Skip to main content
Posted July 21, 2026

Assistant or Associate Director of Professional Development

Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States 19085 Full Time
Reference: 285963422

Villanova University


Assistant or Associate Director of Professional Development



Posting Details

Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ’s.

Posting Details (Default Section)

Posting Number: 20260359S
Position Title: Assistant or Associate Director of Professional Development
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department: 201-Dean-Engineering
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs, the Assistant/Associate Director will deliver the Career Compass program to students, serve as the primary point of contact for the mentor program, assist in tracking student progress in the course, and coordinate professional development activities and employer connections with the Career Center. They will also oversee communication about upcoming programs via the Engineering Student Currents newsletter.

The Assistant/Associate Director will assist in the development and management of the nationally recognized Career Compass program, a comprehensive professional development curriculum for all undergraduate students in Villanova’s College of Engineering. This program provides the first-of-its-kind collaboration between the College and Villanova University’s Career Center which seeks to ensure Villanova engineers are prepared for lifelong career success
In addition to the efforts above, the Associate Director will also provide leadership and strategic direction for the Career Compass Program and coordinate interactions with the internal Career Compass Committee and external Professional Development Advisory Board.


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:
  • Administer the Career Compass program to College of Engineering students. Assist in managing the classroom sessions for in-person instruction and collaboratively create content for online learning modules. Track student participation in Career Compass programs and completion of assignments and grade materials as necessary. Provide reports to the Associate Dean about progress of completion and grades across all class years. Proactively engage with students who have incomplete work and create plans to help them achieve success. Coordinate events and programs with the University Career Center and the Villanova community and share information via Handshake, including tracking experiential engagement in internship and research opportunities.
  • Direct all aspects of the Career Compass mentor program. Coordinate with University Advancement to source prospective alumni mentors and share engagement analytics. Develop and administer intake assessments to ensure high-quality mentor-mentee alignment. Implement continuous feedback loops to evaluate program effectiveness and drive participation. Provide educational resources and best-practice guidance to foster productive mentorship outcomes.
  • Manage College of Engineering communication channels, primarily Engineering Student Currents, ensuring regular inclusion of Career Compass and Career Center programs. Additionally, provide the engineering communications team with program updates and success stories to promote Career Compass and the College.
  • If Associate Director Level: Provide strategic leadership and development for the Career Compass program. Establish agendas and lead both the college-wide Career Compass Committee and the Professional Development Advisory Committee.
    Collaborate with cross-departmental committee representatives to leverage insights and drive continuous program improvement.
  • Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Resources, or related field

Work Experience
  • 2 years of experience in university higher education, career services office, human resources or related field.
Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in order to work with high profile employers, students, faculty, and university administrators.
  • Experienced in Microsoft Office
  • Ability to collaborate cross-functionally in an office environment and to interface with various constituents of the university.
  • Experience working with diverse populations.
Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Understanding of corporate hiring processes, college career centers and career development trends.
  • Knowledge of learning management systems (Brightspace, Canvas, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • Master’s degree in Education, Human Resources, or related field

Work Experience
  • 4-5 years of experience in university higher education, career services office, human resources or related field.
Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Coaching skills
  • Event coordination and programming experience
  • Experience with social media
Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Knowledge of employment and career services management software (Villanova University uses Handshake).
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Special Message to Applicants:
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!

Villanova is a Carnegie-classified doctoral university. From its founding in 1842 to its position today as a nationally recognized leading university, Villanova University has forged a path of academic excellence. The University is in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, home to a large concentration of universities, industries, and government labs.

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 2023 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.

We believe that an inclusive community fosters an understanding and appreciation for diversity among our students, faculty, staff and administrators. The UNITAS Office of Community Enrichment works to address issues of equity and justice in a variety of ways including workshops, events and employee resource groups.

Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. Even as a part-time employee, you will receive access to certain benefits, including tuition assistance and more.

Please submit your application at: https://jobs.villanova.edu/.
Application packages must include:
  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Names and contact information of three references

The review process will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Posting Date: 07/20/2026
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
The Assistant Director falls within salaried grade 13 and the range is $51,000-63,800 and the Associate Director within salaried grade 14 and the range 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: 13
Job Classification: exempt

References Needed

References Needed

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

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * 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
  2. * 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)

Documents needed to complete your application:

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
  2. Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
  1. Letters of Reference (uploaded by applicant)
  2. Other Document
  3. Transcripts




Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI285963422

Sign up for Job Alerts