Dean of the David A. Clarke School of Law

Description:

Brief Description of Duties:
The University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clarke School of Law is seeking a dynamic and accomplished visionary leader to serve as the next permanent Dean of the law school. The next Dean will be an expert administrator, innovator, community builder, and demonstrated fundraiser and fiscal steward, with exemplary oral and written communications skills. The ideal candidate will be a respected member of the legal academy and profession with the ability to advance the HBCU identity of the law school. The next Dean will build on the law school's strengths to provide exceptional legal and professional educational experiences, recruit and develop outstanding personnel, and promote faculty-driven scholarly and creative endeavors to serve as the permanent Dean of the Law School. The next Dean will ideally demonstrate a commitment to the institution for at least five (5) years.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Vision: The incoming Dean will develop and articulate a clear vision for defining the contemporary focus for the Law School's students, faculty, and staff within its mission-driven and statutory priorities. The Dean will have a keen understanding of changes facing the legal profession and legal education and be able to develop a future-oriented vision of the Law School's contribution to the shifting and evolving community—especially as it relates to the District of Columbia. Drawing on nationally recognized research on effective leadership at HBCUs, The David A. Clarke School of Law seeks a dean who embodies visionary, mission-driven leadership that is grounded in equity, public service, and institutional stewardship. The successful candidate will be able to navigate complex legal, political, and financial environments while advancing innovative academic programs, fostering shared governance, and building collaborative partnerships across the University and the broader Washington, D.C., legal and policy communities. This role calls for a leader passionate towards the community, with sound administrative judgment and an entrepreneurial mindset that is capable of strengthening financial sustainability, engaging diverse stakeholders, and amplifying the Law School's historic mission to expand access to justice and prepare graduates for leadership in law, government, and public service. The Dean will lead a strategic planning effort in cooperation with Faculty, staff and students and inspire participation and collaboration across the community to achieve established goals.
• Institutional Identity as a Historically Black Institution. The ideal candidate will lead the law school with a deep commitment to its identity and mission as an HBCU, centering excellence, equity, access, public service, and institutional legacy in legal education. They will demonstrate culturally responsive leadership that strengthens and sustains the law school's historic role in educating lawyers committed to justice and community impact; and, possess the strategic, entrepreneurial, and interpersonal skills necessary to navigate the complex legal education landscape while honoring the values, traditions, and community-rooted impact that define HBCU legal education.
• Fundraising and fiscal management. The Dean will develop a robust resource and infrastructure base that will allow the law school to achieve its goals which include: enhancing the reach and reputation of the school nationally, continuing to improve bar passage rates, enhancing clinical experiences and experiential learning opportunities to ensure job placement post-graduation; and secure resource to support the academic programs and facilities. The Dean will secure the financial strength of the David A. Clarke School of Law. The Dean will have an entrepreneurial mindset and effectively manage resources and budget constraints by maintaining robust fundraising efforts and making thoughtful decisions about revenue-generating programs and fundraising opportunities.
• Academic Excellence and Faculty Management. The Dean will oversee the recruitment, retention and advancement of faculty and lecturers committed to advancing the law school's mission. The Dean will prioritize recruiting, supporting, and retaining renowned scholars and teachers, clinicians of distinction and promise and leaders in the legal field. The Dean will retain accomplished recently appointed and mid-career faculty members in demand by other law schools. The Dean will address faculty retirements by investing in new hires and areas of potential growth. The Dean will enhance the educational experience and professional formation of all matriculating students and related outcomes including bar passage, job placement, and career satisfaction. The Dean will lead the development of curriculum which balances the requirements for success in the legal environment and the student population's needs.
• Community Building and Staff Support. The Dean will prioritize student, faculty, and staff well-being and connection and foster a collegial environment. The Dean will collaborate with staff to identify and address institutional priorities and needs and support professional development opportunities. The Dean will invest in the team, ensuring acknowledgment of outstanding work. The Dean will invest in professional development opportunities for faculty and staff at all levels. The Dean will maintain an inclusive culture and supportive work environment that centers around communication and mutual respect.
• Technological Adaption and Innovation. The Dean will be committed to advancing the University and Law School Mission seeking to play a leadership role at the intersection of law and technology and its impact on underserved communities. This includes educating students to understand the role of technology in the practice of law and the challenges in the delivery of legal services.
• Interaction and Collaboration. Seeking partnerships, the Dean will collaborate with Fellow Deans and University Leaders to identify opportunities to better advance the David A. Clarke School of Law's services and support the District of Columbia Community. The Dean will collaborate with other schools and colleges, including historically Black colleges and institutions, with a particular focus on building interdisciplinary strengths.
• Student Experience and Support. The Dean will serve as an advocate for a dynamic, diverse, and skilled student body and will address the distinct issues faced by students. The Dean will support the recruitment and education of students, including developing clinical programs and experiential learning opportunities. The Dean will establish relationships with public and private sector employers in a wide variety of practice areas to aid students as they navigate changes in the legal profession and recruitment processes.
• External Engagement and Public Service. The Dean will build and maintain strong relationships and connections with alumni, fostering their involvement and support. The Dean will also strengthen connections with the local community, emphasize public service, and leverage the law school's location to deepen relationships with the local government and legal community.
• Strategic Communications and Crisis Management. The Dean should have a keen awareness and skill in overseeing strategic communications for the law school that advances the law school's vision and mission. The Dean is a visible and skilled leader in crisis management for the organization.

Minimum Requirements:

• Outstanding academic credentials, including a J.D., and a research record sufficient for appointment as a tenured full Professor and Distinguished Professor of Law. Candidates must possess at least seven years of teaching law or commensurate, upper-level legal education administrative role.
• An understanding of and commitment to the unique role of historically Black institutions in providing educational opportunities and service to underserved communities.
• A deep respect for the scholarly enterprise, a commitment to academic freedom, and an ability to articulate the value of legal education and higher education more generally. A deep understanding of the current and evolving landscape and trends in legal education, in the practice of law and in higher education.
• Demonstrated fundraising success, including actual experiences with philanthropy, that support the ability to solicit and steward private donations.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large, complex institutions, including effectuating organizational change, navigating crises and political dynamics, and collaborating across schools and departments and with external partners.
• The ability to work cooperatively and effectively with partners across the University is important.
• Excellent financial acumen, with the ability to raise funds, manage budgets, and manage financial pressures necessary to support the law school's programs and initiatives.
• The ability to formulate, articulate, and implement an ambitious vision for the David A. Clarke School of Law and to persuade a wide range of audiences about the value of that vision.
• A forward-looking growth mindset that embraces innovation alongside the ability to guide the David A. Clarke School of Law through change and navigate challenges and opportunities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including excellent listening skills, high emotional intelligence, and diplomacy.
• Excellent communication skills, including connecting with various audiences orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated experience with navigating conflict, making tough decisions, valuing feedback, and saying no at the same time

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