Director of Academic Advising, Duke University School of Law

About the role

The Director of Academic Advising at Duke University School of Law supports students navigating complex academic requirements with clarity and care. Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, this role involves coordinating and administering academic advising programming, serving as a liaison between students and academic leadership, and ensuring academic requirements are met accurately and equitably.

Responsibilities

• Develop programming for academic advising and related counseling services to maximize student understanding of and engagement with the curriculum.
• Partner with the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Senior Program Coordinator, and Registrar to advise students on course scheduling, sequencing, and exams (including exam rescheduling), and serve as liaison with students on these issues.
• Maintain and update website content related to academic advising and degree requirements; provide clear guidance on requirements and deadlines.
• Advise students on graduation requirements; coordinate with the Registrar to track fulfillment and support timely graduation certification.
• Provide individualized academic and related counseling, including needs assessment, follow-up, and referrals to appropriate offices or services.
• Serve as a resource to faculty and deans supporting students with special academic circumstances requiring assistance and/or referrals.
• Report regularly to the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs on students receiving specialized advising and recurring curricular concerns.
• Collaborate with faculty and administrative offices to develop integrated programming and resources that enhance curricular and co-curricular experiences.
• Coordinate with the University SISS Office and Registrar to ensure graduation reports are updated and maintained accurately.
• Oversee the application process for Duke Law students, including communications, programming, course approvals, and mandatory individual advising.
• Inform students about ad hoc seminar opportunities; review proposals (and, when relevant, individual externships) and support the academic approval process.
• Advising students on bar application and admissions processes; serve as primary liaison to the New York Bar (and other jurisdictions as needed) for JD applicants; oversee academic certification support for LLM applicants to the New York bar.
• Coordinate academic honors (e.g., Dean’s Awards, Latin honors, Order of the Coif) with the Senior Program Coordinator.
• Manage requests to visit away; provide advising for transfers and visitors; coordinate leave-related academic guidance with Student Affairs; ensure accurate information is maintained by the Registrar.
• Serve as administrative lead for the academic support program—administer and evaluate universal support programs; identify students needing individual support; coordinate with faculty offering academic support; and provide individual support for at-risk students.
• Develop and support programming such as workshops on study habits, test-taking skills, mentoring, and support for students with unique needs.
• In collaboration with Student Affairs, provide advising for students needing physical/mental health resources or other services, and support short- and long-term academic accommodations.
• Assume primary responsibility for collection of information and reporting of bar examination results to the ABA.
• Maintain ongoing understanding of ABA, SACS, and University rules relevant to advising JD students.
• Support additional ABA, University, and Law School academic reporting and compliance obligations as requested.
• Perform other duties incidental to the work described.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Four years of related experience planning and administering programs and directing program activities within a specific functional area (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Juris Doctor (JD) strongly preferred.
• Experience working with law students; understanding of legal education, bar licensing, and/or legal practice pathways.
• Experience working in an academic setting with diverse communities.

Skills

• Ability and commitment to understand and implement complex academic requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to set goals and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills (excellent writing, presentation, and counseling).
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and maintain discretion.
• Ability to communicate well with students, administrators, faculty, and University officials.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Comfort with technology (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software).

Benefits

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $61,535.00 to USD $95,880.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.