Assistant Dean for External Affairs
FLSA Status: Exempt
Market Reference Range (MRR): 14
Months Per Year: 12
Employment Status: Full-Time
Work Model: Hybrid Eligible*
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University's Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Position Description
Seattle University School of Law educates ethical lawyers who distinguish themselves through their outstanding professional skills and their dedication to law in the service of justice. Faculty, students, and staff form a vibrant, diverse, and collaborative community that promotes leadership for a just and humane world. The School of Law’s commitment to academic distinction is grounded in its Jesuit Catholic tradition, one that encourages open inquiry, thoughtful reflection, and concern for personal growth. Innovation, creativity, and technological sophistication characterize its rigorous educational program, which prepares lawyers for a wide range of successful and rewarding careers in law, business, and public service.
The Assistant Dean for External Affairs is a key member of the School of Law leadership team and serves as a strategic advisor to the Dean and the broader law school community.
The Assistant Dean for External Affairs reports directly to the School of Law Dean and is a member of the Dean's Executive Cabinet. The Assistant Dean for External Affairs also maintains a dotted reporting line to the University Chief Marketing Officer and works closely with other University Advancement colleagues.
The Assistant Dean for External Affairs is responsible for the overall development and implementation of the School of Law's external affairs strategy, including 1) marketing the school's academic programs in alignment with the institution's goals and objectives, 2) managing the brand identity, 3) strategic positioning of the law school's external reputation, 4) public/government relations management, and 5) event operations and promotions.
The Assistant Dean for External Affairs also interacts productively and collaboratively with University colleagues in Advancement, the Office of Strategic Initiatives, and the Offices of the President and Provost as necessary – both proactively and in response to emergent matters requiring University consultation and collaboration.
Position Responsibilities:
Marketing and Communications (40%)
Work with the Dean, University partners (including in the Office of Advancement), and administrative unit leaders to develop and maintain a comprehensive marketing and communications strategic plan for the School of Law consistent with the University's brand and communication strategies.
Oversee the management, scheduling, and coordination of School of Law marketing and publications projects from start to finish.
Lead and manage a collaborative team that creates design and video, manages social media and public relations, and develops web applications. Produce or review, edit, and approve marketing materials.
Assist the Dean in ensuring the School of Law has a strong, comprehensive program to communicate with all constituencies and oversee the development and timely distribution of key institutional communications, including 1) the bi-annual Lawyer Magazine, 2) the monthly In Summary alumni newsletter, 3) and quarterly Good NewsLetter.
Support departments with web content generation and editing. Access and analyze analytics reports for law school website usage.
Develop and manage website content and recruitment materials to support the enrollment efforts for JD and Graduate Law Programs, with a particular focus on enhancing international marketing.
Partner with Law Advancement team members to produce written materials and online content that engage donors, prospects, and alumni in the work of the School of Law.
Manage the marketing and communications budget and coordinate with other law school departments regarding marketing budgets. Negotiate with vendors on marketing and advertising contracts and terms.
Brand Management and Strategic Positioning (20%)
Develop and implement strategies to define and enhance the School of Law's brand identity and position within the region, nationally, and internationally.
Coordinate the development of strategic promotions related to external rankings publications (U.S. News, QS, National Jurist, preLaw Magazine, Princeton Review, etc.)
Increase visibility of key programming and promote community member accomplishments, including:
Identify opportunities and support the submission of materials to nominate School of Law community members for awards and recognition.
Serve as School of Law’s web content lead, approving additions or edits to School of Law web content as necessary.
Public/Government Relations / External Engagement (20%)
Assist the Dean with preparation of high-level external and University communications, speech preparation, reports, the development of fundraising and other proposals, etc.
Serve as a primary liaison between the School of Law and various institutional partners, including local bar associations, government agencies, elected officials, partner academic institutions, and community groups.
Cultivate new partnerships in connection with the Hybrid Hubs Initiative and regional alumni networks.
Assist in coordinating the Dean’s role in events and public appearances.
Support the Dean with crisis communication responses as necessary.
Maintain a list of key constituencies to communicate with, including local members of the judiciary.
Develop strong working relationships within the law school and local legal community. Serve as the School of Law's representative to University departments and committees for developing and integrating campus-wide marketing efforts, assuring consistent content and message in all materials originating from the School of Law.
Event Operations and Promotions (20%)
Oversee management and implementation of events scheduling and calendaring for the School of Law, supervising event staff and collaborating with faculty and staff colleagues as required.
Ensure cohesive coordination of event promotion processes with broader marketing and communications goals and initiatives.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Luminaries in Law Lecture and Conversation Series.
Staff Supervision to include the following positions:
Assistant Director for Communications and Public Relations
Assistant Director for Design and Brand Marketing
Associate Director for Institutional Engagement (Events Management)
Web Manager (Dotted Line Supervision)
Qualifications
Application Instructions
Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Compensation at a Glance
Salary Range: $110,000 - $120,000
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/
Hybrid Eligible
This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university’s discretion.
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