"Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, School of Law"

Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies, School of Law

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia School of Law seeks an Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies. The Assistant Dean manages the day-to-day operations of the Law School’s Graduate Studies Program, which is geared primarily toward international students who have completed the first degree in law. The program consists of LL.M. and S.J.D. students, plus a small number of visiting scholars.

The primary responsibilities of the Assistant Dean are to manage the operations of the Graduate Studies Office, manage the graduate admissions and recruiting process, and serve as a liaison between graduate students and other Law School and University departments and personnel. Specific duties include:

Recruiting and Admissions:

• Develop and implement marketing plans for recruitment and admissions, including preparing print and electronic materials for prospective students.
• Manage in-person and online recruitment events with appropriate staffing.
• Respond to questions from applicants and prospective students.
• Review applicant files, make admissions decisions, and provide recommendations for financial aid.

Student Services:

• Develop and manage graduate student orientation as well as other graduate student programming.
• Provide career development counseling, including guidance on preparation of resumes and cover letters, and holding mock interviews.
• Advise students in various areas of student life.
• Advise students on academic matters, including course selection and eligibility for bar admission; make referrals to academic support resources at the Law School.
• Serve as a liaison to the University’s International Studies Office.

The Assistant Dean works closely with the faculty Director of the Graduate Studies Program. The Assistant Dean supervises one full-time employee and one wage file reader.

A Master's degree is required; a J.D. or LL.M. from an ABA-accredited law school is preferred. At least five years of relevant work experience is required. Experience in higher education, particularly in admissions, student services, or international student and scholar services, is a plus. The successful candidate will have excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills; previous managerial experience; a collaborative mindset; the ability to work diligently in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment; and proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel). Familiarity with LSAC Unite is preferred. International travel is expected.

This position requires most work to be performed in person at the Law School, with the opportunity to perform a limited amount of work remotely in accordance with Law School policy. This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits here.

This position will remain open until filled. Review of applicants will begin on December 23, 2025. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

To Apply:

Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0078537/Assistant-Dean-for-Graduate-Studies-School-of-Law. Complete the application, and upload the following required materials:

• Cover letter - outlining your interest in working with internationally-trained lawyers and highlighting your relevant experience and background.
• CV/Resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate.

Please note that ALL REQUESTED documents MUST be uploaded in the resume submission field, and you can combine documents into one PDF.

Applications that do not have all the required documents will not receive full consideration.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Sarah Davies, Senior Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at sdavies@law.virginia.edu. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter at hjv5vm@virginia.edu.