Associate Director for Training & Advocacy Competitions (14490)

American University, United States

Updated: 4 months ago
Location: Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Job Type: FullTime

Get to Know American University

At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail. 

Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work. 

Learn more about American University by clicking here .  


Summary/Objective

The Associate Director for Training & Competitions will serve as the architect of student competitions for the Stephen S. Weinstein Advocacy Program. This position will: (1) collaborate with the student honor societies to manage and oversee the annual competitions hosted by WCL; (2) provide training, coaching and support to student competition teams to ensure that students representing WCL in trial, appellate, ADR, or transactional law competitions are prepared for competition success; and (3) develop new initiatives to expose all WCL students to all forms of excellence in advocacy.


Essential Functions

  • Hosting WCL Competitions: This position is responsible for the overall quality and management of all competitions hosted by WCL. This requires collaboration with student honor societies to ensure that all competitions are professionally managed and executed.

  • Coordination and Support of Student Competition Teams: in collaboration with the Assistant Director for Student Competition Teams, this position will oversee the quality of the training for all student competition teams and establish standards and practices to improve their competitiveness. This position will routinely participate in team practice sessions and/or review video recordings of practice sessions for quality control; manage the recruiting, training, and selection of coaches for student competition teams; and attend and support our students in trial, appellate, ADR and transactional law competitions, whenever possible. 

  • Institute and maintain an Advocacy Council comprised of local judges, experienced practitioners, alumni, and stalwart supporters of the WCL Advocacy Program to assist with pre-competition practice sessions and serve as judges for the competitions hosted by WCL.

  • Non-Competition Training Programs: plan and host the annual Skippy Weinstein Lecture.

  • Maintain and enhance the reputation of the Advocacy Program among our law school peers engaged in student advocacy training and student competitions; actively engage with trainers & student advocacy competition coaches at conferences and other professional events.

  • Academic Requirements: coach one trial team, or one appellate or other WCL student competition team each year; teach four credits of advocacy courses each calendar year.

  • Institutional Service Requirements: this position serves as the liaison to the Office of Public Relations & Marketing; and will be a standing member of the Faculty Moot Court and Mock Trial Committee. Oversee the administration of all Advocacy Program student awards, including the Eugene Hamilton Award, the Newman Prize, the Mooers Trophy, and the Civil Trial Advocacy Award. 


    • Supervisory Responsibility

    • This position supervises the Assistant Director of Student Competition Teams, the Program Coordinators and any other support staff in the Advocacy Program.


    Work Environment

    • Occasional travel required.


    Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

    • Full Time—35 hours per week.

    • Project Leader/Advisor B.

    • Exempt.


    Salary Range

    • Commensurate with experience.


    Required Education and Experience

    • Juris Doctor or equivalent.

    • 3-5 years of relevant experience.


    Preferred Education and Experience

    • Litigation experience and law school teaching, trial advocacy coaching experience preferred.


    Benefits

    AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

    Other Details

    • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
    • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
    • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    Current American University Employees

    If you are a current employee at American University, please log into AsuccessfulU through the myAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page. 

    Contact Us

    For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected] .

    American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.


    Similar Positions