Pro Bono and Summer Programs Officer

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Pro Bono and Summer Programs, Pro Bono and Summer Programs Officer will support the Law School’s Pro Bono Program including the pro bono graduation requirement and spring break caravans.

The VHO will work with the Assistant Director of Pro Bono and Summer Programs to prepare students for their summer internships in the public sector as part of Columbia Law School's comprehensive public service professional development program.

The VHO-Pro Bono and Summer Programs will also be responsible for assisting with the implementation of Columbia Law School's summer programs, including the Human Rights Internship Program (HRIP), in collaboration with SJI’s Director for Human Rights and Public International Law and the Assistant Director for Pro Bono and Summer Programs.

The VHO- Pro Bono and Summer Programs reports to SJI’s Assistant Director of Operations.

Responsibilities

Pro Bono :

• Track individual JD student compliance with Columbia’s mandatory pro bono graduation requirements. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to overseeing online content and resources, managing Columbia Law’s internal pro bono database, communicating with students, and coordinating with relevant host organization supervisors, Columbia administrators, and others.
• Assist Columbia Law School’s student groups with organizing student-directed pro bono projects. Approve Spring Break Pro Bono Caravans (alternative spring break programs) and in-house pro bono projects that meet the CLS and NYS Pro Bono Requirement, administer payments, and perform other administrative functions.
• Advise students of existing pro bono opportunities and answer student questions / emails regarding pro bono requirements.
• Update publications and assist with pro bono programming.
• Help lead the planning and execution of the annual Honors dinner, which celebrates students who have shown exceptional dedication to public interest and pro bono activities during their time at the Law School.

HRIP :

• Coordinate the HRIP training and orientation programs in collaboration with SJI’s Director for Human Rights and Public International Law.
• Update the HRIP training and orientation manual, and related training and orientation materials, including online resources, in conjunction with the Director for Human Rights and Public International Law.
• Assist with HRIP Information Sessions and Debriefing Sessions, including preparation of presentations, notetaking and logistical arrangements

Summer Preparation Programs :

Under the guidance of the Director of Pro Bono and Summer Programs, coordinate the implementation of mandatory training workshops for 1Ls in the fall on resumes, cover letters and so forth.

Coordinate key other summer internship training programs, such as The Scoop . Produce materials such as the Who Worked Where list to distribute at events.

• Help coordinate informational sessions about the PILC Fair and provide other PILC Fair support.
• Assist the Director of Pro Bono and Summer Programs with running the Mock Interview Program for students.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Director of Pro Bono and Summer Programs, assist with the creation, revision and distribution of publications, internal reports and other materials pertaining to summer programs.
• Has primary responsibility for updating and distributing printed and web materials about SJl's summer funding programs, in collaboration with the Assistant Director for Pro Bono & Summer Programs.

Generate reports about summer internship evaluations and present findings to SJI advisors.

Other : Performs additional responsibilities as assigned and requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and / or its equivalent required.
• Minimum 0-2 years’ related experience, preferably as a program coordinator, administrative assistant, or office manager with responsibility for public interest, not-for-profit or educationally related programs.
• Outstanding data management, administrative, organizational, secretarial and interpersonal skills required.
• Excellent computer skills and experience including word processing, Internet, desktop publishing, Excel and computer database management required.
• Must be willing to learn and implement new technologies to enhance task performance. Excellent English oral and written communication skills required.
• Demonstrated interest and participation in public interest issues and activities is desirable.
• Ability to initiate and follow-through with minimal supervision as well as meet deadlines, work under pressure, adapt to changing priorities, be part of a collegial team and balance competing assignments necessary.
• Must have good judgment and be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Availability for some evening and weekend work required. Must be able to work with diverse constituencies and support an inclusive work environment.
4 days ago