Associate Director, Center for Professional Development - Private Practice

Seattle University offers a hybrid work model with eligibility for hybrid scheduling after an introductory period of 3-6 months.

About the Role

The Associate Director will support students and alumni in their professional development, with a focus on careers in private practice, JD Advantage roles, and in-house counsel paths. This role serves as the primary contact for students interested in large corporate law firms (Big Law), intellectual property career paths through the TILE (Technology, Innovation Law, and Ethics) Institute, and related opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Counsel law students and alumni on career options, application materials (resumes, cover letters, personal statements), job search strategies, and professional development/networking opportunities.
• Review, edit, and provide feedback on job application materials, managing a high volume of professional correspondence.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with students to develop personalized career support strategies, documenting interactions in Symplicity (Career Management System).
• Develop and manage electronic communications, including a bi-weekly CPD newsletter, targeted emails, and website content updates.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for private law firms, internal/external organizations, and collaborative programs such as:
  • Seattle Area Legal Recruiting Administrators (SALRA)
  • National Association for Law Placement (NALP)
  • Legal Mentor Network
  • Joint Minority Mentorship Program (JMMP)
• Oversee and manage CPD’s interview programs throughout the year, including those for recent graduates.
• Organize and oversee the annual Summer Associate networking event with local/regional law firms.
• Collaborate with colleagues, student organizations, law school departments, alumni, and community lawyers to develop and promote workshops and presentations.
• Engage in public speaking and analyze/develop student resources, including surveys, reports, and job search materials.
• Stay updated on trends in the legal profession, particularly in private practice hiring, application materials, interviewing, and market trends.
• Represent CPD at community events with law firms, corporations, organizations, and regional bar associations, including evening and weekend commitments.
• Assist with data management, including collecting, analyzing, and submitting employment statistics for institutional, accreditation, and annual reporting requirements.
• Track and support a specific number of recent graduates annually and manage student data in Symplicity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with experience in one-on-one counseling and public presentations.
• Program management experience, with self-motivation and the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to attend local and regional events, including some evening and weekend commitments.
• Knowledge of job opportunities and hiring practices within private law firms and businesses, with the ability to communicate this effectively to students and alumni.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products and SharePoint.
• Commitment to professional development and growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school, plus two years of experience practicing law in a private firm setting, including participation in hiring attorneys and/or law clerks.
• Experience with local, regional, and national hiring practices among private law firms and corporations.
• Career coaching and mentorship experience.
• Familiarity with ABA and NALP guidelines.
• Experience with Symplicity or similar Career Management Systems.

Core Competencies

• Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others toward common goals, leveraging individual strengths.
• Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in skillful exchanges of information, thoughts, and feelings, both verbally and non-verbally.
• Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with Seattle University’s Jesuit mission.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaches problems with curiosity and adaptability, and commits to making a positive impact.
• Mindful Inclusion: Fosters an inclusive workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
• Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Pay

$78,000 - $85,000. The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications, departmental budget, internal equity, and market information.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health plans (medical, dental, vision).
• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement benefits with up to a 10% employer contribution (5% nonelective + 5% match of voluntary contributions).
• 100% paid tuition benefits for employees and dependents.
• Subsidized transportation benefit.
• Wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility.
• Generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December.
• Vacation and paid sick leave, plus paid community service leave.