About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
Under the general programmatic direction of the Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students, the Director of Student Legal Services directs the legal and administrative operation of the Student Legal Services Office (SLSO); acts as legal counsel to and provides policy advocacy for student governance bodies and student leaders on issues of concern to the student body; provides legal services to students and student groups; and, develops and directs a community legal education programs.
Essential Functions
- Provides leadership, oversight, supervision and strategic direction to the legal and administrative operation of the Student Legal Services Office (SLSO).
- Directs the implementation and evaluation of policies, procedures, and prevention efforts related to legal issues impacting students.
- Provides supervision for professional staff within the Student Legal Service Office; responsible for recruiting, training, and evaluating the performance of direct reports.
- Works with the SLSO Advisory Committee, Student Government Association (SGA), Graduate Student Senate (GSS), Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life, and the Dean of Students in the development and implementation of the mission, goals, and objectives of SLSO.
- Serves as legal counsel to SGA, GSS, their agencies, and Registered Student Organizations; provides advice, counseling, and training on a broad range of federal and state laws and Trustee policies; drafts proposed Trustee policies, state statutes, and municipal ordinances and bylaws in areas reflecting student concerns; provides policy advocacy for purposes of promoting, opposing, or influencing legislation and/or actions of governmental officials on matters affecting the interests of students.
- Provides legal assistance to students, including legal advice and counseling, referral to outside legal counsel, legal document preparation, representation, mediation, litigation, policy advocacy, and lobbying; educates students on legal rights and obligations and the legal process.
- Develops and implements a comprehensive multimodal legal education program that delivers information to students via webinars, virtual and on campus programs/events, newsletters, websites, direct mail/email, and event invitations.
- Oversees the creation and maintenance of all department communication, publication, and marketing materials.
- Develops and implements a comprehensive assessment plan for programs and services for assigned areas of responsibility. Uses data and best practice to develop and implement programs and services for the campus community and provides support, consultation, and training for faculty, staff, students, and families.
- Responsible for the maintenance of Student Legal Service Office records.
- Supports the development and management of the budgets in collaboration with SACL Finance. Reviews, understands, and manages relevant budgets; strategically seeks, advocates for, and/or reallocates resources across areas of responsibility consistent with divisional priorities.
- Maintains current working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of law; participates in peer review and continuing legal education; exercises independent legal judgement in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the Legal Profession. Stays abreast of legislation, legal precedent, and best practices as they relate to students and takes steps to ensure office policy and procedures are updated accordingly.
- Maintains effective partnerships with key departments including, Residential Life, Student Conduct and Community Standards Office, Off Campus Student Life, Dean of Students Office, International Program Office, Graduate School, New Student Orientation, Transition and Family Programs, UMass Amherst Police Department, Student Engagement and Leadership, and academic programs.
- Represents the Dean of Students Office and Dean of Students Collaborative on university committees.
- Conducts programs and trainings and may assist in transporting materials and supplies.
Other Functions
- Performs related duties as assigned or required. Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.
- Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.
- Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with university policy.
- Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university-related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience)
- Doctoral/terminal degree Juris Doctor degree from an accredited institution, membership in the Massachusetts Bar (or the ability to acquire admission by the date of hire).
- Five (5) years of experience in the practice of law, including 2-3 years of experience supervising attorneys and/or law students.
- Significant experience in and current knowledge of the following areas of law: housing; consumer; family; immigration; labor/employment; civil rights; criminal; (college based) student conduct proceedings; and Title IX.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in developing and maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with internal and external constituencies.
- Demonstrated computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite applications.
- Experience working with and/or serving diverse populations.
- Demonstrated experience creating and delivering trainings, workshops, and presentations.
- Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.
Certifications, Licensure
- Membership in the Massachusetts Bar.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Significant experience providing legal education and advice to designated client constituencies.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office environment.
- Lift/carry 30 lbs. of training materials and supplies.
- Stand for extended periods of time conducting trainings/workshops.
Work Schedule
- Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
- Required to work occasional nights and weekends for outreach and programmatic efforts.
Salary Information
Level 32
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references. This position will remain open until filled or the advertised closing date, whichever occurs first. Early submissions are recommended.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.