Director of Student Affairs

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• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Are you passionate about helping future lawyers thrive? Penn State Dickinson Law is seeking a dedicated, student-centered leader to serve as our Director of Student Affairs. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Dean, you will provide leadership and comprehensive support to law students across our law school’s two locations. From pre-orientation through graduation, you will champion student success, well-being, and engagement.

ABOUT THE ROLE

In this dynamic role based in University Park (State College), PA, you will serve as a primary resource for students facing personal, academic, financial, or health-related challenges. You will connect them with university support resources, services, and accommodations. You will oversee student support services, signature programming such as New Student Orientation (NSO), character and fitness counseling for bar exam applicants, accommodations, policy administration, and student organization activities, and you will lead the student affairs office and staff. If you enjoy building meaningful connections with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and university partners in a fast-paced academic setting, we would like to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

Student Care, Wellness, and Support

• Provide holistic support to students facing personal, social, emotional, or academic challenges, including matters of care and concern, conduct, professionalism, bias and harassment, basic needs, and leaves of absence.
• Mentor student leaders, encourage professional identity development, and address behaviors that affect the learning environment
• Support new student orientation, signature law school events, and commencement activities

Disability Accommodations and Accessibility

• Lead programming that makes students aware of Penn State Student Disability Resources
• Coordinate classroom and testing accommodations, including proctoring of accommodated exams, with faculty, offices, students, and IT, so that implementation is timely, consistent, and compliant at both locations
• Process and certify accommodation documentation for licensing exams, including the MPRE and bar examinations.

Student Organizations and Leadership Development

• Guide the Associate Directors of Student Affairs in supporting recognized student organizations, student activities, and leadership programming
• Help resolve student organization issues, and oversee annual updates to student organization policies, registration, and leadership training
• Provide leadership to the Associate Directors ensuring support for student organization activities, events, and meetings, including event organization, logistics, and purchasing.

Program Management and Policy Administration

• Keep current on law school and university policies, ABA Standards, and state bar admission requirements
• Manage Student Affairs policies and communications, including the Student Academic Handbook, intranet content, and public web resources
• Lead daily Student Affairs operations at University Park and oversee co-curricular initiatives
• Provide support for planning and executing of annual New Student Orientation and Commencement activities with the Senior Assistant Dean.
• Support ABA accreditation and university reporting through data collection and documentation

Character and Fitness Administration

• Direct character and fitness education and counseling with the Academic Success and Bar Preparation team
• Advise students on disclosure requirements for law school and bar applications.
• Manage the annual character and fitness disclosure process to support law school certifications

Law School and University Service

• Serve on committees that advance student success and institutional initiatives, and help carry out committee recommendations and strategic projects
• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Assistant Dean.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required

• Experience in higher education administration or student affairs/services
• Education in Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, or law (J.D.)

Preferred

• Law practice experience and/or higher education administration experience
• Knowledge of ABA Standards, disability accommodation practices, and bar character and fitness requirements
• Proven ability to build partnerships and lead programs in an inclusive, student-centered setting

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

Juris Doctor with at least 2 years of law practice experience and/or higher education administration experience accepted.

ABOUT PENN STATE DICKINSON LAW

Penn State Dickinson Law is a close-knit community committed to preparing students for successful, purposeful legal careers. Our Student Affairs team works across the Carlisle and University Park locations to create an inclusive, supportive environment where every student can build resilience, well-being, and a strong professional identity. We believe in student-centered service, collaboration with faculty and university partners, and a dynamic mix of programming that connects students to the resources they need to thrive. Join us and help shape the next generation of lawyers.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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