Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
This position will be a key member of Law School Senior Administration with primary responsibility for ascertaining and responding to student concerns and for helping ensure individual students' well-being. The Associate Dean will oversee student services, conduct, and counseling for all students, and supervise the Student Services Program Manager. This position reports directly to the Dean of the Law School. Undertakes, at the Dean's request, special projects related to the law school's operation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive plan for providing a complete range of student services, including personal, professional, and academic counseling; bar exam and student legal intern related certifications; disability accommodations; and student organization support. Facilitate handling of student misconduct matters within the law school or with university conduct offices. Work closely with the Assistant Dean for Online and Specialized JD Programs to oversee exchange and concurrent degree programs with 20+ partner schools. Supervise the Student Services Program Manager. Set goals and objectives for the Office with input from the Program Manager, as well as the Dean. (15%)
Advise students regarding academic matters. Work closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to counsel students regarding their overall academic plan and course schedules. Develop expert knowledge of law school's graduation requirements, academic concentrations, and experiential learning requirements to advise students of the same. Perform individualized degree audits for 2L students, tracking completion of graduation requirements, identifying deficiencies, and advising on course planning to support on-time degree completion. Consult with faculty regarding matters ranging from curriculum to student retention, success and behavior, and work with faculty to address concerns over student absences and failure to submit work. Counsel students who have been placed on Academic Warning or Probation. (15%)
Provide counseling to students regarding personal and professional issues. Work closely with University Health and Counseling Services to ensure students in need of mental health care receive necessary services and, when appropriate, communicate with University Health and Counseling Services counselors regarding students. As part of the Behavioral Intervention Team and Care Management Team, work with University Health and Counseling Services and university's Dean of Students to monitor and support students in crisis and those returning from hospitalization and leaves of absence. Approve student withdrawals, leaves of absence, requests for waiver of absence rules, and exam rescheduling. Serve as a leader in law student mental health and wellness initiatives, including service on the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Lawyers¿ Mental Health and Wellness Committee. Organize school-wide community receptions and events, with a special emphasis on wellness activities, including the mandatory substance abuse program. (12%)
Oversee all programming offered by the Office of Student Services, including Law School Orientation programming for entering JD students as well as transfer and exchange students; Commencement, including the annual Awards Ceremony for graduating students; and Mentoring Alumni Program events with the Career Development Office and the Development and Alumni Affairs Office. Oversee planning and events for new JD students in the Summer Jumpstart programs. Oversee and implement a new pro bono alternative spring break option for students. (11%)
Develop, implement, and lead a required one-credit professional identity course for all first-year law students. Design and regularly update the curriculum to align with institutional learning outcomes and professional formation goals; recruit, train, and supervise adjunct instructors; ensure consistency and quality across course sections; and teach within the program. Assess course effectiveness. (11%)
Oversee all disability accommodations for students in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which includes evaluating questions of legal liability. Work closely with the Director of Academic Services to ensure proper delivery of all testing accommodations. Communicate with Disability Resources staff to ensure proper delivery of accommodations in the law school classroom setting. (10%)
Oversee Bar activity and admissions, including certification of all eligible students for the Bar exams of the many states in which our students seek entrance. Collaborate with the Director of Bar Support on initiatives to strengthen bar readiness and improve bar passage outcomes; assist in coordinating on-site logistics and student support when the law school hosts bar exam takers receiving testing accommodations; and represent the law school at the bar exam to provide encouragement and on-the-ground support to students. (6%)
With the Student Services Program Manager, provide oversight for all student organizations, including funding decisions and conflict resolution within and between groups, and work closely with the Student Bar Association. Chair the Deans, Advisory Committee, a group of approximately 18 students from all law school programs, who meet with law school Senior Management Team members throughout the academic year to discuss current law school issues. (6%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Work closely with the Associate Dean of Enrichment and Engagement, play a substantial role in student-centered enrichment and engagement initiatives at the school of law, including service on the committees and engagement with university enrichment and engagement partners. Partner with the law school's Foreign Graduate Studies leaders to promote opportunities for social engagement and cooperation between domestic and international students. (4%)
Manage budget for Student Services. Collaborate with deans on developing student-related strategic initiatives for the School of Law. (3%)
Serve on one or more faculty committees. (3%)
Maintain an active role in professional organizations. Benchmark programming at peer institutions to generate new ideas and improve existing programs. (3%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Frequent contact with dean, associate deans, faculty, and staff.
University: Contact with the university administration in various areas, as well as, faculty and staff of other schools as required to perform essential functions.
External: Daily contact with alumni, leaders in the legal community, and federal, state and local government officials. Contact with foreign visitors as required to perform essential functions.
Students: Frequent contact with undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as, prospective students.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position oversees the Student Services Program Manager and indirectly supervises one support staff position.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 10 years professional work experience, some of which must be supervisory experience. Some part of the work experience must be in a higher education setting, such as Student Services, Counseling, Career Development or a combination of these areas. Experience in a law school is preferred. Experience in budget management and experience managing an office and/or projects preferred.
Education: JD required.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Highly self motivated; ability to proactively identify creative solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
Ability to command the respect of faculty, alumni, and other constituents
Customer service oriented
Strong work ethic
Strong organizational skills
Project management skills
Problem solving skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Excellent communication skills (both written and oral). Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and ability to learn new programs, internet search skills and familiarity with complex databases and electronic survey tools
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting with frequent interaction with faculty, staff, and students. Evening and weekend hours. The employee will travel for work.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 10 years professional work experience, some of which must be supervisory experience. Some part of the work experience must be in a higher education setting, such as Student Services, Counseling, Career Development or a combination of these areas. Experience in a law school is preferred. Experience in budget management and experience managing an office and/or projects preferred.
Education: JD required.
