Assistant Director – Center for Co-op and Career Development

About the Opportunity

The Center for Co-op and Career Development oversees all aspects of career planning for the law school's Full-Time JD, LL.M., and FlexJD (part-time) programs. Responsibilities include year-round co-op placements, employer outreach and engagement, On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) programs, professional development programming, and postgraduate placement. 

Northeastern University School of Law's year-round Cooperative Legal Education Program (Co-op) is the law school's signature experiential program and a core component of students' professional training. The law school is regularly ranked #1 for Practical Training due to the strength and sophistication of its Co-op program. The program currently partners with more than 1,000 co-op employers across the nation and around the world. 

The Center is also responsible for metric and outcome reporting to the American Bar Association (ABA) and the National Association for Law Placement (NALP). These outcomes directly inform the law school's national rankings and reputation.

 
The Private Sector Team prepares and advises students throughout both Co-op and the Summer Associate recruitment process, connecting them with law firms and companies, and Summer Associate Program placements. This includes: (1) group presentations orienting students to the recruitment process; (2) individual strategy meetings; (3) review and revision of student application materials; and (4) interview preparation through strategy discussions and mock interviews. The team also administers NUSL's Law Firm On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) program.

 
Reporting to the Director, Private Sector, the Assistant Director, Private Sector is responsible for the following: 

• Advising students throughout their co-op experience and supporting their success in the Summer Associate recruitment and OCI process

• Running the Private Sector Team's OCI program

• Engaging with existing private sector employers in the co-op and OCI programs, and conducting outreach to cultivate new employer relationships

• Developing and delivering professional development training, materials, and programming

• Running the Private Sector Team's Guest Advising Program, which connects students with practicing attorneys

• Advising 3Ls and recent graduates in their postgraduate job searches, including consistent outreach, advising, and employment data tracking and reporting

The Assistant Director, Private Sector engages regularly with the broader law school and legal communities through networking events and participation in professional associations. This position also assists with co-op and OCI administrative operations as needed. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support networking events and employer engagement activities. 

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. and at least 3 years of legal work experience in the private sector

• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, with a genuine interest in serving as a resource to a diverse student body

• Strong attention to detail, problem solving skills, exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage time and priorities, including multiple tasks and deadline pressures

• Strong customer service orientation

• Technological proficiency

• Ability to attend and participate in occasional night and weekend events to support student and employer engagement activities as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Biglaw, student advising, career counseling, student mentoring, student services, legal recruitment, or professional development.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Student Co-op and Career Advising (50%)

• Provide comprehensive co-op and entry-level job advising services to students. This includes advising students on co-op selection and post-graduate job search strategy, reviewing resumes and cover letters, conducting mock interviews, providing guidance to students on co-op, and advising students on short and long-term long co-op and career planning.

• Maintain updated information about hiring trends in the legal private sector.

Employer Outreach and Support (15%)

• Engage with existing private sector employers involved in co-op and post-graduate recruitment programs, fostering relationships and providing support as needed.

• Conduct outreach to develop new employer relationships, expanding opportunities for student placements in Summer Associate Programs and other co-op positions.

• Assist employers with the student placement process and handle issues that may arise during co-op placements.

• Administer and execute the robust On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) program.

Professional Development Programming (25%)

• Create and deliver professional development training, materials, and programs to prepare students for the recruitment process, including assisting in organizing the School of Law’s ’s Law Firm OCI program.

• Execute and manage the Private Sector Team’s “Guest Advising Program,” connecting students with attorneys to provide insight into the legal profession.

• Develop and deliver group presentations to orient students to the recruitment process, helping them prepare for initial screening interviews and career planning.

Administrative Support (10%)

• Assist with administrative tasks as needed to support co-op/OCI operations, ensuring smooth and efficient processes.

• Participate in miscellaneous special projects to support the Private Sector Team and the overall operations of the Center for Co-op and Career Development.

Position Type

Student Services

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:

109S

Expected Hiring Range:

$67,855.00 - $95,845.00

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.