Communications Officer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Gym membership

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Wellness programs

Job summary

Villanova University is seeking a Communications Officer to staff the Public Safety Department's communications center in Villanova, PA. The role handles incoming radio and telephone calls, dispatches officers, and provides information to the university community, including after-hours coverage using several critical systems.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, be 18+, and demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak clearly under pressure.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• 18 years of age or older.
• APCO certification preferred or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Must speak clearly and concisely, especially under stress.
• Able to operate a PC, keyboard and peripherals.
• Experience with telecom equipment including phones and two-way radios.

Responsibilities

• Answers all incoming radio and telephone calls; screens and prioritizes requests for assistance.
• Maintains dialogue with callers; stays calm during emergencies.
• Document calls using incident reporting system; transfers calls as needed.
• Directs resources to resolve incidents; dispatches on-duty personnel.
• Communicates with outside emergency agencies during emergencies.
• Uses mass notification systems to issue emergency messages.
• Maintains knowledge of vehicle and officer assignments and shift details.
• Prepares daily CAD paperwork and incident summaries for supervisory review.
• Issues keys and logs van movements; answers parking questions after hours.
• Monitors CCTV, alarms, and access controls; reports irregularities.
• Performs additional duties and supports special projects.

Skills

Communication skills

English literacy

Calm under pressure

Emergency response coordination

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

APCO certification preferred

Tools

CAD system

PA CLEAN

JNET

NCIC

CCTV system

Job description

Communications Officer

Position Title: Communications Officer Position Type: Staff Location: Villanova, PA Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants Work Schedule: full-time/12-months Avg Hours Week Department: 502-Public Safety Department

Posting Details

Posting Number: 20260470S Position Title: Communications Officer Position Type: Staff 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.

Posting Date

10/26/2026

Closing Date

11:59pm ET 11/16/2026

Salary

Salary Posting Information: $21.36 an hour Salary Grade: 10 Job Classification: non-exempt

References Needed

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