Associate Director, Academic Success & Bar Programs

About the role

The Associate Director, Academic Success & Bar Programs (ASBP) is responsible for contributing to a robust student experience by providing academic success and bar exam support services to current law students and bar exam support services to recent graduates. The position also involves teaching ASBP courses on legal analysis and the bar exam.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one academic counseling and advising to JD students
• Meet in one-on-one academic counseling by meeting with students individually via appointment and walk-in hours to work with JD students to increase their overall academic study and test taking skills
• Provide academic skills tutoring for students subject to the Academic Improvement Plan (AIP) and refer students to relevant resources as needed
• Meet with recent graduates individually during bar exam cycles to increase their overall bar exam skills
• Meet with students to advise them on courses to take and how to maximize their law school experiences, particularly during registration season
• Some personal and non-academic counseling may be required
• Refer students to other counseling resources when necessary
• Teach courses designed to increase bar exam and legal analysis skills
• Work with the Director to prepare curriculum for course(s) as needed and support the Director's efforts to improve and align curriculum with other instructors
• Aid the Director in the Continued Development and Management of the Academic Success and Bar Preparation Programming
• Review and improve upon current academic support programs for first year students including first-year Academic Success Fellows, 1L study groups, study skills workshops, and early outreach programs
• Aid in the development of the academic success program for students beyond their first year
• Host workshops on bar-exam related topics
• Aid in the creation of digital content for academic skills and bar exam skills
• As needed, assist with the administration of the Academic Improvement Plans and Probation
• As needed, assist the Director in the general administration of ASBP, including but not limited to working with the USD law faculty and communicating with commercial bar preparation companies
• Perform administrative duties
• Perform administrative duties as necessary including tracking event budgets and costs, responding promptly to emails and phone calls, and attending meetings within the department, law school and university
• Keep up to date on latest trends and practices within bar preparation, academic support and legal education, which may include attending ASBP conferences
• Attendance and active participation in Orientation and Commencement
• Assist with Law Student Affairs and ASBP programming and events
• Work with the Director of ASBP to ensure the web presence of the ASBP programs and development of materials and communications content in support of programming

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school is required
• Admission to California or any state bar is required
• Minimum 1-2 years of closely related experience is required
• Meaningful experience teaching, tutoring, providing academic skills workshops, or training is required

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail is critical
• Prominent skills in written and oral communication
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion in an academic or professional setting
• Ability to exhibit empathy and compassion in a stressful environment
• Ability to handle confidential information, exhibit good judgment, and exemplify appropriate customer service in working with students, faculty, and all levels of university staff and officials
• Ability to design and deliver programming that supports the learning needs of a diverse student population, including first generation law students, students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, and neurodivergent learners
• Ability to prioritize workload effectively and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Ability to take initiative in managing projects and ability to develop and keep to timelines
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to be proactive with respect to suggestions for improving all aspects of the programs
• Pleasant demeanor and ability to handle stressful environments during peak times
• Strong computer skills for spreadsheet reporting, word-processing, creating presentation slides, instructional videos, and hosting meetings via online video platforms

Skills

• Knowledge of legal education and bar preparation
• Ability to manage and prioritize workload
• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Confidentiality and discretion

Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.