Assistant Director of Student Academic Advising and Support Services, LL.M (5156C), Berkeley La[...]

About Berkeley

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Departmental Overview

Student Academic Advising and Support Services at Berkeley Law provides a wide range of support to the law school community, which includes over 1,200 students in four degree programs: JD, Ph.D., LLM, and JSD. This individualized support includes academic advising, personal support, programming, and accommodations. In addition to counseling individual students, Student Academic Advising and Support Services works with the Student Association of Berkeley Law (SABL) and over 100 student organizations, supporting their activities including conferences, workshops, and community‑building events. The office is also responsive to faculty referrals and inquiries about students, usually when the student is struggling. Student Academic Advising and Support Services presents myriad programs throughout the year, including Orientation, Commencement, Mindfulness, Bar Exam Workshops, Affinity Group Leader meetings, and other academic programming for students. Student Services is also responsible for scheduling and facilitating midterms and exams for around 70 classes each semester.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Student Academic Advising and Support Services, LLM, supports LLM students' academic progress and development. This position provides one‑on‑one advising and personal support, plans and executes events, and develops and implements programming focused on LLM students' academic development. The Assistant Director is expected to operate independently and exercise judgment in multiple highly impactful areas for the department, including analyzing and advising on student academic and professional development, orienting new students, and developing and delivering academic programming. These activities require the position to apply critical thinking skills and individual judgment to aid students and preserve the reputation of Berkeley Law.

Responsibilities

Academic Advising

• Provides advice and guidance to law students on academic plans, questions about the profession, personal concerns, summer jobs, and other matters.
• Reviews students' progress and advises students on requirements for LLM degree completion.
• Assists students with alternative academic options and other similar issues.
• Participates in planning academic curriculum in collaboration with the Dean of Students and Senior Director of Student Academic Advising and Support Services to ensure students' academic progress and compliance with ABA policies.
• Communicates and informs students on degree requirements, requirements for different certificates, bar exam and admission requirements, and general course planning, including their potential impact on professional development goals.
• Independently provides one‑on‑one academic advising regarding course selection, workload management, study skills, and adapting to U.S. legal education standards.
• Critically evaluates and advises students' academic commitments in light of their professional development goals.
• Develops informative material for orientations and academic and bar exam‑related workshops and seminars and leads presentations thereof.

Event Planning, Programming & Coordination

• Plans, coordinates, and implements complex, high‑visibility student events, such as orientations and commencements.
• Partners with other departments, such as Event Services and Facilities, to organize and execute student events.
• Collaborates with Student Association at Berkeley Law (SABL) and all Berkeley Law student organizations to help coordinate and support their social and community activities.
• Plans, develops and organizes workshops and other programs for students to enhance the student experience and academic development.
• Assists with the administrative scheduling, administration, and proctoring of exams.

General Advising and Support

• Applies professional student services concepts, providing the full range of student services to a student population served by the organization.
• Meets with students one‑on‑one to help them adjust to the demands of graduate legal education, and directs and facilitates their access to supportive resources as necessary.
• Meets with students to discuss academic needs and/or personal challenges.
• Refers students to the campus Disabled Students' Program (DSP) as needed.
• Responsible for interpreting organization policies and advising students and faculty on student conduct, student grievances, disputes, and issues regarding discrimination.
• Works with the Berkeley International Office (BIO) and the Dean of Student Services to access and create new resources for student support.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Career Counseling

• Advises Berkeley Law students on the job market process, and the standards and norms specific to the student's field of study.

Required Qualifications

• Working knowledge of advising, coaching, and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn University‑specific computer application programs and knowledge of and/or ability to learn University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.
• Strong problem identification and solving skills.
• Advanced knowledge of workshop and program design.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and video‑conferencing platforms.
• Ability to learn new computer programs and software systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written), and the ability to employ active listening skills, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising, and counseling skills.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of professional judgment and discretion while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to provide a high level of customer service and responsiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to handle frequent interruptions and still meet multiple deadlines.
• Experience developing and giving presentations to students; the ability to present information in a manner that is appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize effectively, multi‑task, and meet deadlines.
• Must be committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included.
• Must demonstrate a sensitivity to, understanding of, and ability to work effectively with the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community.
• Ability to attend occasional early morning, evening or weekend events.
• Strong ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member.
• Familiarity with bar admissions requirements relevant to international and LLM students.
• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn Berkeley Law’s internal operations and strategy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with complex U.S. visa and immigration procedures, compliance issues, and employment eligibility/authorization for international students.
• Knowledge of the U.S. and international legal job markets, and how they relate to academic planning.

Education / Training

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Advanced degree in a related area, such as a Juris Doctor, a Master of Law (LLM), and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $70,000.00 - $90,000.00. This is an exempt, monthly‑paid position. This is a full‑time (40 hours/week) career position eligible for UC benefits.

Additional Information

• This position is eligible for up to 20% (1 day/week) remote work within the United States. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H‑1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for SV.

Background Check

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

How To Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.