Assistant Director of Career Services and Externship Coordinator

Widener University Commonwealth Law School is currently seeking an Assistant Director of Career Services and Externship Coordinator in Harrisburg, PA.  Commonwealth Law School believes that a robust externship program is key to an engaging and intellectually challenging student experience and eventual career.  This role, reporting to the Assistant Dean of Career Development, will direct the Commonwealth Law School Externship Program and also play a key role in advancing the work of the Career Development Office (CDO).  This is a year-round position, supporting the law school's externship programs offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

• →Coordinate with Dean of Students and Registrar’s offices to ensure that all externship students are properly enrolled.
• →Interface with Law & Government, Business Advising, and Environmental Law Certificate Programs to locate placements that meet the needs of these specialties.
• →Maintain active involvement with external professional organizations, such as Mid-Atlantic Consortium of Externships (MACE), National Association for Law Placement (NALP), and others, including:  Greater Philadelphia Area Law Schools (GPALS), POWER framework, Equal Justice Works (EJW), PBA LAC, PAJ, and DCBA.
• →Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Commonwealth Law School and Widener University.

• Along with the Career Development Dean, serve as a counselor for initial 1L advising appointments.
• Assist CDO with employer outreach to expand both externship and employment opportunities.
• Manage the law school’s Public Interest Law Fund (PILF) and grow pro bono opportunities available for students.
• Assist with planning and implementing on-campus interviews, educational and professional development programs and events.

• Counsel students to identify areas of interest and suitable externship opportunities.
• Continuously develop new externship placements and maintain relationships with existing placements through frequent communication and site visits; verify that site agreement contracts are properly signed and that all provisions are carried out by both parties.
• Teach the classroom component including sessions on:  expectations, policy and procedure, ethics, professionalism, etc. (typical course enrollment is 40 students / fall and spring semesters and 75 / summer).    
• Using the 12twenty platform (CORE), ensure that all externship information is clearly documented in each student’s file, including hours worked, journal entries, and other paperwork.  Collect and review evaluation documents regarding student performance at placements.  Maintain relationships with all students through successful completion of placements.
• Be knowledgeable of and follow all compliance standards of any accrediting or government agencies, including American Bar Association (ABA) Standards 301, 302, 303, and 304.
• Keep abreast of current employment trends and establish and maintain essential legal community relationships.
• Promote the externship program to all students by holding information sessions and speaking at various law school events, including CDO orientation.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Two (2+) years of professional experience in career services, student affairs or employer relations.  An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Demonstrated record of success in career services, the recruiting industry or career counseling, legal academia, bar organizations, or the practice of law.
• Proven teaching experience or superb presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to teach in-person and online.
• Possess superior organizational, analytical, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated track record of program development, enhancement and execution.

• May require participation in 4-5 evening events per month, or occasional weekend commitments, including Career Development Office (CDO) programs, law school and student events, and external professional engagement activities.
• Infrequent travel is required for employer site visits.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy. 

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

EOE M/F/V/D

• Juris Doctor
• Demonstrated record of success in law school career services, legal recruiting, or legal talent development.
• Experience working within a higher education environment.
• Familiarity with 12twenty career management platform and ability to learn and effectively utilize new career services technologies.

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