Director of Academic Advising, Duke University School of Law

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Director of Academic Advising

| Job Code 1435 | Level 13

Duke University School of Law

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality, purpose, and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Director of Academic Advising, you'll help Duke Law students navigate complex academic requirements with clarity and care-supporting them as they make pivotal decisions that shape their education and professional trajectory.

Be Bold.

In this role, you'll coordinate and administer academic advising programming in close partnership with academic leadership, faculty, and key student-facing offices across the Law School. You'll combine strong policy knowledge, sound judgment, and a student-centered approach to strengthen advising systems, support student success, and ensure academic requirements are met accurately and equitably.

What You'll Do

General Academic Advising

• Develop programming for academic advising and related counseling services to maximize student understanding of and engagement with the curriculum.
• Partner with the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Senior Program Coordinator, and Registrar to advise students on course scheduling, sequencing, and exams (including exam rescheduling), and serve as liaison with students on these issues.
• Maintain and update website content related to academic advising and degree requirements; provide clear guidance on requirements and deadlines.
• Advise students on graduation requirements; coordinate with the Registrar to track fulfillment and support timely graduation certification.
• Provide individualized academic and related counseling, including needs assessment, follow-up, and referrals to appropriate offices or services.
• Serve as a resource to faculty and deans supporting students with special academic circumstances requiring assistance and/or referrals.
• Report regularly to the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs on students receiving specialized advising and recurring curricular concerns.
• Collaborate with faculty and administrative offices to develop integrated programming and resources that enhance curricular and co-curricular experiences.
• Coordinate with the University SISS Office and Registrar to ensure graduation reports are updated and maintained accurately.

Additional Academic Advising ProgramsStudy Abroad Programs: Oversee the application process for Duke Law students, including communications, programming, course approvals, and mandatory individual advising.

• Ad Hoc Seminars: Inform students about ad hoc seminar opportunities; review proposals (and, when relevant, individual externships) and support the academic approval process.
• Bar Application Support: Advise students on bar application and admissions processes; serve as primary liaison to the New York Bar (and other jurisdictions as needed) for JD applicants; oversee academic certification support for LLM applicants to the New York bar.
• Academic Honors: Coordinate academic honors (e.g., Dean's Awards, Latin honors, Order of the Coif) with the Senior Program Coordinator.
• Leaves of Absence, Transfers, and Visitors: Manage requests to visit away; provide advising for transfers and visitors; coordinate leave-related academic guidance with Student Affairs; ensure accurate information is maintained by the Registrar.

Academic Support

• Serve as administrative lead for the academic support program-administer and evaluate universal support programs; identify students needing individual support; coordinate with faculty offering academic support; and provide individual support for at-risk students.
• Develop and support programming such as workshops on study habits, test-taking skills, mentoring, and support for students with unique needs.
• In collaboration with Student Affairs, provide advising for students needing physical/mental health resources or other services, and support short- and long-term academic accommodations.

Reporting, Compliance, and Other Assignments

• Assume primary responsibility for collection of information and reporting of bar examination results to the ABA.
• Maintain ongoing understanding of ABA, SACS, and University rules relevant to advising JD students.
• Support additional ABA, University, and Law School academic reporting and compliance obligations as requested.
• Perform other duties incidental to the work described.

What You'll Bring

Education (Required)

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience (Required)

• Four years of related experience planning and administering programs and directing program activities within a specific functional area (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) strongly preferred.
• Experience working with law students; understanding of legal education, bar licensing, and/or legal practice pathways.
• Experience working in an academic setting with diverse communities.

Preferred Skills

• Ability and commitment to understand and implement complex academic requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to set goals and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills (excellent writing, presentation, and counseling).
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, exercise sound judgment, and maintain discretion.
• Ability to communicate well with students, administrators, faculty, and University officials.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Comfort with technology (word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software).

Choose Duke.

Come build something meaningful at one of the nation's most respected academic communities. At Duke Law, you'll join a collaborative environment where your judgment, communication skills, and strategic advising will be valued-and where your work directly improves the student experience.

In this highly connected role, you'll work alongside Student Affairs, the Registrar, Career & Professional Development, Pro Bono & Public Interest, Admissions & Financial Aid, and faculty-turning complex requirements into clear pathways students can act on.

If you're looking for a role with visibility, trust, and real impact-where you can lead programs, strengthen student support, and elevate academic success-Choose Duke.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help guide the next generation of legal leaders at Duke University.