Director for Student Development, Student Affairs

Director for Student Development, Student Affairs The Director for Student Development leads strategic initiatives that promote respectful dialogue, collaborative engagement, and the development of professional identity among law students. Through thoughtful programming, partnerships, and advising, the Director embeds values of professionalism and civil discourse into the full student experience at the Law School. Responsibilities Strategic Leadership – Support a collaborative approach to Student Affairs services around student professional identity and civil discourse. Lead the Professionalism Working Group and partner committees to shape policies and programs that embed professionalism and constructive dialogue across the student experience. Represent the Law School in university‑wide efforts related to civil discourse. Student Development & Professional Identity Formation – Develop and implement workshops, speaker series, and resources that support students’ growth as ethical, professional legal practitioners. Collaborate with the Office of Career Strategy, Toll Public Interest Center, externship office, faculty, and student leaders to coordinate professionalism training across all student programming. Serve as a resource for students navigating professional conduct, ethical decision‑making, and identity formation. Partner with the Director for Student and Community Engagement to support student organizations in modeling professional norms and inclusive leadership. Prepare sessions for the 1LAP cohort and new student orientation on professional identity formation, networking, authenticity, inclusive leadership, and professionalism skills. Support academic programming and leadership development for merit scholarship programs, including Levy Scholars, Silverman Scholars, and the Franklin Scholars. With the Director of Student Engagement, shape and enhance the Morris Fellows program to strengthen mentor preparation and community building. Provide strategic oversight of the Law School’s Inn of Court, planning operations and member engagement with the goal of fully managing the program within two years. Academic Activities & Civil Discourse – Design and facilitate programs across all class years that encourage respectful dialogue across ideological, cultural, and political differences. Collaborate with faculty, student groups, and external speakers to host forums, debates, and roundtables on complex legal and societal issues. Advise and strengthen student‑led journals by supporting editorial leadership and fostering scholarly excellence. Develop programming that introduces the concept of civil discourse to 1L students during orientation. Utilize restorative practices and conflict resolution techniques to support constructive engagement in moments of tension. Support individual students on discourse and expression issues, working with the Associate Dean of Students when needed. Serve as primary liaison with the University’s dialogue offices (e.g., Open Expression, Office of Equal Opportunity, Office of Religious and Ethnic Interests). Student Affairs & Career Strategy – Assist with key Student Affairs events such as orientation, community events, graduation, and more. Engage in regular meetings with the Student Affairs team to ensure collaborative office culture. Work closely with the Office of Career Strategy professionalism liaison to coordinate relevant programming. Collaborate consistently with the Office of Career Strategy to advance shared goals. Other duties as assigned. Requirements At least five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership in student development, higher education, or legal professional training. Experience designing and implementing programs that foster professional identity formation, civil discourse, and values‑based engagement, preferably in the legal profession. Experience supporting students from diverse backgrounds, including across cultural, socio‑economic, or professional experiences. Background in institutional management, student services, or the legal industry is valuable. Strong understanding of the professional legal environment and its expectations for emerging practitioners is preferred. Excellent portfolio of events and programs that demonstrate creative thinking about student development and collaboration across systems. Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or JD preferred, with concentration in higher education or a related field. Knowledge of legal education is highly desirable. Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Job Details Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Law School Pay Range: $79,500.00 – $105,000.00 Annual Rate Special Requirements: Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co