​Assistant Director of Career & Professional Development - Judicial Clerkships & Fellowships

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

Assistant Director of Judicial Clerkships & Fellowships will serve as a key member of the law school’s Career Services Office, dedicated to supporting students and alumni seeking to secure judicial clerkships. The Assistant Director will provide comprehensive career counseling, develop strategic partnerships with the judiciary, and oversee programs and initiatives that enhance students' and graduates' competitiveness for clerkship positions. Additionally, this role will play an integral part in identifying and assisting with specialty fellowship development pipelines.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:

Supervises student workers, temporary personnel, administrative staff, and volunteers as needed. Reports to the Dean of Career & Professional Development, Lauren Jackson.

NATURE AND SCOPE:                   

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff, and students in the School of Law and other University departments.  External contacts include judges, organizations focused on judicial placement, serve as liaison to the Judicial Clerkship Committee, and other important contacts as deemed necessary.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Judicial Clerkship Advising:

• Provide individualized career counseling to students and alumni interested in
• judicial clerkships, including state, federal, and international positions.
• Guide students through the application process, including resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, and navigating the OSCAR system (Online System for Clerkship Application and Review).
• Offer specialized workshops, panels, and informational sessions on the benefits of judicial clerkships and strategies for securing them.

2. Partnership Development:

• Cultivate relationships with judges, court administrators, and public interest employers to create opportunities for clerkships and public sector employment.
• Collaborate with alumni who have clerkship experience to build mentoring and networking opportunities for current students.
• Organize and lead outreach initiatives to enhance the school’s reputation within the judiciary and public interest communities.
• Assist with developing relationships with prominent fellowship organizations.

3. Program Management:

• Develop and manage programs that increase students' and graduates' exposure to clerkships, such as clerkship boot camps, alumni panels, and judicial internships.
• Track and analyze data on clerkship placement and public interest employment to assess the effectiveness of programs and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Administer funding opportunities, including stipends and fellowships, to support students pursuing unpaid clerkships.
• Manage clerkship resources for the office such as the Vermont Clerkship Guides, NBLSA Judicial Directory, CORA, and other relevant sites.

4. Diversity and Inclusion:

• Advocate for and support underrepresented students in pursuing clerkships and public interest careers, ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities.
• Develop initiatives to increase diversity within judicial clerkships, including partnerships with affinity groups and diversity organizations.

5. Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work closely with faculty, administration, and other career services staff to integrate clerkship advising across the curriculum.
• Represent the law school at regional and national conferences focused on judicial clerkships and relevant public interest areas.
• Stay informed of trends and developments in judicial clerkships to provide the most current and relevant advice to students and alumni.
• Develop a clerkship advisory committee to assist with clerkship application review and advising.

CORE COMPETENCIES:   

• Experience in career services or academic advising in a law school setting.
• Proven track record of placing students or graduates in judicial clerkships.
• Active involvement in professional organizations related to judicial clerkships or public interest law.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience in judicial clerkships, either through serving as a clerk or in a related advisory role.
• Familiarity with fellowship recruiting and application process.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including students, alumni, and judges.
• Familiarity with the judicial clerkship application process, including OSCAR.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range - $75,000 - $85,000