Director of Career Development, Private Practice and Rural

Drake University•Winnipeg, MB

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Drake Law School's Career Development Office (CDO) is dedicated to providing exceptional, proactive support to students and alumni throughout their academic careers and beyond. The CDO assists with both traditional and alternative legal employment markets, offering personalized guidance and empowering individuals in their job searches and professional development. Services include individual counseling, career planning, resume and cover letter assistance, interview strategies, job search guidance, insights into law firm life, on-campus interviews, a mock interview program, mentor programs, networking events, an alumni network, a job database, and educational programs focused on careers and professional development.

Requirements

J.D. or a master’s degree in a relevant field
Broad understanding of career counseling techniques with specific knowledge of market trends and job search strategies
Superior organizational, communication, and relationship management skills
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
Demonstrable understanding of and proficiency with current career center technology, assessment, and related software

Nice To Haves

Active law license with experience in private practice
Knowledge of job search, career/employment services, recruiting, and interviewing principles and practices
Comfortable balancing multiple large-scale events and projects
Strong judgment, decision-making capabilities, and problem-solving skills
Creative and innovative mindset for pursuing an effective strategy to serve an ever-evolving student and employer population
Excellent oral and written presentation skills and ability to take on teaching professional development courses as determined necessary
Experience with Symplicity or similar CSM programs
Candidate should be able to work independently with technology and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint as well as Zoom and other communication tools

Responsibilities

Support law students and alumni throughout the job search process, including skill acquisition, experiential opportunities, search strategies, and facilitating employer engagement through one-on-one counseling, workshops, and presentations.
Focus on assisting students interested in private practice and smaller communities, advising on career paths in private practices (small to large firms) and rural legal practices.
Connect with firms, rural attorneys, bar associations, and community leaders to identify employment needs and match students with these opportunities.
Oversee the campus recruitment program with the assistance of the program manager.
Coordinate rural access student stipends.
Lead large-scale events, manage multiple responsibilities, and engage with internal and external stakeholders (students, alumni, staff, faculty, employers).
Assist with the development, creation, and execution of high-impact career experiences within the Law School.
Meet with students and alumni individually to provide career counseling, planning, and job search assistance, including self-assessments, resume/cover letter drafting, job-seeking strategies, interview skills, and job negotiation.
Communicate regularly with students regarding their plans, job search status, and relevant opportunities, conferences, or events.
Assist CDO staff in developing and promoting career development seminars, events, and programs for private practice and rural career options.
Act as the primary liaison between the CDO and law student organizations related to private practice, developing partnerships for career programming.
Cultivate relationships with private practice employers, coordinate a law firm career fair and summer stipends.
Attend alumni and law school functions to represent the law school and build relationships with alumni.
Attend professional meetings and functions to develop and maintain relationships with employers, alumni, and potential program participants in private practice.
Create, develop, maintain, and update career development materials for students exploring career options.
Suggest and develop content and design for the career web page and social media focused on private and rural practice.
Assist with gathering student information for reports to the American Bar Association, National Association of Law Placement, U.S. News & World Report, and other participating surveys.
Serve as liaison to university and law school committees, faculty, and administration.
Perform other duties as assigned.