University of North Dakota

Dean of the School of Law

 

Introduction

The University of North Dakota (UND) invites nominations and applications for Dean of the School of Law. The Dean will serve as a strong advocate for the School to internal and external University stakeholders in addition to representing the School of Law and the University of North Dakota on the national and international stage.

 

The University

Established in 1883, six years before North Dakota was granted statehood, UND is the oldest research university in the State of North Dakota. It is North Dakota’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as an R2 Research University (high research activity) with research and sponsored program expenditures of more than $100 million per year. UND offers degrees in more than 230 fields of study in nine colleges. UND’s student population of about 14,000 includes nearly 3,000 graduate and professional school students in graduate programs, including 37 doctoral programs, supported by over 2,700 faculty and staff.  For more information on the University please use the following link:  https://und.edu/

 

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the University Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost, the Dean is the chief executive and academic officer of the School of Law and the primary liaison with the University, playing a central role in the University’s academic administration. She or he is centrally involved in strategic planning, budget, curriculum, facilities, and research. She or he is a key participant in external relations impacting the University including fundraising, alumni relations, economic development, legislative priorities (federal and state), and public relations. 

 

The School of Law

Established in 1899, the University of North Dakota School of Law has more than 3000 alumni and an annual total enrollment of approximately 250 students. The School’s student population reflects both racial (approximately 10%) and geographic diversity, with students coming from over thirteen states (over 60% from North Dakota and Minnesota) and from Canada (approximately 13% of the current 1L class). The School offers the J.D. degree and joint degree programs in law and public administration (J.D./M.P.A.) and law and business administration (J.D./M.B.A.). In addition, the School of Law offers two certificate programs, one in Indian Law and one in Aviation Law. The School is also home to the Northern Plains Indian Law Center, and is nationally recognized for its excellence in Indian and Tribal Law.

 

Responsibilities

The following is an abbreviated list of the responsibilities associated with this position:

• Promoting high-quality academic programs and supporting high-quality teaching.
• Fostering collaborative academic planning and innovative curricular development.
• Promoting student success and retention.
• Advancing research, scholarship, and creative activities.
• Creating an inclusive campus climate that demonstrates a commitment to inclusiveness and encourages service to underserved populations.
• Attracting support for the University and the School through active engagement of alumni, community, industry, donors, and other external constituents, and effectively participating in fundraising activities/alumni relations.
• Maintaining accreditation standards.
• Managing the budget in accordance with the University’s Model for Incentive Resource Allocation, including the preparation, submission, disbursement of, and working within the budget of the School.
• In collaboration with others, creating and supporting a plan that results in the recruitment and retention of high-quality staff and faculty.
• Leading the coordination of School governance.
• Maintaining and strengthening partnerships within and outside of the University.
• Building relationships across the campus and within the staff that engender trust through open communication.

 

To review the complete list of responsibilities please review the full Position Profile at:  http://www.storbeckpimentel.com/pd/UND/LawDean.pdf 

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or other terminal degree in law.
• Ten years of experience in teaching, the practice of law, and/or legal education administration.

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

• Experience with legal education administration, including ABA accreditation standards and procedures.
• Demonstrated commitment to shared faculty-administration governance.
• Experience with and/or knowledge of national issues and trends affecting legal education and the legal academy.
• Experience in budgeting, fiscal management, personnel management, academic planning, program review, and strategic planning.
• Experience in fundraising, including partnering with university advancement officers to secure external gifts, grants, and funding to support law school programs.
• Substantial credentials appropriate for an endowed, tenured appointment at the rank of Professor (e.g., demonstrated recognition for teaching excellence, demonstrated recognition for research and creative activity and/or outstanding professional competence, and demonstrated leadership roles in the academy and/or legal profession).

 

Competencies

 

• Highly effective communication skills infused with integrity and emotional intelligence.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within the University, the School of Law, and the larger legal community.
• Demonstrated strategic, ethical, and effective leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion.

 

Application and Nomination Process

The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. In order to assure the fullest consideration, candidates are encouraged to have complete application materials submitted to the search firm assisting the University by Thursday, October 11, 2018.  Required application materials include:

1. Letter of interest.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Five references with contact information (please include one person who reported directly to you, one to whom you reported, and a peer/colleague).

 

All applications, nominations, and inquiries will remain confidential until the finalist stage. References will not be contacted until after the first screening of applications, and then only after the applicant has given explicit permission. All application materials must be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

 

Applications, letters of nomination, and inquiries should be submitted to:

 

Jan M. Asnicar, Partner

Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates

Email: j.asnicar@storbeckpimentel.com

 

Refer to code “UND LAW DEAN” in subject line

 

Confidentiality of Application Materials
Note: Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the finalists who will be invited to campus.
 
EEO Statement
UND is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status on the form found at http://und.edu/affirmative-action/apcontrolcard.cfm.  This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

 
ND Veteran’s Preference
North Dakota Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.
 
Clery Statement
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.  The report includes the University’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus.  As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report.  The report and statistical data can be found online at http://und.edu/discover/_files/docs/annual-security-report.pdf.  You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND 58202.