Director for Academic Planning and Career Development
Advisor to 3L/4LE Students and JD Advantage Careers
New York Law School (NYLS), located in the heart of Tribeca, seeks a strategic and innovative Director to join the dynamic team of dedicated professionals in the Office of Academic Planning and Career Development. The Director of Academic Planning and Career Development reports to the Associate Dean for Academic Planning and Career Development and is responsible for providing individual counseling for students in their final year of law school (3L Day Division and 4LE Evening Division) and as needed, in the few months preceding students’ transition to their final year of law school (during late spring and summer of their 2L/3LE year). The Director will also serve as a special advisor to any student and recent grad interested in exploring JD Advantage Careers and work closely with the recent grad advisor to support a successful transition from 3L and 4LE students into practice during the 10 months following graduation (“recent grads”). In addition, the Director will help develop partnerships with law firms, corporate counsel offices, in-house counsel offices, government agencies, and other relevant outside organizations in order to increase opportunities for all students, and especially 3L/4LE students and recent grads, to gain experience and employment during and after graduation and to expand their professional networks. The Director is a member of a team working in a fast-paced, flexible office delivering advising services on a year-round basis in both one-on-one and group settings including in remote formats.
The successful candidate must exhibit collegiality in a team environment and the ability to create and maintain an inclusive, accessible, and professional atmosphere in the Office. In addition, this person must understand the importance of cultural awareness and agility and commit to working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Responsibilities
Career Counseling
Counsel primarily 3L full-time and 4LE part-time students regarding career path identification; targeting employers by practice area and setting; networking skills; setting experience-building and relationship building goals; crafting cover letters; preparing for interviews, fielding job offers professionally, negotiating salaries, and related topics. Work with the Alumni Advisor to transition graduating students into practice.
Academic Planning
Provide academic counseling to 3L full-time and 4LE part-time students on all aspects of their academic program of study with an eye toward completing all remaining graduation requirements while ensuring that their selection of upper-level electives enhances their professional and personal goals. Work closely with the Office of Academic and Bar Success Initiatives to ensure that the students receive coordinated programming and messaging about how to be most accountable and successful in their legal studies and bar preparation.
Specialized JD Advantage Counseling
Counsel students and recent graduates regarding JD Advantage (“JDA”) career paths and opportunities; collaborate with other counselors in the Office on programming focused on JDA opportunities; collaborate with the NYLS Centers and Institutes to engage alumni in JDA roles and build relationships with JDA employers; collaborate with the Director for Employer & Alumni Relations to conduct employer outreach and expand employment opportunities in the JDA space.
Partnership Development
In cooperation with the Director for Employer & Alumni Relations, develop relationships with bar associations and other organizations that will help create networks for students. Develop programs, panels, training sessions, and networking events for students to connect with attorneys. Coordinate efforts with the Office of Institutional Advancement as needed.
Strategic Planning
As they relate to this position’s essential functions and in collaboration with the Associate Dean, set strategic goals and devise a plan to achieve them throughout the subsequent semesters and years.
Data Collection and Reporting
Maintain consistent communication with colleagues who handle employment statistics collection to ensure that NYLS is reporting the most accurate information to our regulators and raters. Ensure proper documentation in Symplicity or related software systems so that the entire team can access individual student details and confirm that coordinated advising is provided.
Other
This position may offer the opportunity to contribute to broader institutional initiatives and assume other responsibilities as directed by the Associate Dean for Academic Planning and Career Development.
Requirements:
- A J.D. with two or more years of experience in law practice and a thorough understanding of JDA careers.
- Excellent counseling skills. Preference is given to those candidates with previous law career counseling experience.
- Effective interpersonal skills in working with students, faculty, alumni, and professional colleagues.
- Sensitivity to the needs of diverse and multicultural constituencies and interest and aptitude in working within a diverse community.
- Strong grammar, writing and editing skills sufficient to effectively proof application materials and draft correspondence and resource materials.
- Ability and interest in networking actively with alumni and potential employers, including at evening events, on behalf of the school and the student body.
- Organizational skills to handle multiple projects and ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced office.
- Extensive PC computer skills required, including experience with the Microsoft Office suite of programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Experience working with online databases. Preference for candidates with experience working with Symplicity and Banner or similar job and student information system databases.
Compensation and Benefits:
The position offers a salary range of $95,000 to $105,000. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package.
How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae to Kitty Montanez, Associate Director of Human Resources, at Jobs@nyls.edu .
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health savings account
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
Ability to Commute:
- New York, NY 10013 (Required)
Work Location: In person