipment, including phone and two-way radio.

Responsibilities

• Answers all incoming radio and telephone calls; screens and prioritizes requests for assistance and information.
• Maintains ongoing dialogue with callers; documents each call for assistance using CAD.
• Directs on-duty resources and dispatches fleet personnel as needed; communicates with outside agencies during emergencies.
• Sends emergency messages using the mass notification system (NOVA Alert).
• Operates and maintains systems such as PA CLEAN, JNET, NCIC, and other records systems as directed.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

CAD system

CCTV system

PA CLEAN

JNET

NCIC

Job description

Communications Officer

Posting Details

Location: Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type: Internal/External

Applicants Work Schedule: full-time/12-months Avg Hours Week

Department: 502-Public Safety Department

Position Summary

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.

The Communications Officer staffs the communications center for the department. Responds to all incoming telephone and radio calls and dispatches officers as needed. Provides a variety of information to University community members and others. Acts as a central resource for University information during non-business hours. Utilizes several specialized software systems including a CAD records management system, student records system, fire alarm system, access control system and CCTV system. Distributes and controls access to keys, radios, vehicles, and other departmental resources. Assists with dispatching fleet passenger vans after regular business hours.

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

• Answers all incoming radio and telephone calls to the department; screens and prioritizes requests for assistance and information. Maintains ongoing dialogue with callers for information. Maintains calm during emergency or stressful situations. Documents each call for assistance or information using departmental incident reporting system. Transfers telephone calls as appropriate. Process walk-in requests for services.
• Prioritizes calls and incidents, directs departmental resources to resolve in-progress incidents. Communicates and dispatches on-duty facilities personnel to maintenance issues on campus. Dispatches Villanova Emergency Medical Service ( VEMS ). Communicates with outside emergency response agencies (911, Radnor Police, Fire Departments) during emergency situations by phone and radio.
• Sends emergency messages using the University’s mass notification system ( NOVA Alert).
• Operates and maintains the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (PA CLEAN ), PA Justice Network ( JNET ), National Crime Information Center ( NCIC ) and other record management systems as directed for validation of drivers’ licenses, vehicle registrations, criminal histories, wanted information and other vital information for officers in the field. Operates Mobile Data Terminal software feeding information on in-progress calls directly from the Delaware County 911 Center.
• Maintains knowledge of all vehicle and officer assignments; keeps shift supervisors(s) informed of all appropriate incidents.
• Process walk-in requests for services.
• Prepares Daily Summary Sheet and other pertinent computer aided dispatch ( CAD ) paperwork/programs for supervisory approval; lists all incidents and their resolution, notes unusual occurrences, accounts for all members of the shift and their assignment.
• Issues keys to University passenger vans and logs outgoing and incoming vans into fleet management software. Answers parking related questions after normal business hours.
• Monitors CCTV systems, alarms systems and access control devices; informs shift supervisor and documents irregularities.
• Performs additional duties and assists with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 18 years of age.
• APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) certification as a Public Safety Telecommunicator preferred or ability to become certified within 12 months of hire date is required.
• Ability to read and write the English language.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely required, especially during stressful situations.
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to proficiently operate a personal computer, keyboard and peripheral devices.
• Ability to operate various telecommunications equipment, including phone and two- way radio.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of dispatch codes, standard abbreviations, and industry terminology used by law enforcement and EMS agencies.
• 2 + years prior experience as either a call-taker or dispatcher in an emergency services setting.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

• Use of phone, radios and multiple computers and hardware.
• Must be able to view numerous surveillance cameras for extended times and record significant information in Computer Aided Dispatch software.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time. The person in this position frequently communicates with mobile units and answers phone calls, sometimes simultaneously. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Constantly operates phones, radios, multiple computers, and CCTV cameras.
• Ability to work shift work to include nights and weekends.
• Fine motor skills as well as visual, hearing, speaking, and touching.

Special Message to Applicants

• Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to take a written test that assesses reading comprehension, listening, prioritization, and problem solving. Written test will be administered on 11/21/2026.

$21.36 an hour

References Needed

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

Documents needed to complete your application:

Required Documents

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

• Other Document