Associate Director of Academic Success & Bar Preparation, Penn State Dickinson Law (University Park)

Penn State University • University Park, IL

9d • $59,580 - $94,980 • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State Dickinson Law seeks a motivated and driven Associate Director of Academic Success & Bar Preparation to serve at our University Park location. This full-time staff administrator will provide high-level support to the Academic Success and Bar Preparation faculty on the management, execution, and analysis of all academic success and bar preparation programs. The Associate Director will also work collaboratively with JD and LLM students, law faculty and administrators, and university offices. The Associate Director reports to the Director of Academic Success and Bar Passage in Carlisle and works in coordination with the Associate Dean of Academic Success in University Park.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admission to any state bar
• 2 or more years of relevant experience in legal practice or higher education experience.
• Meaningful experience or demonstrated potential in teaching, tutoring, providing academic skills workshops, or training is required.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proven skills in written and oral communication
• Ability to exhibit empathy and compassion in a stressful environment
• Ability to handle confidential information, exhibit good judgment, and exemplify appropriate customer service in working with students, faculty, and all levels of university staff and officials
• Ability to prioritize workload effectively without supervision and take initiative in managing projects
• Strong computer skills for spreadsheet reporting, word-processing, creating presentation slides, instructional videos, and hosting meetings via online video platforms

Responsibilities

• Help prepare and provide instruction in connection with the law school’s academic success courses and workshops in University Park and as needed and determined by departmental faculty leadership; Instruction is focused on helping first-year law students maximize their potential for academic success, including topics like time management, outlining, exam preparation, and more.
• Counsel JD and LLM students through one-on-one and small group meetings via appointments and walk-in hours to increase their study and test taking skills and to support academic success.
• Provide academic skills advising and instruction for University Park students subject to the Enhanced Academic Support Program.
• Oversee the tutoring program in collaboration with the Director, including coordinating with Human Resources, student organizations, and faculty to ensure services are provided equitably at both locations.
• Support the spring and summer bar preparation courses by, on request, meeting with students and graduates individually to increase their bar exam skills, managing attendance records, guest teaching course sessions, and grading assignments.
• Create and maintain a webpage consisting of up-to-date bar admission and exam information and supplement resources, practice exam questions, and regular tips on class and exam preparation.
• Oversee the collection of law school bar exam results and annually prepare the first draft of the ABA Bar Questionnaire.
• Meet with students to advise them on courses to take and how to maximize their law school experiences, particularly during registration season.
• Refer students to Academic & Student Services, the Student Academic Handbook, and counseling resources as necessary.
• Attend occasional on- and off-campus events, including some travel between law school locations in Carlisle and University Park.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

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