Associate Director Center for Professional Development, School of Law
FLSA Status: Exempt
Months Per Year: 12
Employment Status: Full-Time
Work Model: Hybrid Eligible*
Seattle
University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic
universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate,
graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for
defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender,
gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic
class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status,
political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle
University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who
learn, live and work at Seattle University.
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 assists
with organizing 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 also 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 Law Firm Reception, 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 might meet
with up to 6 to 8 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 2L 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
Minimum 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 some 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 be comfortable in
learning and working within content management systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience
as a practicing lawyer in a federal or state agency or public interest
non-profit.
- Experience
with local, regional, and federal government hiring practices.
- Familiarity
with ABA and NALP guidelines.
Application Instructions
Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Compensation at a Glance:
Salary Range: $65,000 - $73,000
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents
its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the
time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be
determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected
candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity
considerations, and available market information, and not based on a
candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck.
Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement
contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance:
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, 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. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution
for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution
and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to
a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/
Hybrid Eligible*
This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university’s discretion.