Assistant Director of Graduate Studies (2024)

Summary of Position

Assistant Director of Graduate Studies, University of Virginia School of Law

The Graduate Studies Program at the University of Virginia School of Law seeks applications for an Assistant Director of Graduate Studies to support the Graduate Studies Program in a range of career development, admissions, student services, and administrative responsibilities. This position reports to the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies.

Consistently recognized as one of the top law schools in the country, the University of Virginia School of Law takes pride in its commitment to excellence and service and the in-person experience. The School of Law is an active and vibrant community that fosters collegiality among students, faculty, and staff. The Graduate Studies Program includes the Master of Laws (LL.M.) and Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degree programs, which attract qualified attorneys from 40+ countries who seek to further their legal education. The LL.M. and S.J.D. programs are intentionally small and highly selective, enrolling approximately 50 students annually. LL.M. students take classes alongside J.D. students, allowing them to fully engage in the Law School community. The Graduate Studies Program also oversees the Law School’s Visiting Scholar (VS) program and serves as a liaison for the University’s Visiting Graduate Researcher (VGR) program.

Specific duties of this position include:

Career Development

Under the direction of the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, advise LL.M. students and graduates in person, via Zoom/Teams, by telephone, and by email on all aspects of the job search process, including researching and identifying target employers, formulating strategies for applications, developing professional communication and networking skills, reviewing job application documents (cover letters, resumes), helping students prepare for interviews, coordinating participation of students in an annual job fair for internationally trained lawyers, and presenting career-related programming.

Admissions and Office Support

Respond to inquiries from current and prospective students about the Graduate Studies Program and its application process and requirements. Participate in initial review of applications to ensure they are complete. Assemble materials for information sessions, in-person Law School tours, and overseas recruiting trips. Coordinate shipments to overseas locations, including the shipment of sensitive documents. Prepare PowerPoint presentations. Maintain and order office supplies. Update and maintain applicant and student files using Microsoft Access, ACES2/ Unite, Symplicity, and University/Law School systems.

Student Services and Events

Present and provide logistical support for on-site and remote Graduate Studies Program events (e.g., create Zoom links, help reserve rooms and AV equipment, place catering orders, coordinate with food vendors, help welcome speakers and panelists, offer directions to attendees, etc.).

Offer assistance and resource referrals to students experiencing cultural adaptation issues, homesickness, academic, or other personal issues.

Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of work experience.
• Familiarity with job market and career trends for international LLMs, or willingness to learn.
• Commitment to high-quality customer service, responding promptly and accurately to internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfort speaking in public, ability to successfully lead workshops and presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks at the same time.
• Self-starter, able to work independently.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and be discreet when dealing with sensitive information.
• Ability and willingness to follow University policies.
• Technology savvy, proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Law degree (e.g., J.D. or LL.M.), or master’s degree in related area.
• Experience working with international students or professionals.
• Experience living, working, teaching, or studying abroad. Multiculturally-aware and able to employ sensitivity when interacting with international graduate students of diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Access, ACES2/ Unite, Slate, student registration system software (e.g., UVA’s SIS), and/or Symplicity.
• Fluency in at least one foreign language is a plus.

This position requires most work to be performed in person at the Law School, with the opportunity to perform a limited amount of work remotely in accordance with Law School policy. The position also requires the flexibility to participate in occasional evening and/or weekend work, as dictated by program needs.

This is a full-time University Managerial and Professional Staff position with benefits.

This position will remain open until filled. Review of applicants will begin June 17, 2024. This position will not sponsor applicants needing visa sponsorship.

To Apply:

Apply online at http://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0061559/Assistant-Director-of-Graduate-Studies-School-of-Law. Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile. Complete the application, and upload the following:

• Cover letter - outlining your interest in working with internationally-trained lawyers and highlighting your relevant experience and background.
• CV/resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate.

*** Please note that ALL REQUESTED documents MUST be uploaded in the resume submission field, and you can combine documents into one PDF. ***

***Applications that do not have all the required documents will not receive full consideration.***

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Adriana Vito, Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, at avito@law.virginia.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, hjv5vm@virginia.edu.

The School of Law is located in Charlottesville, VA, a college town setting with natural beauty and significant historical relevance in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Charlottesville is a wonderful place to live with an extraordinary quality of life, often ranked among the best places to live in the United States.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community please see http://www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville andhttps://embarkcva.com/.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.