Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Career Development at the Delaware Law School, the Associate Director of Career Development plays a pivotal role in guiding law students and alumni toward achieving their professional aspirations. This position combines individualized career counseling, strategic program development, employer outreach, and essential data reporting to ensure compliance with ABA and U.S. News standards.
The ideal candidate is a personable and proactive professional who excels at building meaningful relationships with students, alumni, and legal employers throughout the tri-state area.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Career Counseling & Student Support
- Provide individualized career guidance to J.D., LL.M., M.J., and Paralegal students and alumni.
- Review resumes and cover letters, conduct mock interviews, and advise on job search strategies.
- Support students in self-assessment, goal setting, and exploring both traditional and alternative legal career paths.
- Design and deliver workshops, panels, and seminars on legal careers and professional development.
- Coordinate on-campus and virtual recruitment programs (OCI), including employer outreach and Symplicity platform management.
- Develop career-related content including newsletters, handouts, and social media posts.
- Participate in evening and weekend programming as needed, including Admissions open house events.
Employer Engagement
- Cultivate relationships with legal employers through outreach, networking, and event participation.
- Represent the Career Development Office at bar association meetings and national conferences (e.g., NALP).
- Stay informed on legal hiring trends and employer expectations at local, regional, and national levels.
Data Management & Compliance
- Lead or assist in collecting, verifying, and analyzing graduate employment data in compliance with ABA Standard 509 and U.S. News rankings.
- Manage graduate surveys, follow-ups, and data entry in Symplicity and other platforms.
- Ensure data accuracy and maintain documentation for audits.
- Collaborate with the Assistant Dean to prepare and submit annual employment reports.
- Monitor changes in reporting standards and ensure institutional compliance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- 5–7 years of experience in career services, legal practice, higher education, or a related field.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency in Symplicity, Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and data collection tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey).
Preferred:
- Experience with ABA and U.S. News employment reporting.
- Understanding of legal industry hiring practices and challenges faced by diverse and first-generation students.
- Familiarity with social media and digital marketing strategies.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
- Commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
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. U.S. work authorization is required.
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
