Posting Number: 20260400S
LocationVillanova, PA
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Department: 261-Continuing Studies Administration
Position SummaryThe VUnited Scholars Program is a residential certificate program offered through the College of Professional Studies (CPS) for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Assistant Director for Academic Enrichment is a staff member in the College of Professional Studies and is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the program alongside the Program Director in regard to academics. The Assistant Director for Academic Enrichment attends college meetings and events to further promote the program.
The Assistant Director for Academic Enrichment reports to the Director of the VUnited Scholars Program assisting the Director in coordination of all programmatic aspects related to academics. The Assistant Director for Academic Enrichment is responsible for the strategic planning of the academic portion of the program. This individual is a relationship-builder and collaborator, developing and maintaining positive relationships across the college and wider university to promote understanding and awareness of the program, in consultation with the College of Professional Studies and the Division of Student Life. In addition, the Assistant Director is responsible for ensuring adherence to University and College academic policies and procedures.
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 ResponsibilitiesAcademic Coordination & Program Development:
- Curriculum & Program Design: Partner with the Program Director and Teaching & Learning team to develop, update, and coordinate the VUnited curriculum and academic concentrations in line with industry trends.
- Academic Administration: Manage semester scheduling, student registration, and enrollment processes (including add/drop and withdrawals) in collaboration with Academic Advisors.
- Admissions & Evaluation: Serve on the VUnited Admissions team, evaluating applicants and reviewing enrollment processes from an academic perspective.
- Student Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Campus Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact between students and key campus resources, including Learning Support, Disability Services, the Bursar, and Financial Assistance.
- Career Programming: Collaborate with career and student support teams to develop technical instruction for apprenticeships, advise VIBE programming, and support pre-college and alumni initiatives.
- Instruction & Event Facilitation: Teach one course or workshop each semester and help plan student events, including orientations, academic workshops, and professional panels. Operations, Records & Compliance
- Operations & Credentials: Partner with the CPS Operations team to coordinate course material distribution and ensure the timely awarding of certificates and digital badges.
- Data & Compliance Management: Maintain accurate student and alumni records, assisting with non-credit enrollment reporting and academic compliance data compilation.
- Academic Planning & Progress Tracking: Collaborate with the VUnited Program Director and advising teams to design personalized academic plans (including credit courses), monitor student progress, and review IEPs to ensure proper accommodations.
- Student Advocacy & Retention: Serve as the primary liaison to resolve coursework inquiries, facilitate retention, and deliver a supportive, personalized student experience.
- Academic Program Coordination: Develop and lead academic workshops, coordinate study halls, and supervise peer tutors and study hall mentors.
- Professional Development & Faculty Training: Partner with the Teaching & Learning leadership team to design and deliver workshops on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and specialized instructional strategies for diverse learning needs.
- Instructional Support & Accommodations: Consult with instructors on implementing student accommodations, and coordinate with accessibility services (ADS/LSS) to secure necessary in-classroom assistance.
- Liaison & Assessment Coordination: Serve as a feedback bridge between students, faculty, and program leadership, while collaborating on student outcome assessments and reporting.
- Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.
- Participate in events with CPS on occasional nights and weekends.
Minimum QualificationsFormal Education - Undergraduate degree required
Work Experience- Minimum of two years of special education experience in an academic and/or college/university setting.
Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
- Strong organizational, time management and relationship management skills with demonstrated ability to work as a team player.
- Anticipate and identify problems and opportunities and takes decisive action to proactively address them.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong organizational, problem solving and decision-making skills are required.
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships.
- Sincere commitment to developing the academic, professional, and personal well-being of students.
- Skills in setting priorities based on the importance of job responsibilities.
- Communicate professionally and efficiently within a fast-paced environment.
Equipment Knowledge- Proficiency in all standard computer applications, including Microsoft office products, extremely proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. General knowledge of office principles and procedures is required.
Preferred QualificationsFormal Education - Post-graduate degree preferred in education, special education, curriculum development or similar field
Work Experience- Experience with adult learners preferred.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work HoursThis individual will need to attend a variety of evening and weekend events in support of programs.
Special Message to ApplicantsThis position is funded through enrollment in the VUnited Program and continuation of the position is contingent upon sufficient enrollment in the program and the availability of related funding.Salary Posting InformationThis position falls within salaried grade 13 and the range is $52,000-65,100. 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 Grade13
