Boston University School of Law (BU Law) is a top-tier law school, consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the Top 30 generally and in the Top 10 for Health Law, Tax Law, and Intellectual Property. The School of Law is committed to attracting and retaining a high ability, diverse student body that is well-prepared to make substantial contributions to a dynamic and constantly evolving legal market upon graduation. Located along the banks of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, BU Law is part of Boston University, the fourth largest private university in the United States and a vibrant hub of intellectual, scientific, and cultural activity.
The Position
Reporting to the Dean, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs is a vital member of the senior management team at Boston University School of Law. The Associate Dean provides strategic leadership, direction, and assessment for all student affairs functions designed to build community and support the ongoing success of a diverse and highly talented student body pursuing the JD degree. The Associate Dean leads a team of three staff responsible for the design and delivery of a wide range of professional enrichment and social programming; individualized academic and personal advising/coaching/counseling of students; support to approximately 30 student organizations, student-edited law journals, and affinity groups; advocacy, coordination, and collaboration with other Law School and University services including behavioral health, disability services, event management, campus police, and risk management; and crisis management of issues directly impacting students. As a member of the Dean’s leadership team, the Associate Dean provides oversight and direction for the law registrar monitoring strategic goals and outcomes of this unit, providing advocacy for needed resources, and assessing overall satisfaction with services. Additionally, the Associate Dean serves on numerous faculty committees including Academic Standards and Dual-Degree Programs. Ensuring compliance with University and legal requirements concerning student concerns and disciplinary issues, as well as the ongoing activities of the law student government and other law student organizations is an important responsibility of the Associate Dean. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs will manage a budget of $750,000 and total organization of eight staff, including four direct reports.
Qualifications
An advanced degree is required (JD preferred). The successful candidate will have a progressive track record of professional experience in higher education, law school administration, or other comparable arenas demonstrating strong leadership and management skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and high facility to advise and counsel individuals—including those dealing with significant stress and/or complex health issues. A systems-oriented, strategic approach, coupled with advanced analytical skills and ability to assess needs and deliverables in a effort to ensure high quality services and lead change where needed are essential for success. An understanding of legal issues in higher education and best practices with regards to building healthy sustainable communities; familiarity with legal education/curriculum and the evolving landscape of today’s legal market; and an ability to build collaborative relationships while serving as a champion for students will also be important considerations in the selection of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Application and Nomination
Review of applications will begin February 28, 2014, and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, a resume with an accompanying cover letter must be submitted via the SJG website at www.spelmanandjohnson.com under the link Open Positions. If you would like to make a nomination for this position or a confidential inquiry about this search, please contact Valerie Szymkowicz at vbs@sjgsearch.com.
SJG – The Spelman & Johnson Group
BU School of Law – Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Valerie B. Szymkowicz, Senior Associate
Visit the BU School of Law website at www.bu.edu/law
Boston University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.