Description

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 a 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 to https://mitchellhamline.applicantpro.com/jobs/3984721.html

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/).

Requirements

Juris Doctor or Master’s degree in conflict resolution or related field.
A minimum of 2 years of program development experience (may consider a 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