Assistant Director, Career Counseling

George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The George Washington University Law School seeks an Assistant Director, Career Counseling to advise J.D. students and recent graduates on career planning, resumes, interviews, and professional development.

This role supports Evening and Part-time students and develops expertise in Government Contracts, National Security Law, and Data Privacy and Cybersecurity. Reporting to the Director of Career Counseling and Professional Development, the position will work with the Employer Outreach team to

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree or higher.
• Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Preferred: J.D. and law-firm or legal department experience; counseling with law students or young lawyers; strong mentoring and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise J.D. students on career goals, job search, resume and interview preparation.
• Counsel students in career development and professional skills.
• Develop and conduct workshops and informational materials on career guidance.
• Organize seminars, panels, and networking events for students and alumni.
• Collaborate with Employer Outreach to prepare students for recruiting programs.

Skills

Counseling experience

Career planning

Presentation skills

Interpersonal skills

Coaching techniques

Knowledge of legal communities

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or higher

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 Center of The George Washington University Law School advises and counsels law students in professional development and assists them in developing career 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 and small group 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 have specific responsibilities for developing expertise to support Evening and Part-time students, and counsel students who wish to pursue careers in Government Contracts and Procurement, National Security Law, and Data Privacy and Cybersecurity.

This position will report to the Director, Career Counseling and Professional Development in the Center for Professional Development and Career Strategy 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 Center 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 consultant to student organizations and faculty on the career and professional development of students.
• As required, represents the Career Center 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, Center for Professional Development and Career Strategy.

The incumbent may perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

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.

Salary

$58,992.50 - $97,373.72

Healthcare Benefits

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)

Family

Student Affairs

Sub-Family

Career Services

Stream

Individual Contributor

Level

Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Hours Per Week

40

Work Schedule

9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday-Friday (some evenings and weekends when required)

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

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

S014416

Job Open Date

08/21/2026

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.