Program Title
Program Director - Legal Education and Equity (Training, Placement, Internship & Workshops)
Location
Remote
Reports To
CEO
About the Role
The Program Director of Legal Education and Equity leads the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of legally focused education programs with an emphasis on equity, inclusion, and access. The role oversees curriculum development, instructor training, student placement and internship pipelines, practical workshops, and industry partnerships. This position manages program operations, ensures alignment with regulatory and accreditation standards, and drives revenue through program delivery and partnerships. A strong track record in legal education, talent development, and an equity-centered approach is essential. The role includes a profit-sharing component tied to program outcomes and organizational milestones.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy and Leadership
- Develop and execute the long-term vision for legal education programs with a focus on equity, access, and outcomes.
- Establish program goals, success metrics, budgets, and a scalable delivery model.
- Lead a multi-disciplinary team (curriculum designers, instructors, training coordinators, placement coordinators, and partners).
- Curriculum Design and Instruction
- Oversee the development of high-quality, practice-oriented curricula for various tracks (e.g., bar exam prep, legal research, internship readiness, professional ethics, regulatory compliance).
- Ensure curricula reflect up-to-date legal standards, diverse perspectives, and inclusive teaching practices.
- Coordinate instructor onboarding, training, and ongoing professional development.
- Training and Capacity Building
- Design and deliver train-the-trainer programs for instructors and mentors.
- Create standardized teaching methodologies, assessment rubrics, and feedback loops.
- Implement equity-focused pedagogy and accessibility accommodations.
- Placement, Internships, and Real-World Experience
- Build and manage a robust placement and internship pipeline with law firms, corporate legal departments, NGOs, government agencies, and clinics.
- Establish clear criteria, onboarding processes, supervision guidelines, and evaluation methods for internships.
- Track placement outcomes, student progress, and industry feedback; adjust programs to improve placement rates and quality.
- Workshops, Events, and Outreach
- Plan and execute practical workshops, moot courts, clinics, mock interviews, negotiation labs, and career panels.
- Collaborate with external partners for guest lectures, site visits, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Manage marketing, recruitment, and enrollment campaigns for workshops and programs.
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- Champion initiatives to enhance access for underrepresented groups in legal education and the legal profession.
- Monitor program demographics, retention, and success gaps; implement targeted interventions.
- Foster inclusive learning environments and culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Partnerships and Stakeholder Management
- Cultivate partnerships with academic institutions, law firms, bar associations, and industry organizations.
- Negotiate MOUs, sponsorships, and revenue-sharing agreements that align with program goals.
- Represent the program in internal governance bodies and at external events.
- Operations, Compliance, and Quality Assurance
- Ensure compliance with accreditation, licensure, and continuing education requirements.
- Monitor program quality using standardized assessments, feedback surveys, and performance analytics.
- Oversee budgeting, procurement, vendor management, and resource planning.
- Data, Analytics, and Reporting
- Establish data dashboards to measure student outcomes, placement rates, internship quality, and ROI.
- Prepare regular reports for leadership, funders, and accreditation bodies.
- Use data to drive continuous improvement and strategic decisions.
- Profit Sharing and Compensation
- Define performance-based profit-sharing framework linked to program revenue, placement outcomes, and equity targets.
- Ensure transparent, auditable methodologies for distributing profit shares among eligible staff.
- Align incentives with organizational values and long-term program sustainability.
Qualifications
- Education: Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent legal qualification; advanced degree (e.g., LLM, MBA) preferred.
- Experience: 7–12 years in legal education, professional development, or equivalent program management; track record of leading curricula, internships/placements, and equity initiatives.
- Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, manage cross-functional projects, and partner with external organizations.
- Instructional Design: Experience developing curricula and training programs, with measurable outcomes.
- Equity Expertise: Proven commitment to DEI in education and the legal profession; experience implementing inclusive practices.
- Communication: Excellent written and oral communication, public speaking, and negotiation skills.
- Data & Analytics: Comfort with learning analytics, outcomes measurement, and program evaluation.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with accreditation standards, bar requirements, and continuing legal education (CLE) frameworks.
Preferred Qualities
- Experience building partnerships with law firms, in-house legal teams, and non-profit sectors.
- Demonstrated success in scalable program design and revenue generation.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and manage competing priorities.
Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- People Leadership and Mentorship
- Stakeholder Management
- Curriculum Development
- Equity-Centered Design
- Project and Budget Management
- Data-Driven Decision Making
Work Environment
- Full-time, exempt role
- Hybrid/Remote or on-site depending on location and partnerships
- Travel up to 20–30% for partner meetings, events, and placements (where appropriate)
Performance Indicators
- Graduation and completion rates; participant satisfaction scores
- Internship and placement rates, quality of placements, and sponsor satisfaction
- Equity metrics (diversity, inclusion, retention, and progression)
- Revenue growth, cost management, and profitability of programs
- Partner engagement and renewal rates
- Compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards
Compensation and Benefits
- Base salary commensurate with experience
- Profit-sharing or incentive plan tied to program profitability and equity targets
- Health, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development stipend
- Flexible work arrangements and wellness benefits
Application Instructions
- Please submit a resume, a cover letter addressing your approach to equity in legal education, and a brief proposal outlining a 12- to 18-month program plan (curriculum, internships, and key partnerships).
- Include examples of past program outcomes, metrics, and any relevant certifications.
Equal Opportunity
- We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
