Student Legal Services Director

Position Title:Student Legal Services DirectorJob Group:Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experienceSpecial Required QualificationsJuris Doctor, License to practice law in the State of IowaPreferred Qualifications:Demonstrated supervisory or leadership experience.

Experience working with college students or within a higher education environment.

Familiarity with legal areas commonly impacting students (e.g., alcohol/drugs, landlord/tenant, consumer law, family law, immigration referrals).Job Description:

Are you a legal professional seeking a meaningful leadership role that supports a healthy work-life balance? Would you be interested in a position that allows you to have a direct impact on student success? 

If so, Iowa State University is seeking a dynamic and experienced legal professional to serve as the Student Legal Services (SLS) Director! This leadership role provides direct civil legal services to students and strategic oversight of a highly valued, student-facing office within the Dean of Students Office. This position will be classified as an Assistant Director Student Services.

What You'll Do:

The Director is responsible for managing the operations, staffing, and budget of Student Legal Services (funded through Student Government), while also delivering direct legal services to enrolled students. These services include legal consultations, courtroom representation, and advocacy across a broad range of legal matters pertaining to students, including misdemeanor criminal offenses (e.g., OWI, theft, drug charges), landlord/tenant disputes, consumer protection, employment law, family law, immigration referrals and more. The role also includes supervising staff, managing risk and compliance, developing legal education programs, and maintaining a strong working relationship with Student Government, which funds the office through a formal Memorandum of Understanding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal consultations, advocacy, and full legal representation to currently enrolled students on a variety of criminal and civil matters.

• Represent students in court and administrative proceedings within the scope of Student Legal Services.

• Supervise office staff, including a staff attorney, legal secretary, and any graduate or undergraduate students; oversee hiring input, workload management, and professional development.

• Manage office operations, including budget oversight, client services, case tracking, and compliance with legal and university risk management standards.

• Develop and deliver legal education programming to increase student awareness and reduce legal risk.

• Serve as a liaison to Student Government, maintaining compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding and regularly reporting on services and outcomes.

This position is ideal for a licensed attorney with courtroom experience, a strong public service orientation, and the ability to lead a small team in a dynamic, student-centered environment. The successful candidate will have strong communication, leadership, and program development skills.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications need to be submitted before August 28th, 2025.

About Student Legal Services at Iowa State:

Student Legal Services (SLS) is a student-centered office that provides free legal assistance to currently enrolled students. Services include advice, advocacy, and legal representation across a range of civil and criminal matters. The office also develops educational outreach to support student success and reduce legal risk. SLS is funded by Student Government through a Memorandum of Understanding, and the Director plays a key role in ensuring that services align with student needs and that reporting obligations are met. The office is part of the Dean of Students Office within the Division of Student Affairs.

Level Guidelines
• Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit
• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports
• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals
• Supervises a small department or work team
• Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy

Appointment Type:RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:PS809Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans • Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) • Life insurance and long-term disability • Flexible Spending Accounts • Various voluntary benefits and discounts • Employee Assistance Program • Wellbeing program • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.Original Posting Date:August 6, 2025Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R17526