Career Counselor (4477)

Get to Know American University

At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail.

Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.

Learn more about American University by clicking here .

About the Department/Unit

The Career Counselors at the Washington College of Law guide students into the legal profession. Our approach is student-focused, with an emphasis on meeting students where they are and giving them the tools they need to get started. Beginning in the first year, we help students to dream strategically about what their goals are and how to achieve them. We teach them how to assess their own strengths, develop the professional and personal skills they will need to be a lawyer, and how to search for and successfully apply for legal jobs.

Summary/Objective

We’re looking for a new team member who is eager to collaborate with others, understands how to support a diverse student body, has boundless patience, and values a sense of humor. We are especially interested in hearing from candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. The ideal candidate will love talking with people about their aspirations, is well-organized, detail-oriented, and knows how to remain flexible. Experience or expertise in federal clerkships, government honors program or PMF, criminal law, family law, corporate/transactional, or IP a plus.

Essential Functions

1. Individual Career Counseling.The counselor will meet with individual law students and recent graduates for one-on-one counseling sessions covering everything from career exploration to goal setting, preparing basic application materials, practicing for interviews, negotiating offers, and other professional development. The counselor must be prepared to guide students interested in various practice areas and will develop knowledge on a range of legal careers in the public and private sectors. The counselor will also develop specific areas of expertise and serve as the primary office resource for that sector (e.g., criminal law, international law, clerkships, etc.)
   
   
2. Programming for Groups of Students.The counselor will work with other team members and other teams on campus to organize and host events for students, highlighting everything from how to draft a basic resume to sophisticated discussions of trends in the legal market. The counselor will also organize resume review and mock interview events, as well as assist with career fairs and on-campus recruiting events. The counselor will serve as the liaison for student groups, including affinity or interest groups.
   
   
3. Written and Video Materials. With the assistance of other team members, the counselor will draft or record written or video materials to be shared with the student body, such as how-to guides, introductions to various types of practice, advice on practical job-seeking skills, surveys, websites, social media, and more.
   
   

Work Environment

• We are a creative, friendly, and diverse group of career services and administrative professionals who love what we do. We are compassionate about people and perfectionists about documents.
  
  
• Some evening and weekend hours required.
  
  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time
  
  
• Exempt
  
  
• This is a union-eligible position.
  
  

Required Education and Experience

• J.D. degree
  
  
• 2-4 years of relevant experience
  
  
• Excellent, organizational, oral and written communication skills.
  
  
• Knowledge of job search, career/ employment services, recruiting, interviewing and staffing principles and practices
  
  
• Knowledge of the legal employment market and job search strategies
  
  
• Ability to assess individual needs, motivators and differences in abilities and career interests.
  
  
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and marketing the Washington College of Law to employers.
  
  

Preferred Education and Experience

• ​​​​​​ 3-5 years of relevant experience preferred
  
  
• Counseling experience preferred but not required
  
  

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 .
  
  

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

If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoAsuccessfulU through themyAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page.

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