Description:
The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.Basic Function:
The Assistant Director supports the Director of Academic Success and Bar Preparation (the Director) for the School of Law. The Assistant Director will help to train law students for the rigor of law school, the bar exam, and the practice of law through individual student coaching and partnering with the Director on ongoing and new efforts. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director to enhance the learning, study skills, and bar preparation of all students with an emphasis on at-risk students, i.e., those in the Academic Support Program (ASP) and on academic probation. They will support courses that provide academic and bar exam skill development and provide individual tutoring throughout law school and the bar exam.
Nature and Scope:
Internal contacts include administrators and students. No external contacts.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Collaborate with the Director in developing and administering the academic and bar support program as needed. This includes organizing and presenting specialized materials, workshops, and programs, including summer bar support programming; and teaching and/or supporting substantive academic success courses and/or courses that provide academic and law-specific skill development (including researching and keeping abreast of latest developments in bar preparation, ASP pedagogy, learning theories, technologies, and scholastic literature)
- Assisting the Director in planning new efforts to support law students academically and graduates preparing for the bar exam
- Meet individually with students each week during the academic year to identify areas in need of improvement and to develop plans based on each student's specific needs and abilities
- Meet individually with third-year students and graduates each week to identify areas in need of improvement and to develop plans for bar passage based on each student's specific needs and abilities
- Meet with recent graduates who are retaking the bar exam to provide support
- Manage and develop projects and programs such as a bar summer alumni mentorship program and a peer tutoring program
- Provide in-depth feedback and guidance to students on areas such as analytical writing skills, time management, and other skills that assist law students in achieving a high level of academic performance
- Provide in-depth feedback and guidance to students on areas such as time management, bar exam essay writing, performance test and multiple-choice skills, and other skills that assist law students in passing the bar
- Assess the academic and bar preparation program and make periodic reports to the Director on the program progression and outcomes for review and revisions as may be deemed necessary
Core Competencies:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies and techniques involved in bar preparation in a law school.
- Demonstrate prior success in this area through direct academic and bar preparation experience.
- Must possess a strong academic record that demonstrates potential for successfully supporting a law school bar preparation program.
- Excellent communications skills with competence in both oral and written English.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to exercise a high degree of accuracy, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
- Knowledge of personal computers and accompanying word processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation software.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in handling competing demands.
- Ability to work cooperatively with individuals and organizations both internal to the University, including students from various backgrounds.Ability to provide counseling and advisement to students in an expeditious and courteous manner.
- Ability to interact with others using judgment and decorum and to relate effectively with the legal community.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, rules and regulations accurately and to exercise independent judgment consistent with university policies and other governing regulations.
- Ability to handle tasks independently and to assist in other areas as necessary.
- Ability to maintain harmonious working relationship with staff, students, faculty, University officials and the general public.
Minimum Requirements:
J.D. or equivalent degree from an ABA approved law school and be a licensed attorney in good standing. Two to four years of relevant experience, with preference given to applicants who have experience supporting academic support programs and/or bar preparation programs.