Assistant Director, Externship Program

The Assistant Director for the Externship Program is responsible for providing faculty and course support, compiling and managing data, assisting with office operations, and advising and supporting students in all aspects of externships.

Key responsibilities:

  • Assist with the day-to-day operation of the Externship Office.
  • Stay current with ABA standards, institutional policies, and externship trends.
  • Comply with applicable accreditation and regulatory requirements.
  • Timely and clearly communicate with various constituencies, including students, placements, Program Directors and team, externship faculty, and other departments.
  • Collaborate with various departments, including referring students to the appropriate department depending on the nature of the issue.
  • Ensure that all externship information is current on the institutional website, portal, and program documents.
  • Train and supervise new Externship Program personnel.
  • Counsel students on placement selection and externship-related matters.
  • Maintain proficiency in understanding the nature of various legal organizations (e.g., different court levels or state versus federal), including outside California.
  • Manage Canvas setup and logistics for all externship courses.
  • Support faculty with course-specific tools and materials (e.g., syllabi, course tracking spreadsheet).
  • Track students' compliance with fieldwork hours and other course requirements.
  • Compile data and prepare Externship Program and course data.
  • Update and prepare materials for Externship Program presentations.
  • Maintain records of externship course meetings and faculty teaching availability.
  • Serve on committee(s}, as assigned.
  • Participate in regional and national externship conferences, subject to Program Directors' approval, and events.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Two years' experience in student or administrative services.
  • Experience with a college or graduate school fieldwork program is preferred-e.g., counseling students, processing applications, maintaining regular communication with supervisors, and managing data.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • High level of judgment, discretion, integrity, and confidentiality.
  • High level of interest in law school's history, mission, programs, curriculum, and policies.
  • High level of interest in experiential legal education.
  • Highly organized, with excellent time management and prioritizing skills.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills.
  • Excellent critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent listening skills.
  • Excellent ability to identify and solve problems.
  • Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
  • Ability to consider multiple perspectives and convey empathy.
  • Ability to always operate with focus, calm, and clarity, while handling multiple responsibilities and matters, including challenging matters.
  • Ability to apply creative problem-solving skills to develop solutions within established policies, guidelines, accreditation standards, and applicable law.
  • Ability to render a decision based on facts, policies, and other applicable factors.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
  • Dedication to professional development and growth.

Salary: $28.85/hour 

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to jobs4@swlaw.edu to be considered for this position.