Associate Dean for Academic Advising and Career Planning

The Associate Dean is responsible for providing overall leadership and oversight for matters related to the Office of Academic Planning and Career Development, including innovation, technology, fiscal management, and team development.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Academic Advising and Planning

• Lead a team of advisors in providing students with expert advice concerning curriculum offerings starting from day one through graduation, including required core courses and the selection and sequencing of required and elective courses, in support of their interests and career objectives, and in a way that ensures academic success.
• Exercise compassionate and strategic leadership to ensure that the team of advisors is equipped with the most up-to-date institutional and industry knowledge and awareness to provide guidance and direction on all student engagements and activities, including, but not limited to: Center affiliation, internship, and externship opportunities, and placements based on academic performance; Participation in social and co-curricular student organizations
• Work with the Offices of Student Life, Academic Affairs, and others to provide proper internal support and referrals for external assistance for students exhibiting the presence of impediment(s) to success because of social, medical, and emotional challenges.
• Coordinate with the Office of Academic Affairs, the Office of Academic and Bar Support, the Registrar’s Office, and the Office of Student Life concerning the development, implementation, and enforcement of various policies and procedures, including the Student Handbook and Faculty Rules.

Career Advising and Planning

• Lead a team of advisors in providing meaningful knowledge and counsel to students on a variety of career options across employer types, practice areas, and industries, including JD Advantage jobs and jobs that require bar passage.
• Work with the Associate Directors and Senior Fellows of NYLS’s academic centers and institutes to further enhance student career advising and planning.
• Develop and oversee the maintenance of systems to monitor the student internship and post-graduate job search process, including initial engagement, placements, and outcomes. In addition, work with vendors to ensure staff training on related technologies used for student data collection.
• Develop resources for students related to their preparation of job application materials, including résumés, cover letters, and writing samples, as well as preparation for job interviews. Work with a team of advisors to develop and maintain an effective system to monitor individual student progress.
• Oversee a professional development program including the instruction provided in the 1L course ‘Foundations for the Pursuit of Professionalism’.
• Engage in strategic planning regarding student communications/facilitating student access to relevant resources and other materials.

Employer Relations

• Build and expand employer relationships, including with alumni, to develop placement and related professional development opportunities.
• Supervise an employer relations team to develop a coordinated recruitment program and provide a range of employment opportunities for students and graduates to meet placement targets.
• Collect and evaluate feedback regarding the needs of current and prospective employers and monitor market trends for the purpose of guiding students toward the most appropriate curriculum, activities, and job search strategies.
• Develop long-term strategies to address developments and market shifts to continue building an employer base with meaningful opportunities desired by students.
• Work with alumni members of the judiciary and advisors to enhance New York Law School’s presence in clerkships.

Administrative Oversight

• Oversee day-to-day administrative functions of the Office, including budget and relevant policies and procedures for department operations.
• Lead and manage a staff of 10 to achieve and deliver effective and responsive programs.
• Prepare and analyze survey instruments, prepare statistical reports, and develop methods of assessment for programs and services.
• Oversee data collection and reporting of employment data internally and externally.
• Provide oversight of and leadership for the Law School’s summer funding program in collaboration with other relevant departments.
• Develop staff training and professional development programs to maximize the impact counselors have on students.
• Coordinate with other departments and the academic centers, institutes, and programs to enhance career opportunities for students.
• Represent the Law School in local and national legal employment organizations.

Requirements:

• J.D. degree preferred.
• Exemplary interpersonal and communication skills working with students, faculty, trustees, staff, alumni, and the Law School community.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience in operational and strategic planning, developing initiatives, budgetary management, professional development, and career planning.
• 10 or more years of experience in a leadership role at a law school, especially with some connection to career planning/academic services.
• Experience in developing various employment programs and presentations, and in building community relationships to further enhance career opportunities for students and alumni.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, solve problems, and exercise good judgment and discretion.

Compensation:

This position offers an annual salary range of $190,000 to $210,000. Compensation includes a competitive benefits package.

To Apply:

Please send a résumé and cover letter, including salary requirements, to Kitty Montanez, Associate Director of Human Resources, at jobs@nyls.edu.

About New York Law School

Founded in 1891, New York Law School (NYLS) is an independent law school located in Tribeca, the heart of New York City’s legal, government, financial, and emerging tech centers. Known as “New York’s law school,” NYLS embraces the city as its classroom by complementing a rigorous legal education with an innovative and diverse set of “uniquely New York” experiential learning opportunities. Since opening its doors, NYLS has produced graduates who have gone on to hold high elected and appointed offices in the city, lead large and small firms, and gain broad recognition as captains of business and industry. Its renowned faculty of prolific scholars has built the School’s strength in key areas of the law, including business and financial services, intellectual property and privacy, and government and public interest law. NYLS has more than 20,000 graduates and currently enrolls around 1,100 students in its full-time and part-time J.D. programs. The School also offers an advanced-degree program in Tax Law.

New York Law School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.