Assistant Director for Professional Development

Position Details

Position Title

Assistant Director for Professional Development

Position Number

001210

Position Summary

The Assistant Director for Professional Development provides counseling to law students and alumni regarding all phases of the professional development and career planning process, including practice area and practice setting exploration, interview assistance, resume and cover letter review, and guidance on networking. The Assistant Director collaborates with other staff to prepare resources, provide programs, and expand student and alumni employment opportunities. In addition, the Assistant Director will help compile and maintain data regarding student and graduate employment outcomes for the Professional Development Office ( PDO ).

Essential Job Functions of Position

Counsel law students individually and in groups regarding all phases of the professional development and career planning process;

Will provide engaging and motivational guidance to students and at times may need to proactively contact students who have become unresponsive or need additional counsel;

Provide feedback on resumes and cover letters, and guidance on networking, interviewing and job search strategies;

Create, update, and edit internal PDO guides and resources to educate students on career options and job search skills and strategies;

Support the management of current and future recruitment programs, including the On-Campus Interview and Government Legal Careers Forum programs;

Collaborate with relevant Washburn Law departments, student groups, alumni, and outside organizations to help develop lunch & learn programming on JD and JD advantage career opportunities, including practice area and practice setting exploration;

Assist with managing various PDO -sponsored programs, including the mentor program for first-year law students, the pro bono program, the mock interview program, and networking events;

Engage in employer outreach by enhancing existing employer relationships and participating in the creation and development of new employer relations;

Track student and graduate employment outcomes to aid in the preparation of employment reports; and

Perform additional job-related duties as required or as appropriate.

Non-Essential Job Functions of Position

Represent the PDO and the law school at community events with alumni, law firms, legal aid providers, government agencies, the judiciary, and bar associations; and

Assist with and promote additional PDO programs that support Washburn Law students and graduates.

Education and Experience

Juris Doctor from an ABA -accredited law school or Master’s degree in counseling, student services or related field, and

Two years of post-graduate legal experience or two years of student services, career development, or coaching experience helping students or attorneys navigate career decisions.

Preferred:
Juris Doctor. Judicial clerkship, public service experience, and/or exposure to JD Advantage positions such as compliance. Involvement in legal hiring/recruiting and prior work with law students

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of the range of legal careers in law firms, government, judiciary, public interest, business, and general industry, and the ability to monitor and anticipate job market trends;

A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds;

Effective interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with people;

Willing to build knowledge in a wide range of practice areas in order to assist students in their career planning;

Must be able to develop strategies to meet employment goals in changing market and economic conditions;

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with and form relationships with students, staff, faculty, and employers;

Demonstrated ability to exercise empathy and good judgment in sensitive counseling situations and to create a welcoming and supportive environment for students;

Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, act ethically, and adapt well to change, various personalities and needs;

The ability to communicate and market the services and programs of the PDO ;

Effective problem-solving, organizational abilities, follow-up skills;

Demonstrated effective computer skills and experience working with online data management and tracking systems; and

Ability to effectively handle and meet deadlines.

Licenses, Certifications & Registrations

Additional Requirements (e.g. Physical Demands)

Ability to work nights or weekends and engage in some overnight travel, if needed.

Campus Security Authority

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Advertised Pay

Competitive, commensurate with experience

Work Schedule

Regular Business Hours, Other - Occasional evenings or weekends as needed

Full-time/Part-time

Full Time

Average Hours per Week

40

Months per Year

12

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1

EEO Statement

Washburn is dedicated to providing a student-centered and teaching focused academic environment and a curriculum that engages the diversity of human experience across the globe. We seek candidates who are committed to Washburn’s efforts to create a climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education. Application materials should clearly articulate how the candidate will contribute to the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion through their teaching, research, and/or service.

Washburn University is an EOE . Washburn University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.

Posting Number

S0269P

Background Check Required?

Yes

Driving History Checked?

No

Drug Screen Required?

No

Anticipated Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

For earliest consideration apply by

09/04/2021

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled?

Yes

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://washburn.peopleadmin.com/postings/3765
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school or Master’s degree in counseling, student services or related field?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have 2 years of post-graduate legal experience, or 2 years of student services, career development, or coaching experience helping students or attorneys navigate career decisions?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Have you been involved in prior hiring/recruiting of law students or lawyers?
   • Yes
   • No

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents