I.
Title:
SENIOR ADVISOR FOR STUDENT SERVICES
Division: LW Department(s): Student Services
Location: Law Building
Schedule: 9-months- Mid August to Mid May; 8:00am - 4:30pm (M-F); plus occasional
evenings and weekends as needed.
Organizational Relationships
Reports to: Associate Dean for Student Services
Supervises: Student workers, including work study
Coordinates with: The Director of Career Services, the Director of Admissions,
and the Administrative Support Specialist for Career Services.
Also coordinates with the Law School deans, faculty, staff,
students, and alumni; USM Administrative and Academic
offices; external audiences including representatives of federal
and state agencies; private and public sector employers; law
firms; members of the bench and bar; prospective and
admitted students, undergraduate pre-law advisors, career
services office staff, student organization leaders, outside
vendors, and other constituencies.
II.
Statement of the Job:
The Senior Advisor for Student Services assists the Associate Dean for Student Services in
achieving the goals and objectives for the department. This is a full-time position with
work hours divided between the Department of Student Services, and the Offices of Career
Services and Admissions. The Senior Advisor participates in the planning and provision of
services for prospective, current, and former students. This includes career counseling,
academic counseling, and supervision of academic support teaching assistants. This
position assists students and graduates in making well-informed career decisions and in
locating and securing employment. The individual in this position has considerable daily
interaction with prospective students and current students and provides admissions,
academic and career advising assistance. The Senior Advisor must exercise sound
independent judgment, use discretion and maintain confidentiality in all interactions with
the Law School community and its various constituencies.
III. Essential Functions:
1. Provide academic counseling to law students, including visiting and transfer students.
2. Provide career counseling to law students and recent graduates, including reviewing
cover letters and resumes.
3. Advise students on career development topics, such as networking and selection of
internships.
4. Plan and implement student development programs within the Law School.
5. Assist with the Externship Program, including advising students, facilitating classes,
conducting site visits, and reviewing course materials.
6. Field and respond to student concerns, problems, and complaints; drawing upon and
involving USM’s resources (including University Health Services and Counseling
Services), when appropriate.
7. Make recommendations to the Associate Dean for Student Services as to Law School
scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships.
8. Serve as an advisor to the Student Bar Association and other student organizations
with respect to student activities, and attend Student Bar Association meetings.
9. Assist with planning and coordinating major academic social functions, such as
Orientation and Graduation, and working with student organizations in planning their
events
10. Plan or assist with minor events for Student Services, with an emphasis on Career
Services events.
11. Plan and implement the Bar Review Workshop.
12. Participate with the Associate Dean in the strategic design and marketing for content
of any Student Services publications or web pages.
13. Draft correspondence, memoranda, and other documents.
IV. Marginal Functions:
Other duties as assigned
V.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Recruits, trains and supervises student employees and volunteers for administrative
projects.
VI. Budget Responsibilities:
Responsible for understanding budget limitations for purchasing and travel decisions.
VII. Public/Professional Responsibilities:
The Senior Advisor will be responsible for staying informed on trends and best practices
in the admissions and career services areas.
VIII. Internal/External Contacts:
~see above~
IX. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The position requires excellent judgment, strong interpersonal skills, discretion, the ability to
maintain confidentiality, good humor, strong verbal and writing skills, the ability to make
decisions quickly and fairly, and the ability to work with a widely diverse group of students.
Possess an attitude that fosters a respectful, non-threatening workplace environment.
X. Qualifications:
1. A J.D. degree.
2. Strong customer service orientation. Excellent organizational, verbal and written
communication, proofreading, interpersonal, and problem solving skills.
4. Ability to handle confidential information, work independently, exercise sound
judgment, and meet deadlines
5. Skill with office equipment including computers, photocopiers, fax machines, printers,
and other equipment.
6. Ability to work with grace under pressure and to prioritize multiple tasks.
Preferred:
1. Experience in academic or law firm environment (or other professional setting) with
customer service and/or event planning experience.
2. Experience in higher education administration.
For Office Use Only
Approved Date:
Job Family:
Salary Band:
Unit:
Job #:
Employee:
Position #:
08/27/2012
18
104
UMPSA
TBD
TBD
00021924