Specialist - Advisor-Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Position Summary

Reporting to the College of Law Assistant Dean of the Academic Success Program and collaborating with other faculty and staff, the Assistant Director of Academic Support assists students and graduates both as they progress through the College of Law and after they graduate.  The Assistant Director of Academic Support helps develop, implement, and coordinate college-wide initiatives to improve overall law school academic success and bar passage, including workshops and other programming as needed.

The Academic Success Program (ASP) welcomes candidates who (1) have a passion for working with law students; (2) have experience working with diverse groups of individuals with varying levels of academic ability; (3) have strong communication and organizational skills; and (4) exhibit a high degree of professionalism and ability to work in both self-directed environments or in a group setting.

1. 45% - Manage Academic Success Program bar exam programming.

Evaluate and implement existing bar preparation services including, but not limited to, organizing summer and winter programs. Develop and implement new bar exam preparation for students to help maximize bar passage. Coordinate and present bar exam preparation programming for third-year law students as needed. Help conduct evaluation of bar passage results, including drafting reports as necessary. Help individual students and graduates develop and execute customized study plans and strategies for bar passage. Guide repeat bar examinees. Possibly co-teach third-year bar exam skills course.

2. 25% - Provide guidance to and oversee all ASP Peer Mentors.

Assist the Assistant Dean of Academic Support with selecting, interviewing and overseeing the work of ASP Peer Mentors and Tutors (student workers). Assist in the development of training and other materials for ASP Peer Mentors and evaluate performance of ASP Peer Mentors.

3. 20% - Advise all law students on academic support and bar support matters.

Help plan first-year orientation to the Academic Success Program. Assist with coordinating and implementing academic support initiatives and programs. Assist with planning and implementing first-year skills workshops. Assist with planning and implementing program to assist students classified as at risk after the first semester. Assist with developing and implementing programs to assist students classified as at-risk during the second year and third year. Review written submissions from students and offer feedback to help students improve writing and analytical skills. Help individual students and graduates develop and execute customized study plans and strategies for law school success and bar passage. Advise students about academic performance and strategies for bar passage success. Provide general assistance with the bar application process and character and fitness questions. Meet regularly with students and graduates who are preparing for the bar exam to mentor and counsel from first-year through bar passage.

4. 10% - Perform administrative duties.

Perform administrative duties as necessary including responding promptly to emails and phone calls and attending meetings within the department, law school and university. Keep up to date on latest trends and practices within law school academic support, bar preparation and support, and legal education.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Law

Minimum Requirements

• A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited institution
• A member in good standing with a state bar
• At least 1 year experience working with bar preparation programs and/or academic support programs  or equivalent experience that would suggest fitness to provide creative direction in a burgeoning and developing program
• Works collaboratively with members of a professional team
• Maintains high level of confidentiality with records and information
• Excellent and patient listener
• Interacts with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
• Diagnoses student challenges with a holistic approach
• Creative and innovative problem solver
• Identify and navigate administrative rules and policies
• Effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills
• Manage time efficiently to handle multiple tasks
• Strong technology skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and the desire to learn and further develop technology knowledge relating to scheduling software and social media platforms

Required Application Materials

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for at least 3 references to: careers.msu.edu.

Website

HTTP://WWW.LAW.MSU.EDU/

Department Statement

The College of Law is comprised of approximately 800 J.D. students, 100 students enrolled in various Master of Laws and Master of Jurisprudence programs, 134 faculty and approximately 11,500 living alumni worldwide.   For more information about MSU College of Law, visit http://www.law.msu.edu.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.