Part Time – Penn State Dickinson Law – Coordinator of the Externship Program

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State Dickinson Law, located in Carlisle, PA has an immediate opening for a part-time Coordinator of the Externship Program. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the successful candidate will work directly with law school students, alumni, externship supervisors, faculty, and staff. The Coordinator is responsible for all the administrative functions of the Externship Program, including the Semester in Practice and Immersive Externship offerings, and works collaboratively with the Associate Dean and program faculty to ensure the effective execution of these duties. 

The anticipated length of the appointment is through at least December 2025. The opening may work virtually and/or in person depending on the successful candidate. It is anticipated the role will require an average of 20 hours a week.

Job Duties

• Support and advise students pursuing partner and new externship placements, including those who want to participate in Semester in Practice and Immersive Externship courses. Process and maintain accurate student records related to the overall Externship Program. Conduct student externship program orientation session at the start of each semester. Oversee and collect applications for the externship parking stipend program.
• Regularly review ABA Standards governing experiential learning and, in conjunction with Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, ensure compliance with standards. Oversee and update the externship program required forms and handbook in compliance with ABA and Dickinson Law policies.
• Communicate to inquiring attorneys and judges the purpose of the Externship Program and the educational nature of the commitment they make by agreeing to participate. Lead the Externship Supervisor application process. Conduct and/or coordinate site visits to participating partner placements each semester.
• Coordinate the dissemination of externship placement opportunities with partners through the Career Services Office.
• Problem-solve issues that arise in externships with faculty, students, and supervisors. Consult on academic-related issues with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs when needed.
• Organize the Experiential Learning Information Sessions each semester.  At the meetings, describe the Externship Program to students and inform them of the procedures and due dates.
• Prepare application materials for each semester; collect applications and interview materials (resumes, unofficial transcripts, and writing samples) from students applying; send interview materials to selected placements requested by students; coordinate offers from placements; and confirm student acceptances with the placements. Assist with coordinating mid-semester meetings between students and externship faculty.
• Conduct program faculty orientations before each semester.   At the orientation, describe the requirements and procedures of the externship program, e.g., time logs, evaluations, absences. Provide feedback to new program faculty about the academic expectations of their courses. Set semester program deadlines including deadlines for required course forms.
• Coordinate with Registrar’s Office on enrollment in externship course sections and experiential learning degree audits. Coordinate with International Programs Office on student work authorization issues and CPT process.
• Maintain Externship Program web pages.
• Represent the Externship Program at public and law school events, including the Mid-Atlantic Consortium of Law School Externship Programs (MACE).
• Proactively advise the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of project status, potential issues and overall departmental and developmental progress.
• Perform other duties related to Experiential Education as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

• 8+ years related experience in a legal setting, law practice, law school, or other higher education setting and a Master’s Degree or higher; Juris Doctor degree preferred and will be considered for adjunct faculty teaching role as well. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and be capable of building and maintaining positive relationships with students, faculty, staff colleagues, and supervising attorneys and judges.
• Must be willing to occasionally visit legal field placements (i.e., law firms and governmental agencies).
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills. Must be highly motivated, innovative, and must be willing to be a team player.
• Must have strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail, and handle and prioritize many competing projects.
• Must be self-directed, able to complete multiple tasks with multiple deadlines in a timely and efficient manner, work independently with empathy, excellent judgement, and diplomacy.

Application Instructions

• Apply online through the Penn State Careers Page at https://hr.psu.edu/careers .
• Submit a web application, cover letter, and resume.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the vacancy is filled . Candidates should be prepared to provide the names, titles, and contact information (telephone, email, and mailing address) of three (3) professional references, if requested.   

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines

Carlisle, PA