• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean of the Office of Private Sector Careers, the Assistant Director provides career counseling and professional development services to students and alumni of the Law School. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with all aspects of administering, planning and implementing the mandate of the office for J.D. and domestic and international LL.M. students.

Responsibilities

• Counsel law students in all aspects of their professional formation and job search activities. Conduct practice interviews with students and alumni; provides career advice regarding job search strategy; narrative development; drafting career documentation; preparing for successful interviews; identification of potential legal employers, career paths and work environments most consistent with their personal and professional needs, etc. 
• Conduct or assist with professional development workshops, panels and other programs related to OPSC professional development curriculum and mandate for each class of J.D. and LL.M. students. Topics may include: (i) navigating the professional workplace, (ii) resume writing, (iii) narrative development (iv) interview preparation, (v) practice area exploration, (vi) the strategic job search, etc. 
• Stay abreast of legal recruiting industry trends by periodically reviewing relevant publications and other resources, attending conferences and symposia, participating in NALP, NYCRA and similar conferences/committees. 
• Assist in refining/editing office publications and communications sent to J.D. and LL.M. students, planning and executing special projects/events and undertake other related tasks as requested. 
• Assist with special projects and events as requested. 

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. or LL.M. required.
• Must have 3-5 years’ experience in the legal field, counseling field or in another professional field.
• Experience should include law practice, career counseling, legal recruiting, program planning, and/or professional development experience; prior employment in a law firm, academic, or other professional environment preferred.
• Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Superior oral and written communication skills, including public speaking experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively with staff and students in an institution committed to reducing structural barriers to inequality across races, religions, orientations, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and other dimensions of identity.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive and highly confidential information.
• Experience working in or demonstrated understanding of the characteristics of antiracist institutions
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the demonstrated capacity to advise and meaningfully and respectfully interact with diverse, multi-generational constituents.  
• Affinity for collaboration and ability to work well across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to leverage work experience and professional network to develop meaningful relationships. Ability to multitask and be part of a collegial team, while working under pressure and balancing competing tasks.
• Organizational and analytical skills and the ability to synthesize and meaningfully evaluate data.
• Technological and computer literacy, including familiarity with or strong interest in developing knowledge of Symplicity, Campus Groups, Courseworks, and digital learning technology.
• A passion for, and commitment to, delivering exceptional customer service.
• Ability to travel occasionally and work some evenings.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.