Assistant Dean for Career Services

Employer: Lewis & Clark College

Location: Portland, Oregon (US)

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Jan 22, 2026

Position Type: Administrative

Employment Level: Senior-Level

Employment Type: Full Time

Institution Type: Private Four-Year Institutions

Job Details

PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Assistant Dean for Career Services at the Law School is primarily responsible for leading the Career Services team, directing strategic initiatives that enhance employment outcomes for law students and alumni, and shaping the planning, development, and implementation of comprehensive career-focused programs. The position reports directly to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. The ideal candidate will possess deep familiarity with the Portland and greater west coast legal community, strong leadership and coaching skills, and a demonstrated commitment to supporting individuals across diverse identities and backgrounds. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at building partnerships, guiding career development conversations, managing high-impact programs, and making informed, strategic decisions that advance the law school’s mission and student success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Lead Strategic Career Development Initiatives

• Develop and implement long- and short-range strategies that expand employment opportunities for law students and alumni.
• Shape career planning programs, policies, and operational procedures that align with American Bar Association (ABA), National Association for Law Placement (NALP), and Association of American Law Schools (AALS) standards.
• Evaluate program effectiveness using data and trends, and direct changes to enhance outcomes.

Direct Student and Alumni Career Advising

• Coach students and alumni on career exploration, job search strategy, professional identity formation, and application materials.
• Present career-related content in the first-year Foundations course and other settings.
• Review résumés, cover letters, and supporting documents using tools such as Symplicity or Twelve20 (career services management platforms) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Manage Department Operations and Staff

• Supervise three full-time team members, setting goals, providing coaching, and guiding professional development.
• Oversee the departmental budget, making informed decisions about expenditures and resource allocation.
• Establish data collection protocols and oversee the preparation of statistical and outcomes reports using platforms such as Symplicity, Twelve20, Excel, and institutional reporting systems.

Partner with Internal and External Stakeholders

• Build strong relationships with employers, bar associations, legal organizations, and members of the Portland legal community.
• Represent the law school at professional meetings and events focused on employment, recruiting, and career development.
• Collaborate with law school leadership and faculty to align career services strategy with student needs and institutional priorities.

Maintain Compliance and Promote Inclusive Practices

• Ensure all career services programs align with federal, state, local, and professional regulatory requirements.
• Maintain transparent and accurate employment outcomes reporting for institutional planning and accreditation processes.
• Cultivate an inclusive career services environment that supports individuals across all identities, with attention to groups historically underrepresented in the legal profession.

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Proficient in legal career development concepts, including employment trends, recruiting practices, and professional pathways within the legal field
• Excellent communication skills that support clear, compassionate, and effective interactions with individuals across varied backgrounds and identities
• Superior relationship-building skills that foster trust with students, alumni, employers, faculty, and colleagues
• Extremely strong leadership skills that guide, motivate, and develop a team in a collaborative environment
• Proficient in using career services management tools such as Symplicity,Twelve20, and office productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent judgment in making informed, timely, and strategic decisions
• Superior organizational skills for managing multiple priorities, timelines, and complex projects
• Proficient in presenting to groups in academic and professional settings with clarity and confidence
• Extremely attentive to detail when reviewing written materials and managing data or reports
• Excellent analytical skills for interpreting employment outcomes, market trends, and statistical information
• Superior discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information
• Extremely strong commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace through everyday interactions, communication, and leadership practices

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Juris Doctor degree
• Three years of post Juris Doctor experience in a legal, legal-adjacent, or career-focused professional setting
• Experience supervising staff or managing departmental operations
• Experience interpreting or applying professional standards, policies, or regulatory requirements

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Five years of experience in career advising, legal practice, or related professional roles
• Experience working in higher education settings
• Advanced training or certifications related to counseling, coaching, or leadership development
• Preferred Tech: Symplicity, Twelve20, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, institutional reporting or data-tracking platforms

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full Time/Part Time: Full time (1.0 FTE)
• Schedule: Thirty-seven and one-half hours per week, Monday through Friday
• Benefit Eligible: Yes
• Travel: Occasional local and regional travel for employer outreach, professional events, and conferences
• Hybrid/Remote: Hybrid eligible in alignment with institutional policy

PAY RATE

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Starting at $105,000 per year, with consideration for experience