Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Programs - Law

Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Programs - Law

Law

The Illinois College of Law seeks a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Programs. The University of Illinois is home to a distinguished and collegial national law school, founded in 1897 and situated within a premier research university that affords unrivaled opportunities for cutting-edge legal scholarship, innovative interdisciplinary work, and professional involvement with the dynamic Chicago legal community. Champaign-Urbana is an inclusive college town with an exceptional quality of life.

Job Summary

The Assistant Dean for Graduate and International Programs provides strategic, administrative, and managerial leadership for the University of Illinois College of Law's graduate degrees and international education initiatives. The role focuses particularly on growing enrollment, expanding study-abroad and visiting-scholar opportunities, and increasing the geographic diversity of the College's graduate and international student body. The College offers the LL.M., with seven optional subject-matter concentrations; the M.S.L.; and the J.S.D. Its non-degree offerings include student exchanges, visiting-scholar initiatives, and training and certificate courses.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Student Experience and Enrollment Management:
  Oversee the full student lifecycle, from recruitment through graduation, including marketing, enrollment management, admissions, orientation, academic support and advising, curricular and extracurricular planning, career services, and bar support. Develop and execute strategies to increase enrollment across the College’s graduate and international offerings and recruit students from a broader range of countries and regions.
• Strategic Program Leadership:
  Working with the faculty, provide strategic direction and leadership to the Graduate and International Programs staff in setting priorities for graduate legal education and international programming, developing sustainable offerings, ensuring strong learning outcomes, and managing resources in light of relevant trends. The Assistant Dean is expected to assume leadership of the College’s online M.S.L. degree program within three to five years.
• Staff and Budgetary Management:
  Oversee a staff of dedicated and experienced professionals who advance the mission of Graduate and International Programs. Work with the Dean and the Senior Director of Finance and Human Resources to manage the Graduate and International Programs budget responsibly and ensure that it contributes to the College’s broader resource-management objectives.
• Institutional Leadership:
  Serve on the Dean’s leadership team and collaborate with the Associate Deans, Assistant Deans, and Directors to advise and support the Dean on organizational and strategic initiatives affecting graduate and international programs.
• Campus Partnerships:
  Collaborate with the Graduate College, Illinois International, and other relevant campus units on graduate and international student matters, study-abroad programs, and visiting-scholar initiatives.
• Global Partnerships and Reputation:
  Develop and maintain partnerships with current and prospective universities, funding organizations, and international legal networks around the world, including by negotiating memoranda of understanding, exchange agreements, and related agreements. Use these relationships to attract international talent to the College, broaden the geographic diversity of the graduate student body, and enhance the College’s international reputation.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree and at least five years of progressively responsible experience in academic administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

J.D. or equivalent law degree.

Experience overseeing graduate legal education or external education programs at a law school.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong time-management and project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and adapt to rapidly changing priorities. Ability to develop positive relationships and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and to cultivate an inclusive environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives. Demonstrated initiative, strong leadership skills, and the ability to build and sustain productive relationships. Ability to communicate effectively with others through multiple communication methods. Excellent organizational, and presentation skills. A high degree of professionalism, discretion, confidentiality, diplomacy, and sound judgment, particularly in difficult or sensitive situations. Community Expectations As a member of the College community, the Assistant Dean is expected to foster belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating constructively across differences; collaborating in an open, cooperative, and welcoming manner; treating others with respect, compassion, and empathy; supporting colleagues, students, and partners regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work-life integration for oneself and others.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 1/4/2027. Salary is commensurate with experience, starting at $120,000 and capping at $140,000. This position is eligible for visa sponsorship.

This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 30, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Devin Scheidemantel at wds@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

---

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

---

Requisition ID: 1038572
Job Category: Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu