Director of Externships and Public Interest Programming

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

Basic Function

The purpose of this position is to: (a) manage the operations and growth of externship, public interest and pro bono programming, including supervising all adjunct professors teaching externships; (b) teach externship courses including the General and Advanced Externship classes as well as other externship courses as needed; (c) manage relationships with externship partners, including regular site visits (d) develop new public interest and externship programing as needed. This position typically reports to the Clinic Director and performs special projects as requested by Senior Management.

Supervisory Accountability

Supervises externship instructors.

Nature And Scope

Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, staff and students in the School of Law and other University departments. External contacts include government officials and a myriad of law affiliated institutions, agencies, and organizations, vendors, clinic clients, alumni, sponsor representatives, visitors and the general public.

Principal Accountabilities

Works with the Director of the Clinical Law Center and relevant Senior Management to develop a strategic vision for the law school’s public interest and externship programming. This includes developing new externship programs, integrating externship adjunct faculty into the scholarly/teaching community, developing programming for externship and Clinical Law Center alumni, creating curricula, organizing speakers, participating in staff hiring decisions as needed, assisting with fundraising and grant management for the Clinical Law Center, assisting with developing the Civil Rights Moot Institute, planning strategies to fulfill ABA requirements related to experiential learning, and participating in other projects as determined by the Director of the Clinical Law Center and other Senior Staff.

Helps to ensure that the Clinical Law Center is in compliance with all ABA guidelines and other relevant regulations.

Manages all aspects of Externship programming, including recruiting students, organizing open houses, training adjunct faculty on externship pedagogy, managing all logistics, ensuring compliance with best

practices, developing vision and managing growth.

Manages public interest and pro bono programming, including growing the HPILS auction, advising the Howard Public Interest Law Society, expanding fellowship opportunities, publicizing pro bono opportunities, expanding the number of students recognized for fulfilling pro bono pledge requirements.

Manages and grows the Alternative Spring Break program and other public interest-related programs.

Works with the Director of the Clinical Law Center to shape budget priorities and to manage budget.

Immerses himself/herself in clinic/externship pedagogy; keeps abreast of developments in the field.

Develops public interest fellowships, scholarships and stipend to facilitate students’ work in public interest programs.

Teaches the General and Advanced Externship courses and other externship courses as needed.

Coordinates field placements of the law students in the judicial system, various levels of government, public interest organizations, and non-profit organizations nationwide and in the Washington Metropolitan area.

Manages externship instructors, providing training, curricula and supervision as needed. Ensures that all externship courses comply with ABA standards and incorporate best practices.

Plans and manages civil rights appellate moots, in collaboration with the Clinic Director.

Provides case coverage when appropriate and necessary.

Fills in for other Clinical Law Center staff, including the Director and Assistant Director as needed.

Core Competencies

Demonstrated experience in designing, organizing, and operating programs.

Demonstrated experience in public speaking, training, curriculum development, developing and conducting education and outreach programs.

Ability to coordinate outreach and relationship building with faculty, local and national leaders in various legal fields to advise them of the Clinic, become familiar with their work, and gain assistance and support, as needed.

Ability to represent the Law School in a professional and exceptional manner.

Demonstrated commitment to social justice, civil and human rights, and working with a diverse group of constituencies.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Competent use of technology to help with program management and development, including Microsoft products, google docs, etc.

Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines and direct staff in delivering quality customer services.

Ability to develop effective relations with faculty, staff and students.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and law degree required, as well as three years practice experience in an administrative and/or supervisory capacity. Previous experience in the area of organizational management, higher education, clinical programs, externship programs, and/or the provision of community legal services is desirable. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $91,909 - $101,100