Assistant Director of Academic & Bar Success

The University of Minnesota Law School seeks an Assistant Director of Academic and Bar Success who is service-oriented, connection-driven, and passionate about legal education. In this largely student-facing role, the Assistant Director will further develop and implement Minnesota Law's programming to support students' academic development, to equip all JD graduates for success on the bar exam, and to assist candidates with the bar application process.

The Assistant Director reports to the Director of Academic and Bar Success, and works closely with the Director to develop and present programming for all JD students concerning academic success and bar readiness and to provide tailored assistance including advising, coaching, instruction, and referrals to resources; offer bar-related advising and support to individual students on matters such as character and fitness concerns or course selection.

This is a full-time, 100%, annually renewable, academic professional position with the majority of the work being in-person with some remote flexibility.

Duties will include:

Tailored Academic and Bar Support for Individual Students (60%)

• Deliver advising, assessment, and coaching support to JD students, including those near or below thresholds for academic probation or academic watch, or who present risk factors correlated to lower bar passage rates.
• Develop and implement individualized Academic Success Plans for students working to improve academic performance and assist students to develop core study and time management skills, legal analysis, and exam-writing strategies through regular meetings which will include outline review, practice problem feedback, and exam review.
• Coordinate with the Office of Student Affairs concerning student support needs such as reasonable accommodations, counseling, and other outside referrals.
• Provide strategic advising to individual JD students about bar application, including but not limited to: character and fitness concerns; professional considerations with respect to the location and timing of bar application; and advance planning for the financial and time commitments required for bar success.
• Develop and implement individualized Bar Success Plans to increase motivation, accountability, prioritization of bar study tasks while preparing for the bar exam. The Assistant Director will help graduates navigate their commercial bar courses and give feedback on bar essay writing and course progress in one-on-one meetings.

Academic Success Programming (20%)

• Work closely with Director of Academic and Bar Success and Student Affairs to develop and present programming, both live and online, to provide academic success guidance and to support professional identity formation during Orientation and throughout the 1L year.
• Work closely with Director of Academic and Bar Success to develop and support the Law School's longstanding peer academic support program (known as "Structured Study Group").
• Develop strategies and programming to address potential barriers to academic success for all students, especially populations underrepresented in the legal profession, including first generation college and law school students and students with identified learning challenges and disabilities.

Bar-Related Programming (20%)

• Work closely with Director of Academic and Bar Success to develop and present programming to inform all JD students, at appropriate times in their law school career, about important bar-related issues such as bar exam elements, knowledge and skills necessary for exam success, character and fitness issues, and strategic considerations around bar application and preparation.
• Work closely with Director of Academic and Bar Success to develop and present workshops in the months before each bar exam administration date to supplement graduates' bar study with commercial providers.
• Build relationships with commercial bar vendors, manage commercial bar vendor presence within the law school, and stay abreast of academic and bar success product offerings.
• Monitor state bar examination administration and admission policies including bar reform efforts, the NextGen Bar exam, MPRE requirements, and alternative pathways to licensure.
  

Essential / Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant experience OR a master's degree plus at least three years relevant experience
• Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited law school
• Bar membership in a US jurisdiction (may be inactive)
• Interpersonal skills relevant to individualized academic counseling and coaching
• Knowledge of learning and teaching strategies for law students and other adult learners
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication with both individuals and large groups
• Experience working with, and demonstrated commitment to supporting, diverse populations
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong academic achievement, particularly in law school
• Two years of experience in law practice
• Advising, counseling, or tutoring experience
• Experience working with students with disabilities, including non-apparent disabilities

Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.

Pay Range:$65,000-$80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Priority deadline for applications is April 15, 2025.

People of color, women, and LGBTQA+ persons are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications will only be accepted through the University of Minnesota online employment system and only complete applications will be considered.

A complete application consists of a cover letter, a resume, and a list of three references who will not be contacted without prior notice.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).