Communication Officer

Location
Villanova, PA

Work Schedule:
full-time/12-months

Department: 502-Public Safety Department

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
Communications Officer staffs the communications center for the department. Responds to all incoming telephone and radio calls and
dispatches officers as needed. Provides a variety of information to University community members and others. Acts as a central resource for
University information during non-business hours. Utilizes several specialized software systems including a CAD records management system,
student records system, fire alarm system, access control system and CCTV system. Distributes and controls access to keys, radios, vehicles,
and other departmental resources. Assists with dispatching fleet passenger vans after regular business hours.

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

• Answers all incoming
  radio and telephone calls to the department; screens and prioritizes requests for assistance and information. Maintains ongoing dialogue
  with callers for information. Maintains calm during emergency or stressful situations. Documents each call for assistance or information
  using departmental incident reporting system. Transfers telephone calls as appropriate. Process walk-in requests for services.
• Prioritizes calls and incidents, directs departmental resources to resolve in-progress incidents. Communicates and dispatches on-duty
  facilities personnel to maintenance issues on campus. Dispatches Villanova Emergency Medical Service (VEMS). Communicates with outside
  emergency response agencies (911, Radnor Police, Fire Departments) during emergency situations by phone and radio.
• Sends emergency
  messages using the University’s mass notification system (NOVA Alert).
• Operates and maintains the Commonwealth Law Enforcement
  Assistance Network (PA CLEAN), PA Justice Network (JNET), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and other record management systems as
  directed for validation of drivers’ licenses, vehicle registrations, criminal histories, wanted information and other vital information for
  officers in the field. Operates Mobile Data Terminal software feeding information on in-progress calls directly from the Delaware County 911
  Center.
• Maintains knowledge of all vehicle and officer assignments; keeps shift supervisors(s) informed of all appropriate
  incidents.
• Process walk-in requests for services.
• Prepares Daily Summary Sheet and other pertinent computer aided dispatch
  (CAD) paperwork/programs for supervisory approval; lists all incidents and their resolution, notes unusual occurrences, accounts for all
  members of the shift and their assignment.
• Issues keys to University passenger vans and logs outgoing and incoming vans into fleet
  management software. Answers parking related questions after normal business hours.
• Monitors CCTV systems, alarms systems and
  access control devices; informs shift supervisor and documents irregularities.
• Performs additional duties and assists with special
  projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• 18
  years of age.
• APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials) certification as a Public Safety Telecommunicator
  preferred or ability to become certified within 12 months of hire date is required.
• Ability to read and write the English
  language.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely required, especially during stressful situations.
• Ability to follow both
  written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to proficiently operate a personal computer, keyboard and peripheral devices.
• Ability to operate various telecommunications equipment, including phone and two- way radio.

Preferred
Qualifications

• Knowledge of dispatch codes, standard abbreviations, and industry terminology used by law enforcement and
  EMS agencies.
• 2 + years prior experience as either a call-taker or dispatcher in an emergency services setting.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

• Use of phone, radios and multiple computers and hardware.
• Must be able to view numerous surveillance cameras for extended times and record significant information in Computer Aided Dispatch
  software.
• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time. The person in this position frequently communicates with
  mobile units and answers phone calls, sometimes simultaneously. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Constantly operates phones, radios, multiple computers, and CCTV cameras.
• Ability to work shift work to include nights and
  weekends.
• Fine motor skills as well as visual, hearing, speaking, and touching.

Special Message to
Applicants

• Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be invited to take a written test that assesses reading
  comprehension, listening, prioritization, and problem solving. Written test will be administered on 8/1/26

Closing Date
(11:59pm ET)
07/26/2026

Salary Posting Information

$21.36 an hour

Salary
Grade
10

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