Job Description

Executive Director, Academic Success & Bar Programs, Office of Student Affairs

Law School Student Affairs, Lincoln Center

Fordham University

 

Fordham University has an excellent reputation as a dynamic institution located in New York City.  Founded in 1841, Fordham enrolls more than 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its 9 Colleges and Schools. 

 

• Fordham University offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• We offer tuition remission for employees and their dependents 
• A generous employer match towards a 403(b) retirement plan.
• As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), Fordham is considered a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, a federal program designed to forgive student loan debt for employees of certain public and certain nonprofit employers.
• As part of its work-life balance program, the University provides generous PTO including 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 2 personal days, 6 summer Fridays, and holidays that include paid time off between Christmas and New year.  
• University employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP provides no-cost, professional, and confidential services, to help employees and family members address a variety of personal, family, life, and work-related issues.

 

Hybrid Policy:       

Please review the Hybrid Policy here.

https://www.fordham.edu/human-resources/policies-guides-and-agreements/hybridremote-work-policy-for-administrators/

 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Diversity, the Executive Director serves as the primary individual within the Office of Student Affairs to spearhead academic and bar programming.

 

This position is primarily responsible for overseeing and enhancing a comprehensive suite of academic and bar support programming and oversees the day-to-day operations of the academic support offerings within the law school with specific responsibilities, including the management and development of the 1L academic support program, the management of the Empowering Every Mind program and the enhancement of our bar programs and offerings.

 

Essential Functions        

• Serves as a primary point of contact and advocate for all academic support offerings.
• Develops, manages, and implements initiatives that foster an inclusive and supportive environment, ensuring law students have equal access to resources and opportunities in their legal education and career preparation.
• Provides oversight and direction on all aspects of academic support, including management of direct reports.
• Develops and manages Academic Success Program (ASP) including developing Qualtrics for tracking components of the program; expanding the Fall 1L ASP to include weekly workshops and office hours first-year law students and pilot new section/professor-specific workshops; developing and maintaining 1L ASP Guide; providing individual counseling for first-year students; and hiring, training and overseeing a team of student tutors and teaching assistants to support the 1L Academic Success program and building a platform that is directly tailored to the first-year course schedule and which supports student retention and success.
• Oversees the Empowering Every Mind (EEM) Program, including serving as a primary point of contact and advocate for neurodiverse students, offering general guidance, mentorship, academic support, and other resources; creating initiatives to promote academic success, professional growth, and overall well-being; and organizing workshops, seminars, and events to build community among neurodiverse students and to ensure a shared experience.

 

Essential Functions Note

This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

 

Management Responsibilities  

Supervises the work of other Fordham employees who are individual contributors. Responsible for hiring, training and developing, managing performance and administering corrective action. Has significant input in compensation decisions.

 

Additional Functions      

• Implements programming that impacts student performance and liaises with faculty and other departmental stakeholders to ensure student success.
• Maintains and enhances modules for use within the ASP on general topics, including but not limited to time management, introduction to 1L study skills, outlining, and exam preparation.
• Monitors and participates in national conversations regarding academic support and bar programming.
• Spearheads community building program for first-year students, including but not limited to Family Day.
• Raises awareness about neurodiversity and creates a supportive community among students, faculty, and staff.
• Educates faculty and staff on best practices for supporting neurodiverse students in academic and professional settings.
• Fosters partnerships with external organizations and professionals to expand resources and opportunities for neurodiverse students.
• Works closely with disability services and academic advisors to ensure compliance with ADA regulations and provide appropriate accommodations.
• Maintains records of student progress, feedback, and program effectiveness to inform ongoing improvements and demonstrate outcomes.
• Conducts regular assessments and surveys to gather input from program participants and stakeholders.
• Develops reports and host meetings with key supporters of EEM to offer updates on program successes.
• Supports the overall mission of the Office of Student Affairs and any related student services initiatives as required by the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs.

 

Required Qualifications: Education and Experience        

• J.D. degree or equivalent
• Minimum of 8 years of student support experience in a higher education institution or a law firm.

 

Required Qualifications: Knowledge and Skills     

• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and manage innovative programs
• Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google suites.
• Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working with neurodiverse populations, preferably in an educational or legal setting, is preferred.

 

Minimum Starting Salary: $155,000

 

Maximum Starting Salary: $175,000

 

Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

 

START DATE: ASAP

 

APPLY HERE: https://careers.fordham.edu/postings/8601

 

ABOUT FORDHAM

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its 9 colleges and schools.  It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre in the United Kingdom. 

 

Fordham University is committed to excellence through diversity and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

 

Fordham is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories

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