Assistant Director of Career Services and Externship Coordinator

Widener University • Harrisburg, PA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is seeking an Assistant Director of Career Services and Externship Coordinator in Harrisburg, PA. This role is crucial for enhancing the student experience and career development through a robust externship program. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Career Development, this position will lead the Externship Program and significantly contribute to the Career Development Office (CDO). The role supports externship programs across fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Two (2+) years of professional experience in career services, student affairs, or employer relations.
• Demonstrated record of success in career services, the recruiting industry, career counseling, legal academia, bar organizations, or the practice of law.
• Proven teaching experience or superb presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to teach in-person and online.
• Superior organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated track record of program development, enhancement, and execution.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Juris Doctor
• Demonstrated record of success in law school career services, legal recruiting, or legal talent development.
• Experience working within a higher education environment.
• Familiarity with 12twenty career management platform and ability to learn new career services technologies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a counselor for initial 1L advising appointments.
• Assist CDO with employer outreach to expand externship and employment opportunities.
• Manage the law school’s Public Interest Law Fund (PILF) and grow pro bono opportunities.
• Assist with planning and implementing on-campus interviews, educational and professional development programs and events.
• Counsel students to identify areas of interest and suitable externship opportunities.
• Develop new externship placements and maintain relationships with existing placements through communication and site visits.
• Verify that site agreement contracts are properly signed and provisions are carried out.
• Teach the classroom component of externships, covering expectations, policy, procedure, ethics, and professionalism.
• Ensure all externship information (hours worked, journal entries, paperwork) is documented in student files using the 12twenty platform (CORE).
• Collect and review evaluation documents regarding student performance at placements.
• Maintain relationships with all students through successful completion of placements.
• Adhere to compliance standards of accrediting or government agencies, including ABA Standards 301, 302, 303, and 304.
• Stay informed about current employment trends and maintain legal community relationships.
• Promote the externship program through information sessions and presentations at law school events.
• Coordinate with Dean of Students and Registrar’s offices for proper enrollment of externship students.
• Interface with Law & Government, Business Advising, and Environmental Law Certificate Programs to locate suitable placements.
• Maintain active involvement with external professional organizations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
• Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community.
• Equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
• Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level