Willamette University

Assistant Director, Law Career Planning

Closes: Nov 23, 2026

Salary: $65,000 per year

& Development

Posting Number: R0007334
Location: Salem Campus

ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:

Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon's top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest's oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master's degrees in data science and computer science.

Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, [contact details available in the full listing] or call us at [contact details available in the full listing].

POSITION SUMMARY

Willamette University School of Law is the oldest law school in the Pacific Northwest and a continued leader in Oregon and the Northwest in employment outcomes for its graduates. The Office of Career Planning and Development is dedicated to advancing our students' career goals through a diverse array of professional programs designed to facilitate the transition from law student to attorney. We are proud to provide robust support for mentoring relationships with attorneys and judges, connections to attorneys in different practice areas, networking opportunities, career development seminars and informational panels. Our goal is to prepare students for a successful career search and career.

The Assistant Director for Career Planning & Development works in partnership with and supports the Assistant Dean and Associate Director of Career Planning & Development in providing career counseling, job and career training, and networking opportunities for students and alumni. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting in developing programs and workshops, managing relationships with the legal community, collecting employment data, and assisting with the Externship Program.

Service to law students and alumni includes, among others, the following activities:

Providing guidance and counseling to students and alumni
Developing and conducting a variety of workshops and programs
Providing networking opportunities
Facilitating interview and job fair programs
Collecting employment data
Participating in local and state bar and/or other professional activities
Cooperation with University career services office to advance institutional career services objectives

RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Services to Students and Alumni

Provide one-on-one or group career counseling sessions, in person or virtually.
Assist with planning and presentation of workshops, panels, and training events.
Identify and communicate career opportunities to students and alumni.
Strategize with students and alumni on career goals and steps to achieve them.
In cooperation with Assistant Dean and Associate Director(s), collaborate with faculty and staff on programming.
Assist with implementation of various career programs such as the pro bono honors program, public interest law program, on campus interviewing (OCI), mock interviews, judicial clerkships, and/or the attorney-mentor program.
Guide students who are exploring various routes to bar licensure, including the bar exam in various states, as well as new paths such as Oregon's Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination.
Assist with the Externship Program by developing externship opportunities, supporting hosts, supervisors, and students, and coordinating site visits to ensure alignment with educational objectives.

Reporting & Statistic Surveys

Assist with collection of data regarding employment and externship for strategic planning and external reporting to entities such as the ABA, U.S. News, and NALP.
Develop one-on-one relationships with students and recent graduates to provide guidance and job opportunities, and to facilitate data collection.

Outreach to Students, Employers, Alumni/Marketing/Public Relations

Develop and maintain relationships with employers, attorneys and judges across the legal spectrum.
Where assigned by Associate Director or Assistant Dean, participate in local and state bar or other professional activities, including the Oregon Legal Recruiters Association.
Represent Willamette Law at professional events, accompanying students where needed.
Communicate job and networking opportunities to students and alumni via various media channels.
Assist with Externship program and Externship class coordination, enrollment, and implementation.

Additional Administrative Duties

Work with communications staff on messaging.
Stay informed on legal job market trends.
Develop familiarity with appropriate software used for reporting, tracking, and communications.
Provide web-based resources for students and alumni, including online job listings.
Other duties or projects as may be assigned by Assistant Dean or Dean.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

Degree: Juris Doctor from an ABA accredited law school but Masters Degree or other substantial relevant experience may be considered as well.
Experience: One or more years of relevant professional experience, with a preference for applicants with legal or other relevant job experience.
Strong communication, problem-solving, design-thinking, and organizational skills.
Commitment to legal education and cultural diversity: Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, gender orientation, ethnicity, or religion.
Technical Skills: comfortable with social media tools, Google Workspace Suite and Microsoft Office systems, with the ability to learn new software systems quickly.
Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with various stakeholders to establish and maintain harmonious and productive professional relationships.

Preferred

Understanding of the evolving legal employment landscape, especially in Oregon.
Demonstrated success in enhancing and expanding professional opportunities and skills for students and alumni.

Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, some evening and weekend work; occasional travel may also be required in connection with employer visits.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Typical work is performed indoors in a normal office environment

Salary: $65,000 annually

You will need to upload the following documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:

Cover letter addressing the required/desired qualifications and presenting any other applicant characteristics which deserve emphasis
Current resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received until the position is filled.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:

Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments -- listed at the bottom of the page -- must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.

Apply online at https://willamette.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/willametteuniversityjobs/job/Salem-Campus/Assistant-Director--Law-Career-Planning---Development_R0007334

Believing that diversity contributes to academic excellence and to rich and rewarding communities, WU is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff and student body. We seek candidates, particularly those from historically under-represented groups, whose work furthers diversity and who bring to campus varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.

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Willamette University

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AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover Willamette jobs, connecting talented professionals with rewarding career opportunities at one of Oregon’s leading private liberal arts universities. Willamette University, located in Salem, Oregon, is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and civic engagement, making Willamette uni jobs highly appealing to academics and professionals globally. Willamette careers offer a supportive and vibrant environment for individuals to thrive. Willamette university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the university’s key areas of academic specialization, including liberal arts, law, business, environmental science, and data science. Employment Willamette includes roles such as faculty instructors, adjunct professors, academic advisors, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing Willamette jobs Salem, the university’s historic campus, across from the Oregon State Capitol, provides a collaborative workplace in a culturally rich and politically significant city. Willamette uni vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in teaching, interdisciplinary research, and administrative roles. Jobs at Willamette University cover fields like political science, theatre, and sustainability studies, aligning with the university’s mission to foster critical thinking and societal impact. Each Willamette vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to a close-knit academic community dedicated to student success and global responsibility. Willamette University Employment Opportunities are diverse, with Willamette job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to operational and student support roles. A Willamette Career offers the chance to join an institution that values diversity, intellectual curiosity, and community engagement. Willamette uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest Willamette vacancies. Jobs at Willamette uni are ideal for those passionate about advancing liberal arts education and civic leadership. Willamette job postings include positions in history, psychology, and professional services such as admissions and IT support. Willamette Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with Willamette Uni vacancies, providing a seamless pathway to join a forward-thinking university driving progress in Oregon and beyond.

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Assistant Director, Law Career Planning