Director of Student Affairs Penn State Dickinson Law | University Park, PA

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

29d • Hybrid

About The Position

Penn State Dickinson Law is seeking a dedicated, student-centered leader to serve as our Director of Student Affairs. This role provides leadership and comprehensive support to law students across two locations, from pre-orientation through graduation, championing student success, well-being, and engagement. The Director will serve as a primary resource for students facing personal, academic, financial, or health-related challenges, connecting them with university support resources, services, and accommodations. The position oversees student support services, signature programming such as New Student Orientation (NSO), character and fitness counseling for bar exam applicants, accommodations, policy administration, and student organization activities, and leads the student affairs office and staff. This role is based in University Park (State College), PA.

Requirements

• Experience in higher education administration or student affairs/services
• Education in Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, or law (J.D.)
• Knowledge of ABA Standards, disability accommodation practices, and bar character and fitness requirements
• Proven ability to build partnerships and lead programs in an inclusive, student-centered setting
• Master's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Juris Doctor with at least 2 years of law practice experience and/or higher education administration experience accepted.

Nice To Haves

• Law practice experience and/or higher education administration experience

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic support to students facing personal, social, emotional, or academic challenges, including matters of care and concern, conduct, professionalism, bias and harassment, basic needs, and leaves of absence.
• Mentor student leaders, encourage professional identity development, and address behaviors that affect the learning environment.
• Support new student orientation, signature law school events, and commencement activities.
• Lead programming that makes students aware of Penn State Student Disability Resources.
• Coordinate classroom and testing accommodations, including proctoring of accommodated exams, with faculty, offices, students, and IT, so that implementation is timely, consistent, and compliant at both locations.
• Process and certify accommodation documentation for licensing exams, including the MPRE and bar examinations.
• Guide the Associate Directors of Student Affairs in supporting recognized student organizations, student activities, and leadership programming.
• Help resolve student organization issues, and oversee annual updates to student organization policies, registration, and leadership training.
• Provide leadership to the Associate Directors ensuring support for student organization activities, events, and meetings, including event organization, logistics, and purchasing.
• Keep current on law school and university policies, ABA Standards, and state bar admission requirements.
• Manage Student Affairs policies and communications, including the Student Academic Handbook, intranet content, and public web resources.
• Lead daily Student Affairs operations at University Park and oversee co-curricular initiatives.
• Provide support for planning and executing of annual New Student Orientation and Commencement activities with the Senior Assistant Dean.
• Support ABA accreditation and university reporting through data collection and documentation.
• Direct character and fitness education and counseling with the Academic Success and Bar Preparation team.
• Advise students on disclosure requirements for law school and bar applications.
• Manage the annual character and fitness disclosure process to support law school certifications.
• Serve on committees that advance student success and institutional initiatives, and help carry out committee recommendations and strategic projects.
• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Assistant Dean.

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: Director