Assistant Dean of Admissions
Lewis & Clark Law School, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Assistant Dean of Admissions.
The Assistant Dean of Admissions leads a team whose mission is to recruit and enroll a talented class of JD students with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The Assistant Dean of Admissions is responsible for designing and overseeing the execution of a comprehensive admissions strategy for a law school known for its hands-on approach to legal education and support for the whole student. Among other things, the individual in this role will be responsible for designing and implementing scholarship strategy, overseeing admissions marketing and recruitment initiatives, and evaluating applications. The Assistant Dean of Admissions works closely with executive leadership and reports to the law school Dean. This individual also supervises 3.75 FTE and seasonal support staff as needed.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning (20% of the time)
- Work with the faculty Admissions Committee Chair, the Budget Committee Chair, and the Dean of the Law School to determine enrollment and revenue goals that align with the law school’s long-term objectives and vision.
- Implement admission and scholarship strategies that will reach enrollment goals.
- Use internal and external data, including historical performance, data related to the JD market, competitor analysis, and other business intelligence to inform all JD admissions strategies and activities.
- Provide input, analysis, and feedback on strategic planning, budgeting, and admissions policies and practices.
- Work with the Alumni and Development Office to devise appropriate mechanisms for alumni involvement in admissions.
Operations Management (20% of the time)
- Hire and manage full time and part time admissions office staff.
- Oversee and manage department budget.
Admissions (30% of the time)
- Read applications, interview candidates, and make admissions and scholarship decisions.
- Meet with prospective and admitted students; answer email and phone inquiries.
- Oversee management of the admissions portion of the law school’s website, admissions publications, and communications plan.
- Administer admissions and scholarship committees.
- Consult with the Financial Aid Office on timing and methods of disseminating financial aid information.
Recruiting (30% of the time)
- Make presentations to pre-law societies and prospective law student groups.
- Design and implement travel and recruitment schedules as part of the overall admissions plan.
- Travel extensively to undergraduate law fairs, law school forums, and other recruiting events.
- Collaborate with law school and institutional departments on recruiting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
Required Qualifications:
- JD from an ABA-accredited law school or PhD or relevant master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in admissions, enrollment management, or relevant professional experience.
- Ability to develop and articulate a strategic vision for enrollment at the law school.
- Experience with gathering and analyzing data to inform decision-making.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with diverse groups of students, staff, alumni, faculty, and other stakeholders.
- Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate with other departments and institutional leaders.
- Demonstrated commitment to creating and fostering an inclusive and rich community of learners.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
- Experience with using databases and applicant tracking systems.
- Experience managing departmental budgets.
- Strong supervisory, organizational, and administrative skills.
- Experience in planning/executing prospective and admitted student events (virtual and in person).
- Ability and willingness to travel overnight by plane, train, bus, and car, including some weekends. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to rent a vehicle without restriction.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency with UNITE database management system.
- Proficiency using Slate or similar CRM system.
- Knowledge of trends in legal education and law student recruitment.
- Knowledge of the curricular programs and culture of the law school.
About Lewis & Clark:
Lewis & Clark is a private institution with a public conscience, and a close-knit campus with global reach. Students and faculty throughout all three schools—the undergraduate College of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Education and Counseling, and the School of Law—pursue new ways of knowing by combining classic liberal arts learning with forward-thinking collaboration. Our mission is to provide an exceptional education in an inclusive environment. By fostering critical thinking, innovation, creativity, civic engagement, and leadership, both inside and outside of the classroom, we prepare our students for lifelong success in a connected, rapidly evolving world. Our educational programs, including meaningful engagement with research and scholarship, equip students with the knowledge and skills to advance their careers, promote justice, and address urgent societal challenges facing our communities and the world.
About Lewis & Clark Law School:
Lewis & Clark Law School is a top law school in the greater Northwest region of the United States, and the only law school in Portland, Oregon. Affiliated with Lewis & Clark College, the law school is located on a separate campus, adjacent to the college and to the beautiful Tryon Creek State Park. The ABA-accredited law school was founded in 1887 and is known for its nationally-ranked academics, practical training focus, and long-standing reputation as a leader in legal education in the Northwest. The School offers Juris Doctor (JD), Juris Doctor/Master in Business Administration (JD/MBA), Master of Laws (LLM), and Master of Legal Studies (MLS) degrees, as well as certificates in 10 specialty programs.
About the Community:
Portland, Oregon, is a city of contrasts—city energy balanced with nature’s tranquility, quirky charm alongside serious industry. Known for its vibrant neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality, Portland is spread across six uniquely named “quadrants.” Its location at the convergence of the Columbia and Willamette rivers makes it a hub for business and outdoor recreation alike. Just 78 miles from the Oregon Coast and a three-hour drive from Seattle, Portland is an ideal home base for adventure seekers, with the snow-capped peaks of Mount Hood, the scenic Columbia River Gorge, and lush Willamette Valley wine country all within easy reach.
Beyond its famed food, beer, and arts scene, Portland has an economy anchored in tech and sustainability-driven industries. Sometimes dubbed the “Silicon Forest,” the region hosts major players like Intel and Nike, as well as a thriving startup ecosystem. The city also prioritizes green initiatives, with a strong culture of biking, public transportation, and eco-friendly policies. Newcomers are drawn by the city’s progressive values, creative energy, and unparalleled access to nature. Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, or career opportunities in a forward-thinking economy, Portland offers a little something for everyone.
Application and Nomination Process:
All correspondence relating to the position of Assistant Dean of Admissions at Lewis & Clark Law School should be directed in confidence to the School’s executive search consultant:
Adam W. Barrett, JD, Associate Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
adam@scotthealy.com
A complete application should include the following:
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
- Updated CV;
- Three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
Applications received by April 15, 2025 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
The College seeks to build a diverse community of highly qualified faculty and staff. The College does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical disability, veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/ or gender expression or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state and local laws. The College encourages applications for employment from all qualified individuals.