Job Purpose/Summary:

The Associate Director serves as the primary administrator for the Dispute Resolution Institute's (DRI) multiple and varied U.S. and international programs. The Associate Director is responsible for managing all aspects of DRI's activities, including budget management, program development, summer and J-term institutes, ABA-approved study abroad program administration, programs and events organization, marketing, development of relationships with directors of partner programs, counseling non-JD certificate students, and coordination with the other department leaders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development & Project Creation

• Partners with DRI faculty director to develop a strategic plan for the institute and implement new programs and initiatives
• Develops, maintains, and documents external-facing working relationships with the national and international dispute resolution community, including proactive and measurable outreach and engagement activities.
• In cooperation with the DRI Director, create, build, and implement project initiatives and symposia

Presentations, Training and Relationship Building

• Develops content and presents at conferences on conflict resolution topics and DRI programs.
• Conducts negotiation, facilitation, mediation and other ADR training courses

Non-JD Certificate Recruitment, Admissions, and Advising

• Leads non-JD certificate student recruitment
• Advises all non-JD certificate students

Program Administration

For DRI courses and programs:

• Facilitates relationship with instructors and potential instructors, in coordination with DRI Director and Vice Dean
• Facilitates adjunct faculty and visiting faculty integration into MHSL systems as necessary, including, for example, coordination of submission of course materials and grades, etc.
• Assists in the development of course offerings in coordination with the DRI Director, Vice Dean, and Curriculum Committee.
• In coordination with marketing, oversees the development and the administrative coordinator's execution of the marketing plan for Study Abroad programs, Summer and J-term classes.
• Assists Institutional Research to ensure adherence to all accreditations
• Authorizes extension requests and exceptions for adjunct-led DRI courses

Budget Management

• Assists Vice Dean and Assistant Dean of Academics and Administration with budget preparation and management
• Works within the confines of the DRI budget to manage expenses and income.

Secondary Job Duties

• May involve work direction or supervisory responsibilities
• Other duties as assigned

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills with expertise in building and managing relationships with various internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to navigate and respond effectively to changes in project scope, timeliness, or unexpected issues
• Demonstrated problem solving skills
• Skill in identifying obstacles and devising effective solutions when challenges arise
• Ability to act on opportunities and build and manage new programs
• Financial literacy for budgeting and financial projections
• Demonstrates ability to be an independent thinker and work well with a team
• Ability to work with data and information requiring a high degree of confidentiality and discretion
• Proficient word processing and software skills
• Familiarity with student information systems or equivalent data-tracking or information systems

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor or Master's degree in conflict resolution or related field.
• A minimum of 2 years of program development experience (may consider combination of education and work experience)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional years of program development and administration
• Experience working in higher education
• Strong commitment to community service and the mission of equitable access to justice
• Familiarity with community-based and court-annexed dispute resolution processes
• Familiarity with various dispute resolution entities, both within and outside of academia

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this position is $67,000 - $90,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life/AD&D insurance (MHSL pays for)
• Optional Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits (MHSL pays for)
• Generous Holidays and Winter Break
• 403(b) Retirement plan (Generous MHSL match)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Competitive compensation package

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled or otherwise closed at the School's discretion. To be considered for our first set of interviews, candidates must submit their application materials by Friday, February 20, 2026.

Mitchell Hamline School of Law does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Notice of Nondiscrimination re: Title IX Sex Discrimination

Mitchell Hamline School of Law prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions about sex discrimination or harassment to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination and information about reporting concerns is located on our website (https://mitchellhamline.edu/students/title-ix/).