Associate Director, Academic & Bar Success

Job Description

The Office of Academic \& Bar Success (ABS) is central to the College of Law’s student success and bar passage strategy. Reporting directly to the Dean of Students, the Associate Director, Academic \& Bar Success serves as a strategic co-leader of the office, holding primary ownership of academic success programming, at-risk identification, and early intervention, while sharing joint responsibility with the co-Associate Director for the office’s overall programmatic direction, data-informed assessment, and accreditation compliance.

In addition to direct student counseling and teaching, this role independently designs and leads a fellows program of approximately 15-20 academic-success fellows, including full supervisory authority over hiring, training, and performance management. This position works directly with the Dean of Students in setting the office’s strategic goals, evaluating program effectiveness, and representing the office in cross-departmental and, at times, external contexts.

The position also carries a teaching component of up to six credit hours per calendar year, with preference given to assignments in academic success and bar preparation subject areas; these courses are required for graduation and taken throughout all three years of the J.D. program.

Education and Experience

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar, or eligibility for admission within one year of hire
• Demonstrated experience in academic support, bar preparation, or law student success programming
• Experience supervising staff, tutors, or student employees, including hiring and performance management
• Strong data literacy, including experience tracking student outcomes and translating data into program improvements
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to counsel students from a wide range of backgrounds, including first-generation and neurodivergent learners
• Willingness and ability to teach up to six credit hours of coursework per academic year, as assigned

Skills and Knowledge

• Prior law school or graduate-level teaching experience, particularly in academic success, bar preparation, or related skills-based subject areas
• Familiarity with the NextGen Bar Exam format and content areas
• Experience designing or facilitating academic skills workshops or curricula for law or graduate students
• Experience supporting accreditation compliance and reporting
• Prior experience in a law school or professional graduate academic office

Responsibilities

Academic Success Strategy \& Direct Counseling

• Designs, directs, and continuously improves academic success programming for the College of Law
• Collects and analyzes admissions data coupled with first-year grades to identify at-risk students and implements targeted individual and group interventions
• Assesses referrals from faculty and the Office of Student Experience to coordinate appropriate interventions for students of concern
• Provides initial academic plan review under the Structured Curriculum policy
• Delivers individualized coaching on study techniques and exam performance, and reviews student work product to provide skills-based feedback
• Designs and leads academic skills workshops for all first-year law students across two cohorts on key academic skills for success such as critical reading, time management, note-taking, and exam preparation
• Directs the pre-1L Orange Edge program, including coordinating with Admissions to determine program size and credentials, planning and implementing curriculum designed to ready students for the rigors of law school, and coordinating guest speakers

Academic Success Fellows Program Leadership

• Builds and leads the Academic Success Fellows program (approximately 15-20 fellows annually), including curriculum design for peer-led study groups, recruiting, hiring, training, performance management, and payroll approval
• Implements procedures to ensure fellow-delivered support aligns with office learning outcomes

Teaching

• Teaches up to six credit hours of credit-bearing coursework per calendar year
• Priority will be given to teaching assignments in academic success and bar preparation subject areas, consistent with programmatic goals, such as LAW 734: Foundational Skills for Academic Success, and LAW 800: Foundational Skills for Attorney Licensing
• Assignments may also include related doctrinal or skills-based electives

Bar Success Collaboration

• Provides additional support during the bar cycle for students needing bar preparation counseling, workshops, and NextGen Bar Exam readiness programming
• Supports alumni retaker coaching and bar preparation workshops as needed and helps answer questions related to bar admission and character and fitness applications

Strategy, Assessment \& Communications

• Working with the Dean of Students, partners with stakeholders to set annual and long-range programmatic goals for the Office of Academic \& Bar Success, with a focus on Academic Success
• Collects and analyzes data on academic performance, at-risk outcomes, and bar passage to inform program design and satisfy accreditation reporting requirements
• Maintains accurate records of student contacts, advising sessions, and program participation
• Maintains the Academic \& Bar Success website and student-facing communications
• Assists in planning and presenting at New Student Orientation
• Participates in campus-wide student success initiatives

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About The Syracuse Area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000\. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

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