About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

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 community legal education programs for students and student groups.

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 SLSO 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 Government (GSG), Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life, and the Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students in the development and implementation of the mission, goals, and objectives of SLSO.
• Serves as legal counsel to SGA, GSG, 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 SLSO 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 practices to develop and implement educational programs for the campus community.
• Responsible for the maintenance of Student Legal Service Office records.
• Supports the development and management of budgets in collaboration with the Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students and 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, Global Affairs Office, Graduate School, New Student Orientation, and Family Programs, UMass Amherst Police Department, Student Engagement and Leadership, and academic programs.
• Represents the Dean of Students Collaborative on university committees and supports collaborative programs and initiatives.
• 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 within 180 days of date of hire).
• Seven (7) 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

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.