Director of Externships at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Director of Externships

Req ID: 67667BR

School or Unit: Harvard Law School

Description: Position Description

HLS has the largest externship program in the country. This position directs the placement process for approximately 450 law students who annually participate in clinical externship placements in non-profits, government agencies, and law firms outside of HLS. They also serve as the critical liaison between placement supervisors, faculty and students to ensure that HLS Clinical and Pro Bono Programs are in compliance with ABA standards. They manage the domestic independent clinical project placement process; serve as the resource for in-house clinics that develop external placements. They are responsible for working closely with OCP staff and Externship faculty and staff to encourage diverse and inclusive practices.

As a Director of Externships, your responsibilities will include:

Externship Management

• Manage, coordinate, and regularly evaluate external placements in connection with clinical courses, in order to ensure a strong educational experience for students and compliance with ABA standards.
• Correspond with attorney supervisors, students, and faculty concerning clinical requirements, assignment/selection processes, performance evaluations, reflection essays and other matters arising from the externship program.
• Oversee the process for collection and evaluation of student reflection materials, including reading and responding to student essays.
• Oversee, review, and revise, as necessary, policies and publications related to externship programming, including student handbook, supervisor handbook, placement MOUs, and more.
• Develop programming for externship directors and staff to support learning, best practices, and community.
• Develop and design new placements as needed based on student interests and/or new clinical opportunities.
• Conduct site visits for new placements and to evaluate existing placements as needed.

Independent Clinical Program Management

• Manage and regularly review the independent clinical program strategy, policies, and processes.
• Advise students interested in creating independent clinical opportunities.
• Work with professors, external organizations, and other staff to develop selected independent clinical offerings to meet HLS independent clinical criteria and to ensure compliance with ABA.
• Review and work with Assistant Dean and OCP finance coordinator on reviewing and granting of domestic funding for independent clinical placements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist/participate with Clinical events and panels.
• Counsel students interested in clinical and pro bono opportunities.
• Participate in periodic Externship group meetings and conferences with other law schools.
• Participate in broader HLS student service office initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• JD Degree
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Teams, and facility with learning new databases.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in prior work.
• Strategy and problem-solving ability;
• Excellent written, oral, and electronic communication skills;
• Professionalism, sophistication, and diplomacy in working with and developing relationships with diverse constituencies, (faculty, externship directors, students, practicing attorneys);
• Excellent organizational ability, process development, and operational excellence, including proven ability to manage competing demands and pay attention to detail;
• Knowledge of non-profit/government industry and demonstrated commitment to public service;
• Self-motivation to work independently and follow-through;
• Flexibility and willingness to work cooperatively as part of a team within the Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs and the broader HLS student services community.

Working Conditions

This position is based primarily on campus with the opportunity for flex work based on business needs and manager approval. Regular travel within the Greater Boston area will be required to conduct site visits for evaluating existing or potential externship placements.

Additional Information

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-MH1

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: S0058P FSS Admissions Officer IV

Job Function: Faculty & Student Services

Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 058

Department: Office of Clinical and Pro Bono Programs


Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity


Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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