Director of Law School Academic Success and Bar Programs

Director of Law School Academic Success and Bar Programs (38738) EXTENDEDThe Northern Illinois University College of Law is a public institution dedicated to providing an excellent, affordable legal education to the approximately 300 members of its student body. Northern Illinois University College of Law is located in DeKalb, IL approximately 60 miles west of Chicago.College of Law MissionPrepares students to become effective, creative and ethical lawyers, ready to serve the legal needs of their communitiesEngages faculty and students in a broad range of legal and interdisciplinary research and scholarshipFosters access to law school and the legal profession by traditionally underrepresented groupsInspires students to serve the public interest throughout their legal careersBuilds a unique atmosphere of collegiality and cooperation within the law school communityPosition SummaryThe Director of Law School Academic Success and Bar Programs is responsible for the academic support programs for College of Law students from admission through bar passage, including support for students in a future potential part‑time program.As a small law school with a strong commitment to its students, the Director will often work with students who are struggling with bar passage through multiple attempts. The Director is a member of the full‑time faculty voting on most matters, and is supported in professional development including participation in the ASP and the Legal Writing communities. This is a twelve‑month contract position as a non‑union Instructor, eligible for additional contract terms based on satisfactory performance.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe College of Law’s Academic Success Program (ASP) is among just a few ASPs that are intentionally combined with the Legal Writing Program. In addition to academic success responsibilities, the Director is a regularly rostered instructor in the Legal Writing program.Programmatic PlanningDevelop, implement, and assess short and long‑term goals for the Academic Success and Bar Preparation programs in collaboration with the Dean, Associate Deans and Faculty.Develop, implement, and assess existing and new curricular programming for the ASP and Bar Prep programs in collaboration with the Dean, Associate Deans, and Faculty.Develop, implement, and assess the Legal Writing Curriculum in collaboration with the Dean, Associate Deans, and Legal Writing Faculty.AssessmentAssess the success of the academic success and bar support programs through data collection and analysis and through collaboration with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Deans and Faculty.Participate as needed and directed in institutional assessment programs, including, but not limited to ABA reports, NIU assessment programs, COL assessment programs, AALS reports, and other independent or external studies.Teaching and Other Program DeliveryImplement the day‑to‑day Academic Success and Bar Preparation programs in cooperation with deans and faculty, including organizing and delivering ASP‑oriented seminars, classes, orientations, and other sessions as needed.Individual student study skill and exam preparation (one‑to‑one critique and review of written work).One‑to‑one academic counseling and voluntary advising meetings with 1L, 2L, and 3L students.Teach a regular course load each semester potentially consisting of two or more of the following courses: Legal Methods, Legal Writing I, Legal Writing II, Advanced‑Legal Analysis: Skills and Strategies, Bar Fundamentals, or other courses as identified including overseeing or teaching bar preparation courses such as Bar Fundamentals.Collaborate with the Legal Writing faculty to provide a COL pre‑orientation (currently five‑days) orientation for a select group of students.Develop, deliver and assess materials for this orientation and assess its effectiveness.Academic Success ProgramsPlan, develop, schedule and supervise the delivery of academic success services for 1L, 2L, and 3L students through hiring, training, and supervising ASP Graduate Assistant tutors or an assistant director, and delivering seminars or other sessions.Coordinate with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs to identify and assist first, second, and third‑year students on academic probation or at academic risk.One‑to‑one tutoring for 1L, 2L, and 3L students as needed.Provide individual instruction for selected upper‑level students in exam‑writing seminars.Bar ProgramsAssist in the planning, development, and delivery of Bar programs for upper‑level students and alumni.Deliver winter and summer bar supplement courses for first‑time takers and retakers, in coordination with doctrinal faculty when possible.Offer and deliver one‑to‑one writing and other skills critique and review for students studying for the bar examination during both the February and July study periods.Offer and deliver individual assistance to alumni retaking the bar examination.Additional DutiesCooperate and assist, as needed, with other programs involving oral and written communication skills including moot court competitions.Assist faculty members in integrating bar exam–related materials into their courses, providing outlines of bar‑tested materials, sample bar problems, and related materials.Attend faculty meetings, serve on faculty committees, and complete other community service as assigned.Additional related duties as assigned.Minimum Required QualificationsJuris Doctor from an ABA‑accredited law school.Admission to any state bar where a bar exam is required.Exemplary academic record indicating a comprehensive grasp of core and ancillary law school curriculum.At least two years of experience teaching at the law level in skills programs, academic success programs, and/or bar support programs.Preferred QualificationsMinimum 2–5 years teaching experience in legal writing, appellate advocacy, or other skills courses.Minimum 2–5 years of experience teaching in an Academic Support Program, counseling, and tutoring.Minimum 2–5 years of experience teaching in a bar support program, including work with first‑time takers and repeat takers.Experience working with a diverse student body, including historically under‑represented backgrounds, first‑generation students, and neurodivergent learners.Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon hire).Application TimelineScreening interviews may occur before 9/30/2025. Applications received after this date are welcomed but will be considered as needed.Equal Opportunity StatementIn accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications. NIU complies with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action.The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non‑discrimination policies:Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX CoordinatorHealth Services Building Room 230Email: Phone: ADA AccommodationNIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affkeative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at .Work Eligibility VerificationIn compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.Application MaterialsResume/Curriculum VitaeCover LetterTranscripts (unofficial with official required at hire)List of at least 3 professional referencesOtherSupplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).#J-18808-Ljbffr