Assistant Director, Public Interest Initiatives

University of Notre Dame; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Notre Dame Law School seeks an Assistant Director for Public Interest Initiatives to lead Career Development Office efforts in expanding programs and resources for students pursuing public interest and government careers.

The role provides counseling on job search strategy, interview preparation, and networking, supports educational programming, and helps collect and report employment data to inform strategic improvements.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in the legal industry.
• Experience with public interest or government employers preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills with a service mindset.
• Close attention to accuracy and detail in all aspects of work.
• Ability to research issues, solve operational problems, and create practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Public Interest Initiatives: Lead Career Development Office efforts to expand and evolve specialized programming for public interest and government careers.
• Career Advising: Provide dedicated career advising and coach students on resume, interviews, and networking.
• Employer Engagement: Plan and execute recruiting events and outreach with employers and alumni.
• Record Keeping & Data Reporting: Maintain detailed records and assist with employment data collection and reporting.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 in Notre Dame, Indiana, is a premier American research university. As a Catholic institution, it uniquely blends faith with intellectual inquiry, striving for excellence in teaching, research, and serving the common good. Notre Dame offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for its diverse community of students, faculty, and staff, who are all dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus and being a force for good in the world. With world-class facilities, acclaimed academic programs, and a strong commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame is an ideal place to make a meaningful impact.

Job Description

At Notre Dame Law School, we are committed to educating a different kind of lawyer. Critical to that mission is supporting our students' pursuit of careers that will serve their communities, our country, and the world. The Assistant Director for Public Interest Initiatives will lead the Career Development Office's efforts in expanding and evolving professional development programming and resources for students pursuing public interest and government careers.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director will provide individual instruction and counseling to all students on professional development issues, including job search strategy, self-assessment, interview preparation, and networking. The Assistant Director will also support the Career Development Office in implementing broad-based educational programming, creating and maintaining written job search resources, conducting alumni and employer outreach, and collecting and reporting employment data.

Key Responsibilities

• Public Interest Initiatives: Lead Career Development Office efforts, in coordination with the Director, to expand and evolve specialized professional development programming, resources, and outreach for students pursuing public interest and government careers.


• Career Advising: Provide dedicated career advising support to students and alumni, including job search and networking strategies, long-range career planning, and self-assessment. Review resumes, cover letters, and other application materials, and coach students on interview strategies.


• Employer Engagement: Support the planning and execution of recruiting events for public interest and government employers and assist with targeted alumni and employer outreach in coordination with the Employer Relations & Recruiting Events Program Manager.


• Record Keeping & Data Reporting: Maintain detailed records of student counseling interactions and assist with the collection and reporting of employment data.

Qualifications

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required.


• Experience: At least 3 years of professional experience in the legal industry. Experience working with a public interest or government employer is preferred but not required.


• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, alumni, and employers.


• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills with a strong service mindset.


• Attention to Detail: Close attention to accuracy and detail in all aspects of work.


• Problem Solving: Ability to research issues, solve operational problems, and create practical solutions within established guidelines.

Additional Information

Benefits page: https://hr.nd.edu/benefits-compensation/

Pay Range

Up to $85,000, commensurate with experience

Location

This position is an on-site position in South Bend, Indiana.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.