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The University of Tennessee College of Law invites applications for the position of Director of the Institute for Professional Leadership. The Institute for Professional Leadership (IPL) is a unique academic program that focuses on guiding students in identifying and developing their leadership skills and professional values, in conjunction with constructing a successful career plan. The IPL offers a rich selection of courses and programs designed to prepare students to be lawyer leaders within the profession and beyond, promotes active community engagement through pro bono opportunities, and serves as a platform for research and scholarly debate in the leadership field. The Director will provide vision and oversight for the IPL's existing programs and activities and will be responsible for expanding and enhancing the IPL's reach and stature. The Director will be an important part of the College of Law's administrative leadership. The position will report directly to the Dean and work more broadly with the College of Law administration to support high-quality instruction, programming, engagement, and professional leadership development. Additionally, the Director will be a member of the College of Law faculty; the nature of the appointment will depend upon the chosen candidate's academic and professional experience and credentials.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and administrative oversight with regard to all aspects of the IPL.
• Assess existing IPL program and structure, making recommendations for any necessary or desirable changes.
• Increase the visibility of and awareness about the IPL locally (including on campus), regionally, and nationally.
• Develop and implement a strategy for expanding and enhancing IPL course offerings, programming, and scholarly engagement, working collaboratively with affiliated faculty and the College of Law's Executive Education and Non-J.D. Program.
• Develop and staff innovative leadership courses and programming for students and lawyers, including online and in-person programs and courses, experiential practicums, and transnational offerings.
• Work with the College of Law's Communications Team to develop, coordinate, and participate in active marketing of the IPL and its programming to various internal and external constituents, particularly through social media and other digital platforms.
• Work with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and affiliated faculty in selecting, training, engaging, and retaining program faculty.
• Provide pedagogical and instructional advice and support to IPL adjunct faculty.
• Cultivate and maintain external relations with alumni, bar associations, practicing attorneys, and other leaders within the legal profession and beyond.
• Engage with and make effective use of the IPL's Advisory Board through regular communications, in-person meetings, and other forms of outreach.
• Manage the IPL's budget.
• Fundraise in coordination with the Dean and Advancement Office.
• Teach one or more leadership courses, alone or in collaboration with other program faculty.
• Regularly assess course and programmatic efficacy.
• Serve on College of Law and University committees as requested by the Dean and/or University leadership.

Required Experience and Abilities

• Law degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Minimum of five years in law practice and/or substantial comparable experience in a law-related professional or educational setting.
• Tenure-track candidates should have a record of scholarship, teaching, and service at an ABA-accredited law school or a record that suggests the ability to achieve tenure at the University of Tennessee.
• Experience in significant leadership roles, particularly related to the legal profession.
• Prior teaching experience in a law school or other higher education setting.

Preferred Abilities and Experience

• Experience with strategic planning and execution.
• Experience assessing programmatic needs and successfully implementing new initiatives.
• Supervisory experience or demonstration of skills that exhibit the ability to carry out supervisory responsibilities with regard to staff and students.
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects and work well with diverse constituents, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and practicing lawyers.
• Experience with online learning pedagogy and course development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reputation for professionalism, integrity, and honesty.

Applications must be submitted through Interfolio. Applicants should submit: (1) a cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and contact information for at least three (3) references.

Screening of applicants will begin on May 24,2023. Applications will be considered when received and will continue until the position is filled.

The Knoxville campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University. 

For questions, please contact Interim Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Brad Morgan at rmorgan2@utk.edu.

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity, 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone 865-974-2498. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.

About University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Our primary mission is to move forward the frontiers of human knowledge and enrich and elevate the citizens of the state of Tennessee, the nation, and the world. As the preeminent research-based, land-grant university in the state, UT embodies the spirit of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement attained by the nation’s finest public research institutions.

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