Specialist - Advisor-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Director of Academic Support implements and manages the day-to-day operations of the College of Law’s Academic Success Program (ASP) to promote student learning and enhance students’ academic performance.  The Director provides academic support, programming, advising, and intervention services for law students across the curriculum. The Director delivers and coordinates workshops, individual and small-group academic support, and targeted interventions for students at varying levels of academic need. This role supports the alignment of academic support programming with institutional bar success and student success initiatives. 

The Director demonstrates a strong commitment to student development, inclusive excellence, and evidence-based academic support practices, along with excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Advising & Academic Support

• Teach comprehensive skills workshops for first-year and upper-level students on topics such as class preparation, case reading and briefing, legal analysis, outlining, and exam-taking
• Provide individualized and small-group academic support to students to improve learning strategies, time management, and academic performance
• Support students identified as academically at-risk, on probation, or seeking to improve performance through structured interventions and follow-up
• Ensure alignment of academic support programming with institutional bar success initiatives
• Review student work and provide formative feedback to strengthen analytical, writing and exam skills

• Assist students in developing and implementing individualized academic success plans
• Advise students on academic planning, course sequencing, and workload management in coordination with College of Law advising structures
• Support programming and advising aligned with bar readiness and long-term academic success

Programs & Initiatives

• Manage and oversee daily operations of the Peer Mentoring & Tutoring Program including recruiting, training, and assessment of student mentors and tutors
• Develop and deliver targeted academic support initiatives
• Support the evaluation, continuous improvement, and expansion of academic support programs using student performance data and feedback
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean for Bar Success and other units to ensure alignment of academic support programming across the College of Law

Administration

• Assist with implementation and oversight of program operations, policies, and communications related to the Academic Success Program
• Gather, maintain, and analyze data related to program participation and student outcomes; prepare reports to support program evaluation and decision-making
• Develop and maintain program materials, communications, and online resources describing academic support services and initiatives
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators to support student academic success

Service & Outreach

• Participate in relevant professional societies/organizations such as Association of American Law Schools Section on Academic Support, Association of Academic Support Educators, National Association of Law Student Affairs Professionals, and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators

• Participate in activities devoted to the recruitment and retention of students, including orientation and admitted student programming
• Collaborate with departments/units for outreach programs
• Participate in college level committees and ad hoc committees as needed
• Disseminate information about resources at the law college to meet the knowledge needs of individuals outside law college
• Present on demand workshops for student organizations

Administration

• Hire and supervise student worker who performs a variety of office duties
• Assist in budget tracking
• Support coordination with bar review vendors/companies and other bar and academic support organizations
• Collaborate with colleagues and other departments/units to ensure student academic success
• Gather and analyze data related to programs for adjustment of services
• Develop and update electronic and other communications describing office, services, and programs
• Participate in professional organization and attend professional conferences workshops, seminars, and conventions to monitor and stay current with the best practices in the legal education industry and academic support trends

Supervisory Responsibilities: Directs and oversees the College of Law Peer Mentoring & Tutoring Program and student workers.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Terminal -JD or equivalent

Minimum Requirements

Strong program management and implementation skills

Ability to analyze and use data to inform program improvement and student outcomes

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment

Creative and innovative problem solver

Identify and navigate administrative rules and policies

Effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills

Ability to handle multiple projects, balance priorities, and utilize time management skills

Experience in developing systems to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of services provided

Commitment to inclusive excellence, student success, and professional integrity 

Desired Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of learning theory, academic support strategies, and student development practices, particularly for law students preparing for the bar exam

Familiarity with changes in pathways to lawyer licensure, including the NextGen Bar Exam, and the skills needed to succeed on the bar exam

Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and with varying academic preparedness

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with students, faculty, and staff Abili ty to assess academic challenges and develop targeted student-centered interventions 

Required Application Materials

Resume or CV, cover letter, and three professional references

Review of Applications Begins On

09/23/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

www.law.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.