Director Retention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 3 years minimum of related 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.

• 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

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

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

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