Assistant Director
Penn State Law in University Park's Office of Career Services is seeking an Assistant Director. This position will provide career counseling, job search strategy, and professional development support to students and alumni.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience in a legal or quasi-legal role, as a career counselor/coach primarily supporting graduate students, or as a recruiter/talent management professional. We are seeking an accomplished professional who can empower and prepare law students to successfully navigate the career opportunities available to JDs.
The successful candidate's portfolio will include:
- Individual career counseling including resume and cover letter review, and interview preparation
- Coaching students on seeking and identifying job opportunities, networking, and applying for jobs
- Providing counseling on a wide variety of career-related topics including self-assessment, career trajectory, and exploration of practice areas
- Developing and delivering a variety of career-related programming including career exploration programs, job search preparation (including advanced resume/cover letter development, interview prep, and job search resources), professional development, and networking events.
- Helping students identify and leverage resources and networks to connect with potential contacts to gain career insights and expand professional networks
- Coordinating, publicizing, and directing applications to various government programs including Honors Programs, Presidential Management Fellows, and judicial clerkships
- Collaborating on the development and compilation of resource and reference materials for students including sample job search materials, how-to-guides, timelines, FAQs, and more
- Assisting in the collection of employment data from current and recently graduated students for various external and internal reports
- And other responsibilities as assigned
Strong candidates will demonstrate first-hand knowledge of effective career coaching and knowledge of the employment landscape, knowledge of best practices in professional development, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preference will be given to knowledge of the public sector and government legal markets. Evidence of a significant professional network and contributions to the profession are strongly desired. Other desired qualities include problem-solving, organization, planning, follow-through, attention to detail, confidence, and self-possession.
Education and Experience:
A Master's Degree is required or a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-approved law school and legal practice experience is preferred. Experience in career coaching/counseling, training, supervising, and evaluating professional development is strongly preferred. Demonstrated support of DEI initiatives and cultural competence is required. Judicial Clerkship experience is a plus.
Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
To review the Annual Security Report which contains information about crime statistics and other safety and security matters and policies, please go to https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports, which will also explain how to request a paper copy of the Annual Security Report.
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.