Associate Dean for Law Student Affairs

Western New England University School of Law seeks applicants for the position of Associate Dean for Law Student Affairs. Responsibilities include providing guidance, advice, and support to law students in our full-time and part-time programs; assisting students with challenges in the Law School or University environment; providing support for students in need of accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act; helping students navigate any concerns or complaints related to Title IX;  providing leadership and guidance to student organizations; focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellness programming and support; assisting with the coordination of graduation and commencement exercises; serving on law school and university committees; and working closely with the Dean, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Academic Success and Bar Preparation, Law Admissions, Law Career Services, Law Registrar, and University Student Affairs.

Qualified candidate must possess a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school. Preference will be given to candidates with experience working with students in a higher education setting, particularly first-generation law students and students who hail from communities historically excluded from the legal profession. All applications should include a letter of interest and a CV.

Salary may be negotiable and is based on qualifications. Flexible work environment with some remote work possible.

Western New England University School of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association (since 1974).

To apply to this position please visit http://employment.wne.edu.

For inquiries about this position, please contact Zelda B. Harris, Dean and Professor of Law, zelda.harris@law.wne.edu.

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION: 

Provide guidance, advice, and support for law students.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Provide guidance, advice, and support for law students on issues relating to their personal, academic, and professional lives.
• Ability to build, facilitate, and support an online community of JD students in a remote learning environment.
• Work with students who are having difficulties in the law school; provide them with support, advice, and counseling to assist them to be successful in their academic work; provide non-academic support and connect students with academic support resources as needed.
• Work with and support law students regarding accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including for classes, public lectures, assessment, and exams.
• Work with the Dean of the School of Law, the Associate Dean of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs as part of the leadership team of the School of Law; in that capacity, help develop initiatives and co-curricular activities that would benefit the Full-Time Part-Time Shift: New Position Current Position Updated students at the School of Law.                        
• When needed, assist non-J.D. students at the School of Law.
• Act as liaison between faculty/administration and student organizations. Provide guidance to student organizations to ensure compliance with the Law Student Handbook, including compliance with programming and financial management protocols.
• Serve as mediator of interpersonal and interorganizational student conflict.
• In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, assist in supporting diversity in the law school, including working with, and assisting students of color, LGBTQ students, first-generation students, veterans, and students from other underrepresented backgrounds navigating their law school experiences.
• Develop and support mental and emotional wellness programming and initiatives.
• Participate in law school orientation and commencement and related activities.
• Participate in School of Law and University committees.
• Serve as Deputy Title IX Coordinator for the School of Law.
• Other relevant duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES: 

• J.D. from an accredited law school; three years of professional experience expected; experience working with students in a college or law school setting preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and writing skills.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
• Sound Judgement.
• Ability to work independently and organize time.
• Skills in word-processing; familiarity with computers and standard office technology and software; ability to learn to use university databases.
• Sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented populations and experience dealing with diverse constituencies.
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of student records management principles, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and Strong leadership skills.
• Collaborative work style.
• Ability to apply creative problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Experience and knowledge of providing fiscal oversight to student organizations.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS: 

Some travel, including overnight travel, required.

​​​​​​​Excellent benefits including tuition remission for employee, spouse, and dependent children.

Western New England University (WNE) is a private, nationally ranked, comprehensive institution with a focus on preparing work-ready and world-ready graduates. Founded in 1919 in Springfield, Massachusetts as a division of Northeastern College, WNE’s 215-acre suburban campus serves more than 3,700 students, including over 2,500 full-time undergraduates. More than 47,000 alumni have earned degrees through its 90+ undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs at Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and School of Law. Students come from 39 U.S. states and territories and 23 countries. Of 45,104 living alumni, 30% remain within the region, residing in the four Western Massachusetts counties and northern Connecticut.

WNE is classified among nationally ranked universities in US News and World Report, and among the Top 100 Undergraduate Engineering programs, and in the Doctoral/Professional Universities category in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Western New England University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We welcome candidates whose background may contribute to the further diversification of our community.