Associate Director of Academic Excellence (17969)

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About the Department/Unit

The spirit of our tradition lies in the hearts and minds of our community members, who are dedicated to the professional advancement and well-being of our students and alumni, and who strive to “Champion What Matters,” locally, nationally, and internationally.
Here at American University Washington College of Law, you meet the world where you will practice your profession. The world has become essentially borderless, where economic, political, and social changes require innovative legal analysis and solutions.
We equip our students in unique ways to navigate this new reality. A top law school that provides an excellent legal education in all areas of the law, Washington College of Law has renowned programs in experiential learning (clinics and externships), international law, law and government, intellectual property, health law, business, and gender and the law. These vital programs create an environment rich with opportunities for you.

Summary/Objective

The Associate Director of Academic Excellence will promote the academic excellence of American University Washington College of Law students, from matriculation through graduation. The Associate Director will direct and implement the law school’s programs and initiatives designed to enrich students’ learning experiences and bar exam readiness. The Associate Director will design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive workshops for all law students on topics related to academic achievement and bar exam readiness. The incumbent will monitor learning outcomes and academic performance; meet with and counsel students on their academic progress; develop and oversee the execution of individualized learning plans; plan, conceptualize and teach workshops to faculty, staff, and students about best practices for academic success and bar exam preparation; and develop and implement events, programs, and initiatives that provide a comprehensive and meaningful academic experience for law students. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Academic Excellence, the incumbent will have a central role in the law school in incorporating inclusive best practices in preparing students for academic and bar exam success. The Associate Director will supervise and train all Academic Excellence Dean’s Fellows.

Essential Functions

1. Work with the Assistant Dean of Academic Excellence in researching and maintaining an awareness of best practices and resources for bar exam readiness and learning strategies; provide students feedback and advice about academic skills including the process of legal analysis, legal writing, and time management.
2. Collect, analyze, and measure data to identify opportunities to enhance students’ academic experiences; and create events, programs, and coursework to provide a comprehensive and meaningful academic experience for WCL students, including workshops for students about academic and bar examination strategies and for faculty and staff about how to incorporate bar examination strategies into their academic and co-curricular efforts.
3. Serve as subject-matter expert in academic skills and bar preparation strategies. Work collaboratively with faculty, the Assistant Dean of Academic Excellence and the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs to provide strategic advice to faculty on inclusive practices and bar passage initiatives.
4. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the first-year experience of JD students at WCL, and implement services that support students’ academic transition to law school and satisfaction with law school.
5. In coordination with the Assistant Dean of Academic Excellence, track and report information regarding programming assessments and evaluations.
6. Teach courses that provide academic and bar exam skill development to improve student outcomes.
7. Additional duties assigned as necessary.

Supervisory Responsibility

• May supervise Academic Excellence Dean’s Fellows and administrative personnel.

Work Environment

• Some travel may be required.
• Some evening and weekend work will be required based on program and student needs.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full-time, 35 hours/week.
• Sr. Coordinator/Analyst B.
• Exempt.

Required Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school; admission to the bar.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience. Minimum 4 years experience advising or mentoring law students and/or law graduates preferably in the area of bar preparation or academic support.
• Strong legal writing, research, and analysis skills.
• Ability to build rapport with students, faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, ethical, and professional judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and social learning platforms.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Juris Doctor.
• 3-5 years of experience, at least 1 year of legal practice or post-graduate clerkship.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive .

Others

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC