Assistant Director of Career Advising

Office of Private Sector Careers

Columbia Law School                                                      

Reporting to the Dean, Office of Private Sector Careers, the Assistant Director of Career Advising provides career counseling and professional development services to students and alumni of the J.D. and LL.M. programs. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with all aspects of administering, planning, and implementing the mandate of the office for J.D. and domestic and international LL.M. students.

Responsibilities:

1. Counsel J.D. and LL.M. students in all aspects of their professional formation and job search activities. Conduct practice interviews with students and alumni; provide career advice regarding job search strategy, narrative development, drafting career documentation, preparing for successful interviews, identification of potential legal employers, career paths and work environments most consistent with their personal and professional needs, etc.

2. Conduct professional development workshops related to the OPSC Professional Development Curriculum and Professional Formation program for J.D. and students. Topics include: (i) navigating the professional workplace, (ii) resume writing, (iii) narrative development, (iv) interview preparation, (v) practice area exploration, (vi) the strategic job search, etc.

3. Stay abreast of legal recruiting industry trends by periodically reviewing relevant publications and other resources; attending conferences and symposia; and participating in NALP, NYCRA, and similar conferences/committees.

4. Assist in refining/editing office publications and communications sent to J.D. and LL.M. students, and in planning and executing special projects/events; undertake other related tasks as requested.

Minimum Requirements:

J.D. and/or MA, MBA, or EDM highly preferred. Must have 3–5 years’ experience in the legal field, counseling field, or in another professional field. Experience should include career counseling, program planning and/or professional development experience; prior employment in a law firm or academic or other professional environment preferred. Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.

Required Competencies:

• Superior oral and written communication skills, including public speaking experience.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively with staff and students in an institution committed to reducing structural barriers to inequality across races, religions, orientations, abilities, cultural backgrounds, and other dimensions of identity.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive and highly confidential information.
• Experience working in or demonstrated understanding of the characteristics of antiracist institutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the demonstrated capacity to advise and meaningfully and respectfully interact with diverse, multigenerational constituents.
• Affinity for collaboration and ability to work well across all levels of an organization.
• Ability to leverage work experience and professional network to develop meaningful relationships. 
• Ability to multitask and be part of a collegial team, while working under pressure and balancing competing tasks.
• Organizational and analytical skills and the ability to synthesize and meaningfully evaluate data.
• Technological and computer literacy, including familiarity with or strong interest in developing knowledge of Symplicity, Flo Recruit, Campus Groups, Courseworks, and other digital learning technology.
• A passion for, and commitment to, delivering exceptional customer service.
• Ability to travel occasionally and work some evenings.

Please apply here: https://opportunities.columbia.edu/jobs/8cf4812e-ddc6-4426-b6f3-d7345443b2b2

Columbia University is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran and is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.