Assistant Director, Career Counseling

George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The George Washington University Law School is seeking an Assistant Director, Career Counseling to guide J.D. students and graduates through career planning, resume review, interview preparation, and professional development.

Reporting to the Director of Career Counseling and Professional Development, you will lead workshops, coordinate with employer outreach, and support students from exploration to job placement in a dynamic, diverse academic community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• 2 years of relevant professional experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counseling to J.D. students on career planning, exploration and professional development.
• Serve as an advisor in the Inns of Court program and support program delivery.
• Facilitate life-cycle recruitment support for entry-level attorney and related positions, including resume/cover letter reviews and interview prep.
• Collaborate with Employer Outreach to prepare students for recruiting events and programs.
• Develop and conduct workshops on resume writing, networking, and interview skills; prepare informational materials.

Skills

Career counseling

Student counseling

Workshop facilitation

Networking

Program coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

J.D. degree

Job description

JOB OVERVIEW

Established in 1865, The George Washington University Law School is the oldest in Washington, DC. The school is accredited by the American Bar Association and is a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools. The law school is located on the GW campus in the downtown neighborhood familiarly known as Foggy Bottom.

The Career Development Office of The George Washington University Law School advises and counsels law students in professional development and assists them in job search strategies. This position presents a rewarding opportunity to help law school students and recent law school graduates begin their legal careers. The Assistant Director, Career Counseling provides individual counseling to J.D. students on all aspects of career planning, including self-assessment, career exploration, job application materials, interview preparation, and professional skills development.

This position will report to the Director, Career Counseling and Professional Development in the Career Development Office with the following representative duties and responsibilities:

• Assists J.D. students in determining career goals and objectives through self-evaluation. Assesses students’ articulated career interests and recommends avenues of exploration to meet their career goals. Advises and counsels students on all matters related to career and professional development and the legal job search process. Refers students to mentors and other professional contacts as appropriate.
• Serves as an advisor in the Inns of Court program and assists with program coordination and delivery of program content.
• Learns of employment opportunities, and shares them with students and Career Center staff. Works with students on the full life-cycle recruitment process for an entry-level attorney, J.D. advantage, and professional positions, including resume and cover letter review, interview preparation and follow-up, and job offer evaluation.
• Collaborates with the Employer Outreach Team to ensure student preparedness for participation in recruiting programs and professional activities such as networking events.
• Develops and conducts skills development workshops on all components of the job search process, such as resume and cover letter writing, developing a network of professional contacts, special applications and interviewing skills, and job search resources. Develops written informational materials on basic career guidance issues such as resume and cover letter writing, networking, and interviewing, as well as informational materials on specific practice areas for which this position has responsibility.
• Organizes and implements seminar programs, workshops, and panel discussions on a variety of legal and alternative career topics, both independently and in conjunction with alumni and student groups.
• Participates in marketing and promotion of Career Development Office programs and services to students, alumni, and employers, including through social media and newsletters.
• Maintains positive relationships with employers, alumni, students, staff, and faculty. Serves as a resource to student organizations and faculty on the career and professional development of students.
• As required, represents the Career Development Office at national, regional, and local meetings of appropriate professional organizations and associations, and periodically interfaces with law career counselors at other law schools. Assists with the programming, coordination, and delivery during all phases of networking fairs, job fairs, recruitment programs, and other career development programs, which may include travel.
• Works on special projects as assigned by the Director of Career Counseling and Professional Development and the Associate Dean, Career Development Office.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. plus two years of experience at a law firm, legal search firm, or in-house legal department post-admission to a state bar or the District of Columbia Bar are strongly preferred.
• Counseling experience with law students or young lawyers.
• Career planning, guidance, and mentorship skills.
• Understanding of basic coaching techniques.
• Knowledge and understanding of career practices and opportunities within local, national, and global legal communities.
• Excellent presentation skills in live and virtual settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

JOB DETAILS

Campus Location

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department

GW Law School (LAW)

Level

Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Hours Per Week

40

Employee Onsite Status

Hybrid

Telework

Yes

Required Background Check

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number

S014537

Job Open Date

10/23/2026

Job Close Date

10/26/2026

Background Screening Successful Completion

Background Screening Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.