Career Planning and Development Officer and Associate Director of the Advocacy Institute
Job Description
Fiscal Year
2025-2026Position Title
Career Planning and Development Officer and Associate Director of the Advocacy InstituteClassification Title
Staff AssociateDepartment
Law SchoolPosting Number
P250218Posting Link
https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/58934Employer
StateProfessional Appointment Term
TermSalary Grade
SL4Position Summary
The University at Buffalo School of Law seeks a dynamic, ambitious attorney with strong connections in the legal community to join our student-focused team in this dual-capacity leadership role. The Career Planning and Development Officer and Associate Director of the Advocacy Institute position uniquely integrates comprehensive career services administration with strategic administrative support of our prestigious Advocacy Institute, offering an exceptional opportunity to shape the professional development of future legal professionals.
This position serves as a cornerstone of student success, combining operational excellence with strategic vision to deliver career planning services and advance the School of Law’s advocacy training programs. The successful candidate will be both a hands-on, detail-oriented administrator and a strategic partner in developing innovative programming that connects students with meaningful career opportunities and enhances their competitive advantage in the legal marketplace.
Integrated Leadership Responsibilities
- Career Services Administration: Lead administrative function for comprehensive career planning initiatives including strategic employer relations, recruitment coordination, and personalized student counseling. Serve as the primary architect and implementer of on-campus interviewing, career fairs, and employer/student events, while maintaining data systems and planning career development programming.
- Operational Excellence: Function as the primary contact point and office manager for both divisions, with full responsibility for budget development, fiscal administration, data maintenance through the 12Twenty system, and execution of departmental initiatives. Oversee all financial transactions, vendor relationships, and resource allocation while ensuring seamless day-to-day operations.
- Advocacy Institute Administration: Provide complete administrative and strategic support for all Advocacy Institute programs, including competition coordination, budget management, travel administration, and event planning. Collaborate with Advocacy Institute faculty and students to enhance the Institute’s reputation and expand its impact within the legal advocacy community.
- Strategic Event Coordination: Organize and execute high-impact events including on-campus interviews, career fairs, panel discussions, networking events, Commencement, and advocacy competitions.
This role offers significant autonomy and growth potential for a legal professional who thrives in a collaborative, student-centered environment and is passionate about advancing legal education and career development. There is fluidity and collaboration with other members of the Career Services team.
The University at Buffalo School of Law — the only law school in the State University of New York system — is situated on the flagship campus of a world-class research intensive public university, the largest in the northeastern United States. Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit – all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness.
Learn more:
- Our benefits, where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.
- Being a part of the University at Buffalo community.
University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications
- JD degree with at least one year of related experience.
- Active New York State Bar Admission
- Positive community/employer relationships
- A drive for excellence and desire to always do more to support our students
- Occasional need to flex schedule to attend events outside of typical work hours with advanced notice (e.g., evening career fair, advocacy competitions, bar association events)
Salary Range
$105,000 - $120,000Job Type
Full-TimeIs a background check required for this posting?
NoContact's Name
Jennifer ScharfContact's Title
Vice Dean for Career Services & Co-Director of Advocacy InstituteContact's Email
jrscharf@buffalo.eduContact's Phone
716-220-4875Posted
09/09/2025Deadline for Internal Applicants
09/23/2025Deadline for External Applicants
Open Until FilledNumber of References Required
3*Please mention you saw this ad on Diverse Careers.*