Villanova University, located in the suburban Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania, United States, stands as a premier private Catholic institution founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842. Known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus community, it attracts professionals seeking meaningful roles in higher education. Jobs at Villanova University span faculty, administrative, research, and support positions, offering a chance to contribute to a mission rooted in Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love. With approximately 10,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs, the university maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, fostering close-knit teaching and research environments.
The university's commitment to excellence is evident in its rankings, including top placements in U.S. News & World Report for best value schools and regional universities. Careers here appeal to those passionate about integrating faith, service, and scholarship. Whether you're eyeing faculty jobs or administrative roles, Villanova provides a supportive ecosystem for professional growth.
Established as a preparatory school and seminary by the Augustinian friars, Villanova evolved into a full university by 1842, granting its first degrees in 1866. Over the decades, it expanded from its original focus on classical education to include professional schools in business, engineering, nursing, and law. Key milestones include the opening of the Villanova School of Business in 1927 and the College of Engineering in 1953. Today, it remains one of the few Augustinian Catholic universities in the U.S., blending rigorous academics with a commitment to social justice and community service. This rich history shapes its job culture, emphasizing mentorship and ethical leadership.
Understanding this background is crucial for applicants to jobs at Villanova University, as the Augustinian tradition influences hiring priorities, favoring candidates who align with values like community and pursuit of knowledge.
Villanova offers over 50 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs through colleges like the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Villanova School of Business (VSB), College of Engineering, College of Nursing, and Villanova School of Law. Popular fields include accountancy, finance, mechanical engineering, biology, and communication. Jobs often arise in high-demand areas like data science, sustainability studies, and health professions.
For instance, the VSB is AACSB-accredited and frequently recruits for professor jobs in finance and marketing. The engineering college seeks experts in civil and chemical engineering for research roles. These programs drive job openings tailored to specific expertise.
Career opportunities at Villanova are diverse. Faculty positions include tenure-track professors, associate professors, and assistant professors, while non-tenure roles like lecturers and adjuncts focus on teaching. Research jobs encompass postdocs and research associates, particularly in STEM fields. Administrative positions cover deans, department chairs, HR, and student affairs. Support staff roles include lab technicians and IT specialists. Learn more about types of positions available across universities.
To help navigate jobs at Villanova University, here are key terms defined:
For faculty jobs, a PhD or terminal degree (e.g., JD for law, DNP for nursing) in the relevant field is required. Research positions demand a master's minimum, with PhD preferred. Administrative roles vary, often needing advanced degrees plus experience. For example, business faculty positions require a PhD in fields like economics or management.
Villanova prioritizes research in applied areas aligning with its mission. Expertise in business ethics, sustainable engineering, nursing innovation, and liberal arts interdisciplinary studies is sought. Current focuses include AI in healthcare, environmental science, and social justice. Funded projects often come from NSF or NIH grants, requiring expertise in grant writing.
Candidates with peer-reviewed publications, teaching experience at accredited institutions, and grant funding stand out. For senior roles, leadership in professional organizations or prior administrative experience is preferred. Recent PhDs benefit from postdoc experience; see postdoctoral success for insights.
Essential skills include strong communication, collaboration, and technology proficiency (e.g., learning management systems like Canvas). Cultural competencies emphasize diversity awareness and service orientation. Technical skills vary: data analysis for business, lab techniques for sciences.
Jobs are posted on Villanova's careers site (villanova.edu/hr), Handshake, and platforms like higher ed jobs boards. Submit cover letter, CV, transcripts, and references online. Tips:
Review free resources like free resume template and cover letter template.
Villanova champions diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), hosting events like the Diversity Institute and MLK celebrations. Recruitment targets underrepresented minorities via partnerships with HBCUs and affinity groups. The Inclusive Excellence Framework promotes equitable hiring, with metrics showing increased faculty diversity (e.g., 25% underrepresented minorities in recent hires). Employee resource groups support LGBTQ+ and women professionals.
In Villanova, Pennsylvania, the 260-acre campus offers green spaces, modern facilities, and proximity to Philadelphia for cultural access. Benefits include generous PTO, tuition remission for dependents, onsite childcare, and wellness programs like fitness centers and counseling. Flexible work options post-COVID, sabbaticals for faculty, and events like family days enhance balance. Athletics, with NCAA Division I Wildcats basketball, foster community spirit. Employees praise the supportive culture in suburban setting, ideal for families.
Jobs at Villanova University blend academic rigor with a values-driven environment. Explore openings in higher ed jobs, refine your profile with higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Start your journey today.
