Director of Academic Success, Stanford Law School

The Director of Academic Success will promote the academic success of Stanford Law students in all cycles of the student experience, from matriculation, throughout law school, and as they prepare to enter the legal profession. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, this position will be situated in the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). This position presents an opportunity to work with the Associate Dean of Student Affairs to build upon the early stages of our academic skills program to further support our student population.  This position will join a collaborative team that partners on the many projects designed to support our diverse student population and will work in collaboration with the Director of Legal Research & Writing, the Associate Dean for Curriculum, first-year Faculty, and others as needed.

The successful candidate will have a deep commitment to cultural humility and equity. They will be able to showcase a history of working across diverse identities (including but not limited to race, gender, sexuality, and ability status) and demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity. The candidate will have a working understanding of the strengths of diverse students as well as an awareness of the role that systems play in privileging certain groups of students while marginalizing others.

Qualified applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter that specifically addresses their contributions to the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as their commitment to life-long learning and excellence in an academic setting.

Note: Not all unique aspects of the job are covered by this job description

CORE DUTIES*:

●      Manage the academic support and bar advising programs at SLS.

●      Engage in critical analysis of student and program concerns to resolve substantial issues which may span multiple areas, using advanced professional knowledge.

●      Provide one-on-one academic support to students, working with them to review their study habits and performance on exams in order to support their growth as lawyers;

●      Analyze and develop report requirements, portals and student facing communications. Develop a comprehensive communication strategy for informing students about bar requirements and the application process;

●      Develop and implement comprehensive programming for students; analyze their effectiveness, and make strategic recommendations for future programs.

●      Interpret and implement university policy related to academic policies; oversee the implementation of policies and practices for the law school’s student population.

●      Provide direct advice to students on a range of issues including, but not limited to, academic program policies, requirements for sitting for the bar exam, etc., in order to assist them in making appropriate choices and decisions.

●      Provide consulting advice to internal and external organizations; act as subject matter expert on student success.

●      Collaborate with the Director of Legal Research & Writing, Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Associate Dean for Curriculum, first-year Faculty, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

●      Provide individual academic counseling to students as they make course selections, including Advanced Degree students who must take courses that satisfy specific bar requirements;

●      Research and remain up to date on current California and New York bar requirements;

●      Develop a comprehensive communication strategy for informing students about the bar requirements and application process;

* Other duties may also be assigned              

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

●      Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.  A J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and a record of academic and extracurricular success in law school, strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

●      Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences;

●      Strong analytical and problem solving skills to review and analyze complex information;

●      Advanced computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite;

●      Advanced customer service skills;

●      Relevant computer systems/technology experience;

●      Ability to ensure and apply compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Strong preference will be given to candidates with the following qualifications and experience:

●      Admission to a state bar;

●      A minimum of two years’ experience in law practice and/or law teaching with a focus on legal writing and analysis;

●      Experience in academic support/skills programs at the law-school level;

●      Familiarity with the subjects tested on and the format of the California and Uniform Bar Exams; 

●      The ability to think imaginatively and critically about techniques to improve law students’ academic development, and to design, implement, and manage innovative programs to promote that development; 

●      The ability to handle confidential information and exhibit good judgment in working with students, faculty, and staff; 

●      A strong understanding of the conceptual frameworks of growth mindset, stereotype threat, and belonging;

●      The ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population of students, faculty, and administrators; and

●      The ability to juggle multiple competing priorities and meet firm deadlines.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

The expected pay range for this position is $90,000 to $120,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards ) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Stanford Law School seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property. To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at Stanford University.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.