University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Director of Private Sector Recruiting, Office of Career Strategy

Job Profile Title

Director B, Student Services, Advising

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is one of the nation’s oldest and most distinguished law schools. The school offers a distinctive cross-disciplinary legal education, drawing on the depth and breadth of the University of Pennsylvania. The resulting intellectual opportunities and professional relationships bridge traditional boundaries and disciplines, making the Law School an extraordinarily supportive academic community for its scholars and students alike.

Penn Carey Law staff play a critical role in providing a world-class educational environment, supporting faculty, students, alumni, and fellow staff members in a collaborative and ambitious environment.

The Director of Private Sector Recruiting is the primary architect of Penn Carey Law’s private sector recruiting programs and career development strategies. The Director develops and implements employer outreach initiatives, develops and administers on- and off-campus recruitment programs and events, and provides direct counseling and career services to students (with a nonexclusive focus on those pursuing private sector employment) through programs, resources, events, and individual counseling.

The Director holds a regular full-time position and reports to the Associate Dean for Career Strategy. This position is hybrid work eligible.

Job Description

Responsibilities include:

STRATEGIC

Develop and maintain deep expertise across evolving law firm and other private sector job markets to support successful career outcomes for University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School students and graduates.

• Conduct private sector market research and analysis to inform curricular innovation, program development, student services, and job search support.
• Share market expertise in a variety of internal and external forums continuing to represent the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School as a market leader in the legal talent industry.
• Monitor student geographic, practice area, and employer interests to inform student services and employer outreach initiatives.
• Collect and analyze student input and feedback on private sector recruiting career support and activities.
• Provide counsel to the Associate Dean on strategic policy and programmatic decisions related to private sector recruiting and the private sector legal marketplace.

COUNSELING AND PROGRAMMING

Oversee the design and implementation of recruiting programs for University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School students and graduates.

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of private sector recruiting programs to ensure ongoing success and alignment with the needs and interests of students and demands of the evolving marketplace.
• Oversee administration of law school sponsored or affiliated private sector recruiting programs and job fairs for J.D. students.
• Oversee private sector employer communications highlighting recruiting opportunities, events, and programs and introducing the unique talents and skills of University of Pennsylvania Carey Law students.
• Evaluate the efficacy of programs and services through student and employer feedback, tracking outcomes, and leveraging metrics.
• Inspire a culture where evaluation, feedback, innovation, and creative problem-solving are valued.

In collaboration with Office of Career Strategy colleagues, design and implement educational programming, resources, and events for J.D. students.

• Direct and oversee ongoing programming and workshops to prepare students for the private sector recruiting process and collaborate with colleagues throughout the Law School, employers, student groups, bar associations, and/or law school consortia, as appropriate, on programming to ensure student success in the marketplace.
• Oversee the development of resources to prepare students to succeed in private sector recruiting programs.
• Ensure the development and lead the implementation of innovative educational events, currently including an annual Law Firm Practice Area Fair and Mock Interview Program.
• Evaluate the efficacy of programs, resources, and events through student feedback, tracking outcomes, and leveraging metrics.

Counsel Penn Carey Law students and alumni.

• Provide career counseling and job search support to Penn Carey Law students and alumni, with a nonexclusive focus on private sector employment.
• Conduct mock interviews, and review and provide feedback on application materials including resumes and cover letters.

MANAGEMENT

Manage and support colleagues working with students pursuing private sector careers.

• Supervise the Associate Director, Recruiting Programs and Employer Relations.
• Hire and manage a Graduate Assistant each year.
• Lead regular private sector recruiting team meetings and ensure OCS counselors are up to date on private sector recruiting market.
• Maintain a dotted line report to office administrative coordinator, student workers, and staff supporting seasonal private sector recruiting programs.

REPRESENTATIONAL

Manage private sector employer relationships.

• Develop and implement an evolving market outreach plan for law firms and other private sector employers based on market conditions, market research, and Penn Carey Law student and alumni interest.
• Build and cultivate relationships with private sector employers through ongoing communication, meetings (both virtual and in-person), and regular outreach.
• Oversee communication with private sector employers regarding their recruitment needs and participation in Penn Carey Law recruiting programs.

Represent the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School to internal and external audiences.

• Present strategic and administrative reports related to private sector recruiting programs, career outcomes, and recommendations to law school leadership.
• Participate actively in committee work at the Law School to further the mission of the Office of Career Strategy, the Law School, and/or the University.
• Represent Penn Carey Law in professional association groups related to legal career strategy, including the National Association for Law Placement, as well as local recruiting and bar organizations. Participate regularly in NALP activities, including attending conferences.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Qualifications:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: The successful candidate will hold an advanced degree, J.D. strongly preferred and have a minimum of a Bachelors degree and five to seven years of progressively increasing responsibility in legal career services, academic administration, or a law firm or business environment. Experience with career counseling and/or in higher education preferred. The candidate will have a history of working successfully with diverse constituencies, including employers, faculty, alumni, current students, prospective students, and colleagues. We seek candidates who have established track records as collaborators in the workplace.

A cover letter is required with job application.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Law School

Pay Range

$61,046.00 - $115,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay