Director, Academic Success Program

Job Summary:
Teach relevant law courses and lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of programs that promote academic success, professional skill development, and bar readiness for law students. Utilize expertise gained through legal practice, legal education, or related professional experience to help students strengthen legal analysis, critical thinking, writing, problem-solving, and exam performance skills. Provide leadership in designing student success initiatives, mentoring and coaching students, and implementing data-informed strategies that support retention, academic achievement, and professional development. Foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment that supports diverse learning styles and prepares students for the successful practice of law.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive student success initiatives that support law students from matriculation through graduation and bar examination preparation.

• Teach academic success and skills-development courses focused on legal analysis, legal writing, critical thinking, professional judgment, exam-taking strategies, and other competencies essential to success in law school and legal practice.

• Translate practical legal experience and professional competencies into effective student coaching, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities.

• Provide individualized counseling, academic coaching, and development planning for students, including those experiencing academic or performance-related challenges.

• Design and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and other educational programming that promote academic success, professional readiness, and bar examination preparedness.

• Develop and implement early assessment tools, targeted interventions, and evidence-based strategies to improve student performance, retention, and success outcomes.

• Utilize legal, industry, and educational best practices, as well as emerging technologies, to enhance learning, engagement, and student support services.

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate Academic Success Fellows, peer tutors, student assistants, and other assigned personnel.

• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, legal professionals, and other stakeholders to integrate academic and professional skill development throughout the law school curriculum.

• Track, analyze, and report student performance metrics and program outcomes to identify trends, assess effectiveness, and recommend improvements.

• Partner with the Director of Bar Success to align academic support initiatives with bar preparation and licensure success goals.

• Serve on committees and working groups focused on student achievement, retention, professional development, curriculum enhancement, and strategic initiatives.

• Build and maintain relationships with members of the legal profession and other external partners to identify best practices and support student success efforts.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean, Associate Dean, or Professor of Academic Success.

Education:

  Requires a Juris Doctorate Degree.

  Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:

  Law Licensure

  Experience:

Requires a minimum of two (2) years of experience in legal practice, legal education, teaching, academic support, or a related field. Experience gained through private practice, judicial clerkships, government service, or other legal settings is highly valued. Prior bar preparation instruction is preferred. Demonstrated success in developing programs, mentoring or coaching individuals, improving performance outcomes, and supporting at-risk or underperforming populations is preferred. Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders is required.

 

Leadership:

Responsible for directing and monitoring the work of Academic Success Fellows, student assistants, peer tutors, and other temporary or student employees in support of Academic Success Program initiatives.

Physical Requirements:

Job is physically comfortable; individual is normally seated and has discretion about walking, standing, etc.  May occasionally lift very lightweight objects.

Working Conditions:

No major sources of working conditions discomfort, standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to

occasional noise, crowded working conditions, minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems, and/or up to 40% use of PC terminal.

Application Instructions:

In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume. Please note that you can add other documents to this list that your department requires, such as a cover letter, 3 professional references, and official transcripts, etc.

Application Deadline:

Review of applications will begin on November 18, 2026.

Compensation:

The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Cindy Harm[email protected]

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Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees.  The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus.  As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search. 

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.