Assistant Dean, Clinical Programs - 998281

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Primary Purpose:

Provides strategic leadership, administrative direction, and oversight of the Shepard Broad College of Law’s clinical education programs. Serves as a senior administrator responsible for advancing experiential learning opportunities, supporting clinical faculty and staff, developing and maintaining community partnerships, and ensuring compliance with applicable accreditation standards and NSU policies. Promotes student success through innovative legal clinics, externships, and other experiential learning initiatives that prepare students for the practice of law and public service. Provides clinical case coverage as needed and may teach clinical coursework.

Job Category: Exempt

Hiring Range:  Commensurate With Experience

Pay Basis:  Annually

Subject to Grant Funding? No  

Essential Job Functions: 

1. The first priority of all members of the Clinic is to serve the Law Center's clients. Therefore, team members will not be limited by this job description in an effort to assist our customers, but will perform whatever tasks are assigned by supervisor(s). Team members will be readily available, visible, and accessible to visitors. Every effort will be made to access and answer customer inquiries.
2. Provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight to NSU Law clinical programs and experiential learning initiatives. Develops and implements goals, policies, and procedures that support the mission and strategic priorities of the Shepard Broad College of Law.
3. Advises students through individual and group meetings regarding clinical and field placement opportunities. Coordinates and distributes promotional communications to students concerning available clinic and field placement positions. Evaluates and presents prospective placement opportunities to the appropriate faculty director for approval and maintains accurate, up-to-date field placement rosters and records.
4. Assesses program effectiveness and identifies opportunities for growth, innovation, and continuous improvement, and supports the delivery of high-quality clinical legal education that integrates theory, practice, ethics, and professional responsibility.
5. Monitors program outcomes and evaluates student learning objectives to ensure alignment with educational goals and accreditation standards. Partners with clinical faculty and administrative staff to support program operations, curriculum planning, and student supervision and the effective delivery of clinical and field placement programs.
6. Develops and distributes promotional communications to appropriate student populations regarding NSU Law clinic and field placement opportunities available for upcoming semester. Organizes and analyzes the NSU Law Clinic and Field Placement Pre-Section application results, utilizing App Central to develop and maintain the NSU Law clinic database for each new academic year. Participates in the Public Interest Law Day and other recruitment initiatives to educate students about clinical and field placement opportunities and program benefits.
7. Develops and maintains relationships with courts, law firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and community partners. Expands opportunities for experiential learning and legal service through strategic partnerships. Represents the Shepard Broad College of Law at professional, academic, and community events.
8. Provides ongoing advising and counseling to the law students interested in participating in the NSU Law clinic and field placement programs. Coordinates and schedules informational meetings with all law students and faculty directors for upcoming semesters to discuss program requirements, prerequisite coursework, application procedures, and participation documentation.
9. Reviews, updates, and revises all law clinic and field placement program materials for the upcoming academic year, including program requirements, application processes, commitment expectations, prerequisite coursework information, participation and preference forms, and host office placement rosters.
10. Participates in NSU Law Admissions Office recruitment events, including In-Person Open Houses and Receptions, Admitted Students Luncheons, and Virtual Open Hours, to promote clinical and field placement opportunities. Coordinates and administers informational tabling events in the Noah A. Leopold Atrium in collaboration with representatives from the Office of Clinical Programs and the Office of Student Services prior to Summer and Fall registration periods.
11. Communicates with current Certified Legal Interns (CLIs) regarding the requirements and procedures for requesting extensions of CLI certification through the Florida Supreme Court. Distributes field placement extern evaluation forms to supervising attorneys at host organizations for students participating in Winter semester placements.
12. Collects, reviews, and processes completed evaluations and provides them to the appropriate Clinic Faculty Directors. Prepares and submits Certified Legal Intern (CLI) certification applications and supporting documentation to the Florida Supreme Court on behalf of qualified Summer clinic students.
13. Provides guidance to students regarding participation requirements and required documentation, and processes completed student commitment forms for Summer and Fall semester clinic and field placement programs. Coordinates with supervising attorneys to confirm and finalize student placements with approved host offices for Summer semester participation.
14. Distributes clinic and field placement graduation cords to students who successfully participated in clinical and field placement programs during the preceding Summer, Fall, and Winter semesters. Assists students in resolving clinic, field placement, registration, academic credit, and host organization placement matters related to Summer semester participation.
15. Reconciles student enrollment and placement records between Banner and the Clinical Programs Database to ensure accuracy and compliance. Finalizes and submits Certified Legal Intern (CLI) certification documentation to the Florida Supreme Court for qualified clinic students and prepare CLI certificates for distribution.
16. Meets with and advises students regarding clinic and field placement opportunities for the Fall semester and upcoming Winter term. Reviews and updates field placement rosters to incorporate newly approved host organizations and placement opportunities for future semesters.
17. Coordinates with supervising attorneys at host organizations to arrange and facilitate student interviews for Fall semester placements. Represents the Office of Clinical Programs at the NSU Law Fall 1L Deposited Students Reception, both on campus and at host organization locations, to promote clinical and field placement opportunities.
18. Maintains accurate program records and analyzes data to inform decision-making and program enhancement. Assists with the development, administration, and monitoring of clinical program budgets.
19. Identifies and pursues funding opportunities, grants, and donor-supported initiatives that strengthen clinical education programs. Ensures the effective allocation and stewardship of resources.
20. Ensures compliance with university policies, professional standards, and American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation requirements. Prepares reports, assessments, and documentation supporting accreditation reviews and institutional effectiveness initiatives.
21. Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Job Requirements: 

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

Knowledge
1. Thorough understanding of legal education and experiential learning models.
2. Experience leading or managing law school clinical, externship, or experiential learning programs.
3. Knowledge of ABA accreditation standards and legal education regulations.
4. Experience with budget management, assessment, and program evaluation.
5. Experience developing partnerships with legal, governmental, and community organizations.

Skills
1. Speaking - Advanced skills in talking to others to convey information effectively.
2. Instructing - Proficient skills in teaching others how to do something.
3. Reading Comprehension - Proficient understanding of written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
4. Writing - Proficient skills in communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
5. Learning Strategies - Proficient skills in selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
6. Active Listening - Proficient skills in giving full attention to what other
7. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies. Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
8. Excellent interpersonal, administrative, organizational skills, and strong verbal/writing skills.
9. Proficiency in computer software programs including, but not limited to, word processing and database management.

Abilities
1. Ability to lead complex programs and initiatives in a dynamic academic environment.
2. Ability to work under pressure.
3. Ability to work independently with very little supervision while implementing policies established by the Assistant Dean of Accreditation & Assessment and Deans.
4. Ability to follow guidelines established by the supervisor or faculty liaison.
5. Ability to work cooperatively with the legal and judicial community, students, colleagues, and supervisory staff at all levels.
6. Innovative, able to generate own projects.
7. Commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement.

Required Certifications/Licensures: Admission to the Florida Bar and maintained good standing.

Required Education: Juris Doctorate Degree

Major (if required: 

Required Experience: 

1. Three (3) years experience in managing and organizing a multi-purpose staff.
2. Significant experience in legal practice, clinical legal education, higher education administration, or a related field.
3. Demonstrated leadership experience, including program administration and strategic planning.
4. Strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Five (5) years experience in managing and organizing a multi- purpose staff.

Is this a safety sensitive position? No  

Background Screening Required?  No  

Pre-Employment Conditions: 

Sensitivity Disclaimer: Nova Southeastern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.

NSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.