Part Time - Penn State Dickinson Law - Coordinator of the Externship Program

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State Dickinson Law, located in Carlisle, PA has an immediate opening for a part-time Coordinator of the Externship Program. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the successful candidate will work directly with law school students, alumni, externship supervisors, faculty, and staff. The Coordinator is responsible for all the administrative functions of the Externship Program, including the Semester in Practice and Immersive Externship offerings, and works collaboratively with the Associate Dean and program faculty to ensure the effective execution of these duties. 

The anticipated length of the appointment is through at least December 2025. The opening may work virtually and/or in person depending on the successful candidate. It is anticipated the role will require an average of 20 hours a week.

Job Duties

• Support and advise students pursuing partner and new externship placements, including those who want to participate in Semester in Practice and Immersive Externship courses. Process and maintain accurate student records related to the overall Externship Program. Conduct student externship program orientation session at the start of each semester. Oversee and collect applications for the externship parking stipend program.
• Regularly review ABA Standards governing experiential learning and, in conjunction with Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, ensure compliance with standards. Oversee and update the externship program required forms and handbook in compliance with ABA and Dickinson Law policies.
• Communicate to inquiring attorneys and judges the purpose of the Externship Program and the educational nature of the commitment they make by agreeing to participate. Lead the Externship Supervisor application process. Conduct and/or coordinate site visits to participating partner placements each semester.
• Coordinate the dissemination of externship placement opportunities with partners through the Career Services Office.
• Problem-solve issues that arise in externships with faculty, students, and supervisors. Consult on academic-related issues with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs when needed.
• Organize the Experiential Learning Information Sessions each semester.  At the meetings, describe the Externship Program to students and inform them of the procedures and due dates. 
• Prepare application materials for each semester; collect applications and interview materials (resumes, unofficial transcripts, and writing samples) from students applying; send interview materials to selected placements requested by students; coordinate offers from placements; and confirm student acceptances with the placements. Assist with coordinating mid-semester meetings between students and externship faculty.
• Conduct program faculty orientations before each semester.   At the orientation, describe the requirements and procedures of the externship program, e.g., time logs, evaluations, absences. Provide feedback to new program faculty about the academic expectations of their courses. Set semester program deadlines including deadlines for required course forms.
• Coordinate with Registrar’s Office on enrollment in externship course sections and experiential learning degree audits. Coordinate with International Programs Office on student work authorization issues and CPT process.
• Maintain Externship Program web pages.
• Represent the Externship Program at public and law school events, including the Mid-Atlantic Consortium of Law School Externship Programs (MACE).  
• Proactively advise the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of project status, potential issues and overall departmental and developmental progress. 
• Perform other duties related to Experiential Education as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

• 8+ years related experience in a legal setting, law practice, law school, or other higher education setting and a Master's Degree or higher; Juris Doctor degree preferred and will be considered for adjunct faculty teaching role as well. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be capable of building and maintaining positive relationships with students, faculty, staff colleagues, and supervising attorneys and judges.
• Must be willing to occasionally visit legal field placements (i.e., law firms and governmental agencies).
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills. Must be highly motivated, innovative, and must be willing to be a team player.
• Must have strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail, and handle and prioritize many competing projects.
• Must be self-directed, able to complete multiple tasks with multiple deadlines in a timely and efficient manner, work independently with empathy, excellent judgement, and diplomacy.

Application Instructions

• Apply online through the Penn State Careers Page at https://hr.psu.edu/careers .  
• Submit a web application, cover letter, and resume. 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the vacancy is filled . Candidates should be prepared to provide the names, titles, and contact information (telephone, email, and mailing address) of three (3) professional references, if requested.   

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Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

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