Education OPT Jobs in Pennsylvania

Posting Number: 20260455S

Position Title: Training Specialist

Position Type: Staff

Location: Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Avg Hours Week

Department: 401-Human Resources

Position Summary:

The Training Specialist plays a vital role in designing and delivering comprehensive training programs for Villanova staff and managers, and provides support for the function through a variety of administrative, technical, and creative responsibilities. Works closely with the Director of Talent Development and the E-Learning Specialist to strategize, design, and deliver live in-person and virtual training events, such as workshops and departmental training programs, and participates in the creation and management of compliance-related online learning content. Coordinates logistics for live trainings and Human Resources-sponsored events, including the weekly new employee orientation and annual New@Nova Luncheon. Collaborates with stakeholders in HR and across the University to conduct needs assessments and identify skill and compliance knowledge gaps, ensuring training is tailored to the unique job functions of a diverse workforce. Utilizes LMS analytics and evaluation data to continuously improve program design. Contributes to talent development-related content on the Human Resources webpage and identifies professional development resources to support future staff training initiatives.

Founded in 1842 and recognized among the nation’s best colleges and universities, we are a mission-driven institution inspired by the values of truth, unity, love, and dedication to serving the common good. At Villanova, we believe our people are our most precious asset. That’s why we offer a vibrant and collaborative campus environment and invest in our employees through competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support your professional growth, personal well-being, and long-term success. Benefits include:

• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Tuition assistance for employees and eligible family members.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Retirement savings plan with University contributions.
• Well-being programs and resources.
• Flexible work options where appropriate.

We invite you to join a community where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a meaningful difference.

Duties and Responsibilities:

- Training Design and Delivery: Design, coordinate, and deliver live in-person and virtual training and change management events (e.g., workshops, webinars, departmental training programs) for Villanova staff and people-managers, including mandatory training for all people-managers. Collaborate with the E-Learning Specialist to design relevant and timely training modules for staff; participate in the creation of new compliance-related learning content (including mandatory manager training) based on trends and topics that arise. Manage compliance-related content on Villanova’s employee learning management system (LMS). Troubleshoot issues; monitor and report on records of staff participation in training modules.

• Training and Event Logistics: Coordinate logistics as needed for live training events including written communications, presenters, catering, room set-up, and materials; monitor and maintain records of staff participation in training events. Collaborate with members of the Talent team to coordinate speakers, catering, room set-up, and materials for Human Resources events, including weekly new employee orientation and yearly New Staff Welcome Event; serve as back-up support staff for other Human Resources events.

• Needs Assessment and Strategy: Collaborate with stakeholders in HR and across the University to identify specific skill gaps and training needs within various campus units; conduct needs assessments to ensure training events are tailored to the unique job functions of the diverse University workforce; and strategize with stakeholders to align learning interventions with departmental and University-wide goals.

• Data Management: Utilize LMS analytics and survey data from training participants to continuously improve design and delivery of training content and programs. Ensure effective stewardship of Villanova’s talent development function.

• Professional Development: Identify and research resources (books, articles, etc.) for own professional development and for potential future use in staff training and development programs.

• Website: Maintain and regularly update portions of the Talent Development section of Villanova Human Resources website.

• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Formal Education:

- Bachelor’s degree required.

Specific Job Knowledge:

- Ability to effectively design, lead and facilitate live training events required.
- Basic understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design required.
- Knowledge of Human Resources functions and principles required.
- Working knowledge of a learning management system required.
- Must be able to learn and apply new technologies. Experience with Microsoft Office and basic AI literacy required.
- Knowledge of and experience with multimedia technologies, particularly video production and editing preferred.

Minimum Work Experience:

- Minimum two years of experience in Human Resources, education, compliance, communications, instructional technologies, or related field, with at least one year in Human Resources required. Combination of experience and relevant post-high school education considered. Experience in higher education or non-profit environment preferred.
- Experience teaching or facilitating group learning required. Experience in event planning or management preferred.

Work Skills:

- Demonstrated organizational skills; strong attention to detail.
- Ability to learn new skills and new technologies.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.
- Proactive in identifying problems and solutions; forward-thinking orientation.
- Prefer creative or artistic skills, especially in writing, graphics and slide/video presentation aesthetics.
- Ability to produce reports and provide basic analyses of results.
- Ability to organize materials and records.
- Ability to form partnerships, work collaboratively, and engage people at all levels.
- Ability to plan and manage programs and events.
- Ability to communicate with vendors, employees, prospective employees, students, and administrators with tact and diplomacy.
- Must be able to understand, appreciate, and contribute to Villanova’s Augustinian mission and values.

Equipment Knowledge:

- Ability to use computers, projectors, and other training tools.

Working Conditions/Environment:

a.) Tools, machinery and equipment used: computer, projectors, tablets, printer/copier/scanner/fax, and other general office equipment.

b.) Physical requirements: sitting for long periods of time at computer terminal; ability to work at a computer station, lift and carry up to 15 pounds, and travel to other buildings on campus.

Preferred Qualifications:

Formal Education:

- Master’s or advanced degree.

Specific Job Knowledge:

- Knowledge of and experience with video production and editing.

Work Experience:

- Experience in higher education or non-profit environment preferred.
- Experience in event planning or management preferred.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

Special Message to Applicants:

Posting Date: 10/28/2026

Closing Date (11: 59pm ET):

Salary Posting Information:

The approved range for this position is $65,000-70,000. 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: 13

Job Classification: exempt

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed: 3

Maximum Number of References Needed: 3