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Title:
DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS- LAW
Division:
LW Department: University of Maine School of Law
Location:
Law School Building, 246 Deering Avenue, Portland Campus
Schedule:
Regular business hours and travel as required
Organizational Relationships:
Reports to: Associate Dean for Student Services
Supervises: Work-study students, temporary employees
Coordinates with: Law School Registrar, Dean, Admissions Committee,
Administrative Assistant for Admissions, Director and Assistant
Director of Advancement and Alumni Development, Director of
Career Services, alumni volunteers, law student volunteers, Law
School Admissions Council, Law School faculty and staff.
Statement of the Job:
The Director of Admissions at the University of Maine School of Law has primary
responsibility for planning, organizing, administering and implementing a comprehensive
student recruitment and admissions program at the Law School.
Essential Functions:
1. Develop, design and implement successful marketing and recruitment strategies to promote
the Law School to prospective students with appropriate academic credentials and of
diverse backgrounds.
2. Manage regional and national recruiting efforts and oversee representation of the Law
School at recruiting events, including the Law School Admission Council national forums,
college recruiting events, visits with pre-law advisors at principal feeder schools, and
collaboration with other institutions. Take the lead in direct communications and
interviews with students, involve local alumni/ae in recruitment efforts and plan receptions
and events as appropriate. This aspect of the position involves extended travel for periods
ranging from days to over a week at a time.
3. Responsible for answering questions from prospective students requiring in-depth
knowledge about the Law School program and application procedures. Inquiries come by
phone, e-mail, and “walk-ins” to the Admissions Office, and the Director is expected to
develop the knowledge and expertise to field the majority of questions that arise, being
forthright and candid about challenges while putting the Law School in the most positive
light. Responsible for telemarketing and telephone contact with students and pre-law
advisors. Using the Law School Admission Council’s Candidate Referral Service, send
direct mailings to prospective students from targeted geographic areas, with selected
admissions credentials or profiles. Follow up on these contacts while engaging current
students and student organizations, alumni, faculty, and staff. Track and analyze
effectiveness of recruiting methods.
4. Counsel, advise and interview prospective and admitted first year and transfer students,
from both traditional and non-traditional aged populations, and clearly communicate about
admissions requirements and the admissions process.
5. Understand the financial aid system and options for our law students, and serve as a liaison
for our students with the USM financial aid office.
6. Coordinate review of applications by Faculty Admissions Committee and assist the
Committee in analyzing and evaluating credentials of applicants and transfer students.
Work with the Dean and the Admissions Committee to coordinate offers of scholarships to
accepted applicants.
7. Plan and implement programs and events for prospective and admitted students including
open houses, interview opportunities with faculty and staff, and regional alumni/ae
receptions and interviews for prospective students and accepted applicants. Oversee
program planning, scheduling, invitation design and mailing, and arrangements with
caterers for Admissions Office events.
8. Responsible for development and preparation of recruitment and marketing literature for
admissions, including catalogues, brochures and forms, and the Admissions Office website.
9. Develop, cultivate and organize alumni/ae, faculty, staff, and current students to assist with
admissions recruitment efforts.
10. Oversee the admissions process and the operation of the Admissions Office, including
oversight, training and evaluation of admissions staff, application flow, time frames, staff
priorities, maintenance of the admissions database, and long-range planning for recruitment
and admissions. In coordination with the Law School Registrar, manage the law school
admissions software (ACES2), and write, run and analyze various admissions reports
utilizing Admit-M.
11. Develop and maintain contact with the Law School Admissions Council and other
organizations and individuals to promote the Law School’s admissions objectives.
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Marginal Functions:
Supervisory Responsibilities:
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Budget Responsibilities:
Manage the Admissions Office budget, including, in coordination with the Associate Dean for
Student Services and the Director of Finance and Administration, the budget for fee waivers
and matriculation scholarships.
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Professional / Public Activities:
Maintain current knowledge pertaining to admissions-related functions, the Law School, and
developments in legal education nationally. Remain current with appropriate technology.
Participate in relevant committees within the Law School, the University of Maine System, and
the wider legal academy. Maintain membership and involvement in regional and/or national
organizations related to admissions.
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Internal / External Activities:
Internal Contacts: Work closely with all department and ranks.
External Contacts: Communicate with general public, legal community, prospective law
students, college pre-law and career services advisors, other prospective
feeder institutions, Law School Admissions Council and other law schools,
outside agencies and vendors, other University campuses and the System
office.
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Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Knowledge and experience in higher education administration and college and university
admissions; in-depth understanding of the law school admissions process and the factors
involved in making admission decisions; and competence in developing and implementing a
marketing/promotional plan and related materials. Special sensitivity to the needs of all
individuals regardless of race, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or county of origin.
Excellent written and oral communication, presentation, and interpersonal and organizational
skills. Effective at working independently and as a member of a team. The position requires
extended hours including evenings and weekends, during various time periods. Ability to lift
and transport moderately heavy loads. Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously,
often with changing priorities. Knowledge of the capabilities of electronic data processing to
accomplish admissions objectives including extensive knowledge of all aspects of the
Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn and utilize ACES2, website software and other
software systems.
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Qualifications:
Required:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited higher education institution and at least
two years experience in an educational setting or the equivalent. Demonstrated
strong organizational, interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
Willingness to travel; must maintain a valid driver’s license.
Preferred:
J.D. degree or a Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline. Prior experience in
a law school admissions office.
For Office Use Only:
Approved:
11/12/09
Job Family:
19
Salary Band:
105
Unit:
UMPSA
Job Number:
9561
Employee:
Position#:
00015179