Director of Academic Collaboration and Research
Villanova University
Posting Details
The Director of Academic Collaboration and Research operates within the Dr. Terry Nance Center for Dialogue housed in UNITAS: The Office of Community Enrichment. This position has a staff classification and spans the full operation of both the Nance Center and UNITAS.
This position manages a catalog of dialogue courses by fostering cross-department collaboration, strengthening academic partnerships, and aligning efforts between the Nance Center for Dialogue and campus-wide equity initiatives. The Director leads research on identity, justice, and dialogic pedagogy in higher education, and provides relevant insights to inform departmental goals. The position oversees assessment efforts for dialogue courses and UNITAS programs, offering data-driven recommendations to support continuous improvement. Additionally, this role contributes to the visibility of the Center’s and UNITAS’s work through publications and presentations.
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: 35% Course Management and Academic Liaison Manage a catalog of dialogue through cross-departmental coordination and facilitator oversight. Build relationships with the colleges to support the Nance Center for Dialogue’s academic goals. Develop greater connections between UNITAS and academic equity work on campus.
20% Research and EducationResearch current theories and practices on: Emerging issues on higher education. Theories of identity and justice. Justice, pedagogies, especially as they relate to dialogue. Provide relevant information on the current theories and practices to the Nance Center for Dialogue and UNITAS and support the implementation of new practices as it relates to departmental goals.
20% Assessment Lead the assessment of courses and programs for the Nance Center for Dialogue and UNITAS. Provide assessment results and recommendations to the Nance Center for Dialogue and UNITAS for implementation.
10% Facilitation Facilitate dialogue courses totaling up to 3 credit hours per academic year.
10% Publications and Presentations Strategically increase the visibility of the knowledge and evidence produced at the Nance Center for Dialogue and UNITAS through generating publications and presentations.
Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned. (5%) Minimum Qualifications: Formal Education Masters degree required.
Work Experience 3 years in college teaching experience. Special training or experience in research and assessment.
Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills) Must be comfortable working in a dynamic, intercultural environment. Must be self-motivated and results oriented. Must take initiative where appropriate. Must be competent in managing intercultural conversations. Must demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Must be able to demonstrate excellent writing and verbal skills. Must demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with excellent attention to detail. Must be able to protect confidential information. Excellent computer skill, command of Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn new computer programs. 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.
Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area) Familiarity and experience teaching through group dialogue methods in higher education, such as Intergroup Dialogue. Thorough understanding of academic programs and course management Experience supervising and leading teams preferred. Evidence of ability to implement effective teaching and training of college students and adult learners. Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating course-level assessments to measure student learning outcomes. Knowledge and understanding of critical pedagogies and justice education foundational concepts and principles. Preferred Qualifications: Formal Education PhD/EdD preferred.
Work Experience Special training or experience in diversity work is preferred. Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Special Message to Applicants: Posting Date: 10/16/2025 Closing Date (11:59pm ET): Salary Posting Information: This position falls within salaried grade 16 and the range for this position is $71,700-89,600. 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 Band: 16 Job Classification: exempt References Needed References Needed Minimum Number of References Needed 3 Maximum Number of References Needed 3 Supplemental Questions
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Posting Details (Default Section) Posting Number: 20254494S Position Title: Director of Academic Collaboration and Research Position Type: Staff Location: Villanova, PA Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants Work Schedule: full-time/12-months Avg Hours Week Department: 709 - UNITAS: The Office of Community Enrichment 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 Director of Academic Collaboration and Research operates within the Dr. Terry Nance Center for Dialogue housed in UNITAS: The Office of Community Enrichment. This position has a staff classification and spans the full operation of both the Nance Center and UNITAS.
This position manages a catalog of dialogue courses by fostering cross-department collaboration, strengthening academic partnerships, and aligning efforts between the Nance Center for Dialogue and campus-wide equity initiatives. The Director leads research on identity, justice, and dialogic pedagogy in higher education, and provides relevant insights to inform departmental goals. The position oversees assessment efforts for dialogue courses and UNITAS programs, offering data-driven recommendations to support continuous improvement. Additionally, this role contributes to the visibility of the Center’s and UNITAS’s work through publications and presentations.
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: 35% Course Management and Academic Liaison Manage a catalog of dialogue through cross-departmental coordination and facilitator oversight. Build relationships with the colleges to support the Nance Center for Dialogue’s academic goals. Develop greater connections between UNITAS and academic equity work on campus.
20% Research and EducationResearch current theories and practices on: Emerging issues on higher education. Theories of identity and justice. Justice, pedagogies, especially as they relate to dialogue. Provide relevant information on the current theories and practices to the Nance Center for Dialogue and UNITAS and support the implementation of new practices as it relates to departmental goals.
20% Assessment Lead the assessment of courses and programs for the Nance Center for Dialogue and UNITAS. Provide assessment results and recommendations to the Nance Center for Dialogue and UNITAS for implementation.
10% Facilitation Facilitate dialogue courses totaling up to 3 credit hours per academic year.
10% Publications and Presentations Strategically increase the visibility of the knowledge and evidence produced at the Nance Center for Dialogue and UNITAS through generating publications and presentations.
Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned. (5%) Minimum Qualifications: Formal Education Masters degree required.
Work Experience 3 years in college teaching experience. Special training or experience in research and assessment.
Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills) Must be comfortable working in a dynamic, intercultural environment. Must be self-motivated and results oriented. Must take initiative where appropriate. Must be competent in managing intercultural conversations. Must demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Must be able to demonstrate excellent writing and verbal skills. Must demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with excellent attention to detail. Must be able to protect confidential information. Excellent computer skill, command of Microsoft Office Suite, and the ability to learn new computer programs. 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.
Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area) Familiarity and experience teaching through group dialogue methods in higher education, such as Intergroup Dialogue. Thorough understanding of academic programs and course management Experience supervising and leading teams preferred. Evidence of ability to implement effective teaching and training of college students and adult learners. Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and evaluating course-level assessments to measure student learning outcomes. Knowledge and understanding of critical pedagogies and justice education foundational concepts and principles. Preferred Qualifications: Formal Education PhD/EdD preferred.
Work Experience Special training or experience in diversity work is preferred. Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Special Message to Applicants: Posting Date: 10/16/2025 Closing Date (11:59pm ET): Salary Posting Information: This position falls within salaried grade 16 and the range for this position is $71,700-89,600. 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 Band: 16 Job Classification: exempt References Needed References Needed Minimum Number of References Needed 3 Maximum Number of References Needed 3 Supplemental Questions
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