Assistant Dean, Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law

Primary Purpose The Assistant Dean, Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law Program reports directly to the Dean of the Law School and supports the faculty environmental, natural resources, and energy committee. This role is primarily responsible for overseeing the Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law program, managing both internal academic components and external outreach efforts, and representing the program on a national and international level. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in environmental law, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at strategic planning, student advising, program development, and building relationships with key stakeholders. Essential Duties Program Management & Development Oversee the Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law program, including JD certificates (Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Energy, Innovation and Sustainability) and the online and in‑person MSL and LLM degrees. Serve as liaison for the program’s environmental clinics and institutes. Work with relevant staff to ensure and report compliance with ABA and NWCCU requirements. Design, implement, and continuously improve academic and outreach initiatives. Develop and propose new program initiatives in line with industry trends and student needs. Represent the program nationally and internationally, promoting its strengths and accomplishments. Serve as a member of the all‑deans team. Student Advising & Curriculum Oversight Oversee the three‑year curriculum planning process for in‑person environmental courses and online courses. Help faculty and adjunct faculty with course loads, rotations, and review student evaluations each semester. Host an annual environmental curriculum orientation session for JD students. Advise JD students on course selection, career planning, and program opportunities. Review and approve JD student applications for environmental certificates, working with the Registrar. Serve as a resource for the Assistant Director of the program in managing relationships with prospective and current MSL and LLM students. Serve on the Admissions and Scholarship Committees for online and in‑person LLM and MSL students. Serve as one of the advisors to the law review, Environmental Law. Faculty & Staff Management Supervise the Assistant Director and Program Coordinator, ensuring effective team collaboration and task completion. Manage the hiring and evaluation of adjunct faculty for environmental law courses. Set and organize regular meetings of the environmental faculty steering committee. Oversee and implement new initiatives and ongoing projects from the committee. Marketing, Outreach & Admissions Direct marketing strategies for the environmental law program, including publicity materials and web content. Recruits JD interested in environmental law; attends recruiting events. Oversee recruitment efforts for online and in‑person MSL and LLM programs through outreach, events, webinars, and public speaking engagements. Budget & Resource Management / Fundraising Oversee program budgets and provide income and expense projections. Monitor and approve department expense submissions and track expenditures. Coordinate with development staff on funding initiatives and donor relations. Conferences and Events Oversee conferences and events such as Distinguished Environmental Visitor lecture, Huffman Lecture, environmental symposium, and other planned activities. Attend and participate in events that promote the program locally and nationally. External Relationships Engage with external organizations and committees that promote the program. Develop and maintain relationships with alumni and current/potential employers and externship supervisors. Student Scholarship, Clerk and Fellow Programs Oversee the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) clerk program, Diehl Fellow Program, and Wyss Scholars Program. Oversee other scholarships in the environmental program. Other Duties as Assigned Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Behaviors Superior leadership and management skills. Excellent organizational and strategic planning skills. Superior interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent problem‑solving, editing, and writing skills. Strong public speaking and presentation skills. Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Proficient in environmental law and policy. Financial management proficiency. Technical proficiency: Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Zoom, Westlaw, LexisNexis. Required Education / Experience Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA‑accredited law school. Five or more years of experience in an environmental law or policy practice. Three or more years of supervisory experience. Preferred Education / Experience Experience working in higher education, preferably within a law school. Advanced degree or additional legal certifications in environmental law or related field. Experience developing and managing academic programs. Experience in academic advising and student counseling. Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Westlaw, LexisNexis, Google Drive, Zoom. Work Schedule Full Time; Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (with flexibility for evening events and travel). Occasional travel required for conferences and meetings. Position is on‑site at the law school campus with occasional remote work depending on program needs. Pay Rate Starting at $105,000 per year with consideration for experience. FLSA Exempt. Physical Requirements General office environment. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to communicate via phone, email, online meetings, and in person. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally. May require travel to conferences and external meetings, including occasional overnight stays. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability or other protected status such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age. Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission, and does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived characteristics prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr