Director of Operations, Mills Legal Clinic, Stanford Law School

 

Director of Operations, Mills Legal Clinic, Stanford Law School

Stanford University



Job Number: 83882

Introduction:

The Mills Legal Clinic (MLC) is one of the premiere clinical legal education programs in the nation, with a significant national profile. It is the umbrella organization containing eleven distinct live-client clinics at Stanford Law School (SLS). The MLC operates as a large public interest law organization within SLS, and has its own management and staffing structure. Enrolling over 150 SLS students each academic year, the MLC advances a dual mission of providing (1) experiential, live-client education opportunities to law students and (2) outstanding legal representation to underserved clients and community partners in core and cutting edge areas of public interest law (immigration, environment, human rights, etc.). Each of the eleven distinct clinics within the MLC is directed by one or two members of the law faculty, and each has at least one additional attorney supervising students in their practice of law. The MLC is also staffed by approximately 10 non-instructional (administrative, finance) staff.

Position:

The MLC seeks to hire an accomplished, self-confident Director who can oversee the administrative and operational functions of the MLC. In this role, you will directly supervise the Clinic administrative staff (who work closely with the faculty directors) and collaborate with other SLS non-instructional units to ensure the smooth operation of the Clinic's educational and law practice functions. You will oversee the support of the Clinic's law practice, in both litigation (state and federal courts and agencies) and non-litigation (transactional, policy) settings, and coordinate all aspects of the clinic's educational functioning, including curricular support and student relations. You will report jointly to the Associate Dean for Clinical Education and to the Senior Associate Dean for Administration, and work closely with the clinical faculty directors and with the SLS administrative and operational leadership.

Core Duties:

Clinic Program Administration

 

  • Ensure that the unique administrative and operational needs of each distinct clinic within MLC are met, through developing a nuanced and detailed understanding of clinical education at SLS.
  • Advise faculty leadership on recommendations for current and future operations of the MLC.
  • Conduct, during the first year of employment, an assessment of operations and processes of the MLC.
  • Participate in MLC management team by assisting Associate Dean in planning clinic operations and by attending (and preparing for) clinic directors' meetings.
  • Promote and strengthen Clinic's unique educational, client-facing, and public service missions within SLS.
  • Perform and manage student-facing communications on administrative and curricular matters, such as enrollment prerequisites, clinic registration, and regulatory compliance issues.
  • Oversee event planning for student-facing (4+/year) and internal (2+/year) events, collaborating with other appropriate SLS units.
  • Manage annual clinic registration process, including preparation of student-facing recruitment and information materials, supervising outside web-system design vendor, coordinating with Law School registrar, and communicating effectively with MLC staff and faculty about registration.
  • Manage MLC external communications in coordination with SLS Communications department, design and execute media strategy to improve and maintain MLC visibility to appropriate audiences and stakeholders.
  • Establish and Maintain MLC Alumni Communications in collaboration with SLS Alumni Relations department with goals of enhancing alumni engagement and financial support of MLC.
  • Represent MLC internally, and as requested on law school committees and initiatives; may represent the MLC to external constituents.

    Administration and Management
     
  • Supervise 10+ administrative staff and provide leadership to achieve goals and vision of the organization as well as the day-to-day operations. Responsible for staff hiring, retention, career coaching, and personal development.
  • Contribute to the MLC culture of commitment to public service, collaboration, excellence, and continual improvement.
  • May independently or in collaboration with human resources managers, guide faculty supervisors in the interpretation and implementation of human resources policies, procedures and programs.
  • Manage administrative staff workloads and backup needs to ensure even distribution of workflow.
  • Supervise legal assistants engaging in complex and varied litigation and transactional case management, including filings in administrative proceedings, state court, and federal court and frequent work with indigent clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Manage MLC-wide administrative functions, such as electronic file maintenance, conflict-of-interest system, and financial accounts (IOLTA and petty cash).
  • Manage, in collaboration with Associate Dean of Clinical Education, the MLC annual operating budget cycle in accordance with instructions from Law School Dean's office; review expenditure reports and track costs.
  • Review and approve all clinic finances.
  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with SLS administrative and operational teams.
  • Interpret, implement and ensure compliance with university academic and administrative policies and procedures.
  • Attend and represent MLC at meetings convened by Senior Associate Dean of Administration regarding overall SLS operations.
  • Undertake strategic planning to integrate Clinic operations with appropriate SLS teams (facilities, events, IT, finance, etc.) to design new systems to ensure functional and efficient allocation of Clinic operational tasks.

    Minimum Requirements and Qualifications:
     
  • Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, including conflict resolution and ability to motivate others in service of collective mission.
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Strong financial expertise in accounting, budget planning and financial forecasting.
  • Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Strong knowledge of industry standards and/or regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.
  • Expertise in business and management computer applications and databases.

    Qualifications Strongly Preferred:
     
  • Experience in academic or other complex organizational environment.
  • Experience in supporting law office operations with a public service goal, such as nonprofit or government law offices.
  • Familiarity with the values and methodologies of public interest law practice or with other nonprofit mission.
  • Appreciation of role of legal services to the indigent or otherwise under-represented to society.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of professional life, including hiring and retaining staff.

    Working Conditions:
     
  • May work extended hours, including weekends, during peak enrollment periods.

    How to Apply:

    We invite you to apply by visiting: https://careersearch.stanford.edu/jobs/director-of-operations-mills-legal-clinic-stanford-law-school-7309

    To be considered, please submit your resume and a one-page cover letter along with your online application.

    Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.





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