Senior Specialist, Career and Professional Development Office

Description

The Career and Professional Development Office (CPDO) in the Faculty of Law is a full-time regular position for a Senior Specialist. The Senior Specialist oversees CPDO operations and provides strategic leadership by monitoring developments and emerging trends within the legal profession and assessing their implications for legal education, student recruitment, and career development programming. The role reports directly to the Dean and works in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and timelines.

It is responsible for delivering comprehensive career development programming and individualized career advising services for approximately 500 law students annually, including JD students, graduate studies students, and foreign-trained lawyer students.

The CPDO equips students with the skills, knowledge, professional competencies, networking opportunities, and practical resources necessary to secure articling placements and employment opportunities across diverse sectors of the legal profession. The Senior Specialist develops and delivers innovative programming that prepares students for recruitment processes, supports informed career decision-making, and enhances student employability for the evolving legal marketplace.

In partnership with the Dean of Law, the Senior Specialist contributes to promoting the law school and advancing the Faculty’s Strategic Plan through stakeholder engagement, employer outreach, and participation in professional and community initiatives. Regular attendance at networking and alumni events, employer meetings, professional association activities, and recruitment initiatives is required, including occasional early morning and evening commitments. Periodic travel across Canada, independently or alongside the Dean, may also be required.

• Strategic Leadership and Program Development:
  Provide strategic leadership and vision for CPDO, ensuring alignment with the goals and strategic priorities of the Faculty of Law and the University of Calgary.
• Monitor and analyze trends in legal education, legal recruitment, and the broader legal profession to develop responsive programs, services, and strategic initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement through research, consultation, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
• Make recommendations to the Dean of Law regarding student recruitment, employment trends, and developments affecting the legal profession and legal education.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of CPDO programs, services, and events, and implement enhancements as needed to improve student and employer outcomes.
• Ensure effective stewardship of CPDO resources and oversee program delivery in a manner that maximizes service quality and operational efficiency.

• Leadership and Team Management:
  Provide leadership, direction, mentorship, and oversight to CPDO staff in planning, implementation, and delivery of programs, services, and events.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment and coordinate workflows and priorities within a fast-paced office setting.
• Analyze issues and determine appropriate courses of action, including directing, consulting, or delegating responsibilities as appropriate.
• Support career advisors and other CPDO staff during peak periods by assisting with student advising, coaching, and program delivery as required.

• Employer Relations and External Engagement:
  Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with law firms, government agencies, public interest organizations, alumni, professional associations, and other external stakeholders locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Promote and market University of Calgary Faculty of Law students to legal and business communities to enhance employment opportunities, with a focus on securing articling placements.
• Maintain an active network of contacts within the legal profession and career development community to support student success, employer engagement, and the Faculty’s strategic objectives.
• Represent the Faculty of Law in meetings, professional associations, conferences, and recruitment-related initiatives.

• St…