Director Of Student Services

Southwestern Law School is seeking a Director of Student Services. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Student Services, the Director of Student Services assists with both the long-term planning and day-to-day operation of school-wide Student Services in areas including, but not limited to, academic advising and accessibility services. The Director of Student Services will provide leadership, coordination, and direction for Student Services staff to maintain efficient, equitable, and responsive services to students. This position offers an opportunity to help students navigate academic, professional, and personal issues.  

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintains a regular schedule of Student appointments and advising on a wide range of topics, including Law School policies, academic concerns, registration requirements, graduation requirements, financial aid, disability accommodations, harassment concerns, leaves of absence, and other personal issues.
• Assists in resolving emergency and crisis situations that pertain to students and campus life.
• May serve on standing committees that deal with Student Services issues. Provides administrative support to committees and works on committee-assigned projects.
• Plans and coordinates academic advising programs and events.
• Maintains a strong working knowledge of law school policies, state bar requirements, and ABA standards.
• Designs and develops informational materials related to academic advising and other Student Services.
• Drafts and reviews official office communications to students and the law school community.
• Completes transcript reviews and determines transfer credit for students transferring to law school. Plans and oversees transfer student orientation.
• Reviews and processes special requests submitted by students.
• Evaluates student progress toward completion of degree requirements, monitors student academic standing, probation, and dismissal.
• Explains, implements, and enforces academic policies.
• Coordinates with the Registrar’s Office and assists with the administration of midterms and final examinations.
• Compiles and maintains statistical data. Gathers data from various sources and prepares reports for internal and external use.
• Provides guidance to Accessibility Coordinator and advises on disability accommodations.
• Advises students about graduation, academic and character, and fitness requirements.
• Assists in providing data for annual ABA reports.
• Assists with the office’s non-personnel budget by monitoring expenses, submitting invoices for payment, and preparing budget proposals.
• Manages day-to-day operations, advises students, and coordinates with the faculty director regarding interdisciplinary programs offered by the school.
• Acts as the designated military/veteran student advisor and ensures adherence to various Veteran Affairs requirements as they pertain to Student Services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• J.D. or advanced degree in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience providing guidance and/or counseling to higher education students is strongly preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• High level of judgment, discretion, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented populations and experience dealing with diverse constituencies.
• Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of Student records management principles, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines.
• Collaborative work style and ability to work diplomatically with individuals with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment in which they operate.
• Knowledge of Student support programs and services.
• Accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
• Highly organized; excellent time-management skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and listening skills.
• Excellent ability to identify and solve problems.
• Ability to apply creative problem-solving skills to develop solutions within established policies, guidelines, accreditation standards, and applicable law.
• Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of curriculum management processes, methods, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.

To Apply: For full consideration, interested individuals should apply by submitting a resume and cover letter connecting their experience to the job responsibilities to jobs3@swlaw.edu.

Pay rate: $85,000 – $93,000/yr. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Southwestern Law School prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race (including hairstyle and hair texture), ethnicity, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age (40 and over), disability (mental and physical), medical condition, citizenship status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or services, or in the educational programs or activities Southwestern operates. Please direct all inquiries regarding Southwestern’s nondiscrimination policies to:

General Counsel
3050 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(213) 738–6626