Associate Dean for Student and Academic Services, School of Law

About the Opportunity

The Associate Dean for Student and Academic Services at Northeastern University School of Law provides strategic leadership and direction in developing and implementing programs and policies to enhance students' experience at the School of Law. The individual in this role oversees all aspects of student affairs, including student advising, student programming, academic support, crisis intervention, and policy enforcement, and, working in conjunction with other School of Law Associate Deans, supports academic affairs functions. This role requires strong collaborative skills, a commitment to fostering partnerships across the university community, and dedication to advancing institutional policies and priorities while supporting the law school’s mission. The ideal candidate will be committed to enhancing the student experience and fostering an inclusive, supportive, and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff, as well as ensuring efficient academic operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge and skills required for this position are typically acquired through a J.D. or Master’s Degree in a relevant field (i.e. higher education, social work, etc.).

• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, student affairs, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in leading teams and managing staff.

• Demonstrated understanding of the different backgrounds, experiences, and needs of a diverse student population, with the ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of students, faculty, staff, and external partners.

• Experience navigating complex organizational structures and managing relationships with university administration to advance shared goals.

• Demonstrated adaptability and ability to navigate and deescalate challenging situations, as well as to handle sensitive and confidential matters.

• Excellent organizational and verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.

• Ability to proactively identify issues and develop strategies and plans to support student academic success and improve the student experience.

• Track record of leading organizational change and improving efficiency of operations, including by designing new processes, assessing impact, and developing improvements.

• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and a high level of comfort using online data management systems.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

1)  Student Affairs Leadership (40%):

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Office of Academic & Student Affairs (ASA), with the goal of enhancing student experience and operations.

• Manage budget and resource allocation as well as staff responsible for day-to-day office operations related to academic advising, registration, course scheduling, examinations, student record keeping, and student group support.

• Collaborate with other administrators, faculty, and staff to create a student-centered culture that values belonging.

• Actively participate in the Academic and Student Life Committee, Agenda Committee, and the Community Council and coordinate ASA participation in School of Law committees as requested by the Dean to ensure that the student experience and academic operations are appropriately considered in law school governance processes. 

• Work closely with School of Law departments such as Admissions, Financial Aid, the Center for Co-Op and Career Development, Communications, the Law Library, and the Office of Computer Services to ensure coordinated services for students.

2)  Academic Affairs Operations (25%):

• Implement academic processes, enforce academic policies, and ensure that documentation, communication, and outcomes are aligned with law school policy and professional standards.

• Certify students for bar admission, including character and fitness certification.

• In collaboration with other Associate Deans, monitor and ensure compliance with accreditation standards and ensure appropriate collection and reporting of ASA data to the ABA and other organizations.

• Coordinate with the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, the Associate Dean for Digital Strategy, and other appropriate program administrators to ensure that ASA meets the student and academic affairs needs of JD, LLM, MLS and other School of Law student populations.

3)  Student Support Services (20%):

• Serve as the senior leader and primary point of contact for student concerns and provide guidance and support to other members of the administrative leadership team with respect to student concerns and crises.

• Advise students experiencing personal crises, facing major academic or personal challenges, or raising significant concerns about their academic experience.

• In conjunction with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, advise and support faculty working with these students, as well as with students with disability accommodations and students with a significant number of absences.

• Engage with university legal counsel, university compliance, and other university offices as needed to ensure appropriate and timely resolution of student issues.

• Oversee management of exam accommodations, postponements, and other exam irregularities.

• Manage student misconduct investigations and student disciplinary referrals.

4)  Student Affairs Related Programming and Engagement (15%):

• Lead planning and execution of key events, including orientation for JD students and graduation for all School of Law students, and oversee the offering of other programming focused on student well-being, academic support, and professional development.

• Engage regularly with the Student Bar Association leadership.

• Working with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, offer, support, and/or coordinate training on ways to enhance the student experience, such as strategies for conflict resolution or creating an inclusive learning environment.

• Collaborate with the Center for Student Involvement to implement University policies related to student affairs and engagement.

• Lead School of Law collaborations with university departments related to student affairs, including We Care, University Health and Counseling Services, the Center for Student Involvement, Disability Access Services, and the Office for University Equity and Compliance; participate in weekly Pulse and CARE meetings or assign an ASA designee.

Documents to Submit: Please upload one PDF document that includes your CV/Resume and Cover Letter.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.