Associate Director Center for Professional Development
FLSA Status: Exempt
Months Per Year: 12
Hours Per Week: 37.5 Position Description
Seattle University School of Law is seeking an Associate Director for our Center for Professional Development to join our mission-driven, student-centered community.
The Associate Director will help law students and law school alumni identify their career interests and goals, as well as connect them with professional opportunities and assist them in developing skills and strategies for their job searches and professional development. The Associate Director reports to the Assistant Dean of the Center for Professional Development (CPD).
Seattle University School of Law educates ethical lawyers who distinguish themselves through their outstanding professional skills and their dedication to law in the service of justice. Faculty, students, and staff form a vibrant, diverse, and collaborative community that promotes leadership for a just and humane world. The Law School’s commitment to academic distinction is grounded in its Jesuit Catholic tradition, one that encourages open inquiry, thoughtful reflection, and concern for personal growth. Innovation, creativity, and technological sophistication characterize our rigorous educational program, which prepares lawyers for a wide range of successful and rewarding careers in law, business, and public service.
The Associate Director focuses on public interest and government opportunities, including helping students succeed in key programs such as the Presidential Management Fellowship Program, Federal and State Attorney General Honors Programs, and the Northwest Public Service Career Fair. This role serves as the primary coordinator of the Northwest Public Service Career Fair, the largest legal job fair in the Pacific Northwest, and will assist with other on-campus public interest events, such as the Evening with Equal Justice, as a planner and/or program participant.
The Associate Director is responsible for Seattle University’s role in 1L Diversity Hiring Programs. This includes, representing Seattle University School of Law on related boards and committees, assisting in the logistics for the annual 1L Diversity Meet-and-Greet, and participating in community events related to diversity in the legal profession.
The Associate Director counsels law students and alumni on career options, preparation of application materials, job search skills, and professional development/networking opportunities. CPD team members utilize their skill in legal writing to review, edit, and identify areas for improvement on job application materials, which requires the ability to manage a high volume of professional correspondence and edit hundreds of resumes, cover letters, thank-you letters, and other materials. The Associate Director meets one-on-one with students and alumni to develop personalized career strategies. During the academic year, each CPD team member will meet with up to 8 to 10 students/graduates per day.
The Associate Director will work closely with the Assistant Dean and CPD team to collect, analyze, and submit employment statistics for students and graduates for institutional, accreditation, and annual reporting requirements.
The Associate Director assists with the development of CPD’s electronic communications with students and graduates; in particular, creating content for CPD’s bi-weekly 1L newsletter, targeted emails and the content updates on the CPD website.
The Associate Director will collaborate with the Access to Justice Institute, SBA student organizations, School of Law departments, alumni, and community lawyers to develop and promote relevant and engaging workshops and panel presentations.
The Associate Director regularly represents the Center for Professional Development at community events with law firms, legal aid providers, government agencies, the judiciary and bar associations. Developing effective working relationships with these groups is integral to keeping opportunity pipelines open.
Other duties as requested.
Qualifications
A Juris Doctor degree from an American Bar Association approved law school plus two years of work experience practicing law, including participation in the hiring of attorneys and /or law clerks or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the Associate Director position.
This position requires exceptional written and oral interpersonal communication skills. Applicants must have the ability and be effective in one-on-one counseling situations and in larger groups as a leader in making public presentations.
Self motivation and individual initiative to manage duties/projects, as well as the desire and ability to be a part of and work effectively within a team are essential to this position. Participation and attendance at local and regional events is required and will include evening and weekend commitments.
This role requires the ability and knowledge to be current on available job opportunities and hiring practices of federal, state, and local government employers and be able to communicate this knowledge to students and alumni as they apply for these highly competitive positions.
Applicants must have experience with Microsoft Office products and comfortable in learning and working within content management systems.
Experience as a practicing lawyer in a federal or state agency or public interest non-profit is preferred.
Experience with local, regional, and federal government hiring practices is preferred.
Mentorship experience is also a plus.
Familiarity with ABA and NALP guidelines is also preferred. All candidates must show a demonstrated commitment to diversity and the university’s mission, vision, and values. All positions at Seattle University require a criminal history background check.
Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuits value, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental and vision insurance programs. You may also take advantage of 100% tuition remission benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Christmas break closure, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/
Application Instructions
Applicants should attach an electronic cover letter, resume and provide three professional references when applying. Persons who need assistance with the recruitment process may contact the Office of Human Resources at: 206-296-5870. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.