Assistant Dean of Academic Planning - School of Law

Position Overview

Assistant Dean of Academic Planning (ADAP) – supports the Law School’s pedagogical mission by coordinating curriculum for all programs (J.D., LL.M., J.S.D.).

Salary Range: $84,246–$164,103 base. Off‑scale salaries may be offered to meet competitive conditions.

Percent Time: 100%

Anticipated Start: Spring 2026

Position Duration: One‑year term, renewable.

Open Date: January 27, 2026

Next Review Date: Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time – apply by this date for full consideration.

Final Date: Monday, Mar 2, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time – applications accepted until this date; those received after the review date will be considered only if the position has not yet been filled.

The ADAP plays a leading role in strategic planning for curriculum development, hiring and allocation of instructors, and policy development to improve efficiencies, ensure equity, and promote our educational mission.

Duties

• Curriculum Planning
  • Work with the Associate Dean for Teaching to identify faculty who can fulfill core curricular needs and to identify courses to be taught by lecturers and visiting faculty.
  • Serve as the primary responsible party for our ABA‑required legal ethics curriculum, ensuring courses meet ABA requirements and address current legal ethics issues.
  • Identify courses and hire instructors for our LL.M. curriculum, serving approximately 265 students per year and additional students in Executive Track programs.
  • Collaborate closely with the Office of the Registrar on course scheduling to meet ABA and law school academic requirements, with clear descriptions and grading rubrics.
• Lecturer Hiring and Review
  • Assist with the Lecturer Hiring and Review Committee, hiring all lecturers and reviewing continuing appointment and merit cases.
  • Meet bi‑monthly with HR Academic Analysts and the Associate Dean for Teaching to review lecturer hiring issues and act as the primary point of contact.
  • Meet with newly‑hired lecturers to assist with course design and syllabus preparation.
  • Provide support to lecturers in teaching and offer individual consultation on best practices for course development and pedagogy.
  • Administer the course evaluation process and work with lecturers and faculty to improve teaching.
• Programmatic Supervision
  • Supervise all lecturers teaching J.D., LL.M., and J.S.D. courses.
  • Oversee the J.D. Writing program and supervise 12 full‑time lecturers teaching the ABA‑required Legal Research and Writing program.
  • Directly supervise the Director of LL.M. Legal Writing, who oversees approximately 19 part‑time lecturers.
  • Supervise the Directors of Field Placements, Pro Bono Programs, Competitions, and UCDC, as well as associated staff.
• Budget Management
  • Oversee seven separate budgets for different programs (Experiential Education, JD Legal Writing Instructor, Competitions, Field Placement Program).
  • Manage unit budget, including compensation and non‑compensation operating expenses.
  • Participate in the annual budget review process and set strategic goals in consultation with senior leadership.
  • Review periodic budget updates, make mid‑year adjustments, and guide direct reports to remain on track.
  • Use and interpret budgetary information to make programmatic and staffing decisions.
  • Evaluate complex financial information to assess program performance, needs, or proposed changes, and respond to Law School requests for financial information.

Basic Qualifications (required at time of application)

• Candidates must hold a J.D. degree or equivalent international degree.

Additional Qualifications (required at time of start)

• At least ten years of professional work experience in law practice or at a U.S. law school.
• At least five years of management and supervisory experience (within the 10 years of professional experience).
• At least three years of professional experience with budget management.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five years supervising academic employees, including those with a J.D. or equivalent.
• At least five years of management experience in a U.S. law school, preferably a top‑20 law school.
• Experience in a management position in the University of California system.
• Exp…