Legal Studies Faculty - Des Moines, United States - Highline Community College Inc

Description

General Summary

Posting will remain open until filled. Priority consideration for applications received by March 24, 2024.

HC welcomes faculty who are committed to using or learning to use evidence-based practices to improve the success of our racially, ethnically, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse students and close equity gaps experienced by students from historically minoritized groups.

We strongly encourage members of historically minoritized groups, veterans, and bi- or multi-lingual individuals to apply for this position to help meet the needs of our diverse students and service district.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Highline College (HC) is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time, tenure track faculty position to teach in the Legal Studies program.

Highline's Legal Studies program is accredited by the American Bar Association. Full time faculty at Highline typically have a 45-credit teaching load.

(Teaching assignments may include a combination of in-person, online, and hybrid sections, as well as evening/weekend sections.) Candidates should be able and excited to teach Legal Studies classes and supervise internship experiences.

In addition, the successful candidate will demonstrate the ability tosuccessfully manage the administrative responsibilities of the program, including leading the work to maintain ABA accreditation.

To grow our workforce, we seek applicants who demonstrate that they:

• Honor HC's mission to strive for social justice and partner with our global students to envision, plan and achieve their educational and professional goals
• Care about student success and collaborate on strategies to facilitate success for historically underserved populations
• Engage in equity pedagogy to support the success of our racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Value intellectual curiosity and innovation.

This position is expected to begin in Fall Quarter, September 2024.

Essential Tasks

Qualifications

Professional Responsibilities - Address these in your cover letter.

Please address the following responsibilities in your cover letter.

If you don't have experience in an academic setting, please address them within the context of your professional experience:

• Teaching: Create a welcoming and supportive learning environment for diverse students and use evidence-based practices to improve the success of racially, ethnically, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse students; in collaboration with colleagues coordinate course and series curricula and identify and implement strategies designed to close equity gaps experienced by students from historically minoritized groups. Faculty are expected to effectively communicate course content and expectations and design active, learner-centered, culturally-responsive curriculum and assessments that engage and challenge learners intellectually. Because teaching is a complex activity, engage in self-reflective practice and continued professional growth.
• Advising/ Coaching/ Mentoring: Work with students outside of class, individually or in small groups, to assist them in choosing courses and to help them get connected with campus and community resources. Participate in professional learning opportunities focused on culturally responsive advising and establishing relationships with students.
• Collaborate with colleagues/participate in shared governance:In collaboration with colleagues, engage in continuous improvement through college-wide assessment processes. Participate in department, division, and other College activities, including College governance and serving in rotation as department coordinator. Establish and maintain respectful, ethical, and professional relationships with students and colleagues.
• Professional development/ ongoing professional learning:Engage in ongoing professional learning tied to the position responsibilities. This includes remaining current in your discipline(s)/field and in evidence-based practices for culturally response, inclusive, and anti-racist pedagogies.

Coordinating the Legal Studies program:
Please address the following in your cover letter if you do not have experience in an academic setting, please address them within the context of your professional experience:

• Legal Studies is an externally accredited workforce program with additional administrative responsibilities including the following: perform department coordinator duties when appointed coordinator including scheduling classes, managing enrollment, hiring and evaluating part-time faculty, facilitating outcomes assessments, managing the program budget, processing student graduation applications, and other duties as defined by the HCEA contract and college administration.
• Acting as ABA Program Director,manage ABA Accreditation including preparation of interim reports and reapproval of accreditation;
• With support from administration:
• Develop and maintain industry and community support for the program;
• Reach out to local legal professionals to create partnerships, internships, guest speaker opportunities, and job placement and follow-up opportunities;
• Manage the department advisory committee, including member recruitment;
• Promote the program on campus and with outside organizations through outreach and recruitment activities;
• Manage outreach to potential students and new student intake.

Qualifications


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor and current member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA); AND
• Eight years practicing law in private, public, nonprofit or corporate counsel positions; more preferred; AND
• Three years college teaching experience in law and related courses, including in-person, virtual, and on-line modalities; AND
• Experience teaching or working with historically underserved populations; AND
• Canvas course teaching experience; AND
• Ability to communicate in English, orally and in writing.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10 years experience as a bar admitted attorney;
• At least five years of experience teaching specific legal courses including any/all of the following: Business Law, Employment Law, Introduction to Law, Legal Research and Writing, Legal Ethics.

Supplemental Information


ABOUT HIGHLINE COLLEGE

Established in 1961, Highline College is a comprehensive community college providing certificates as well as associate's and bachelor's degrees in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, and Adult Basic Education.

Highline College is themost diversecommunity college in Washington State and one of the most diverse in the United States. Highline's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work.


ABOUT THE LEGAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT:
The Legal Studies program is an American Bar Association accredited program that prepares students to work as paralegals. ABA accredited programs provide the highest standard of education and work-based training. Instruction is provided by licensed attorneys and paralegals. Graduates of Highline College have a job placement rate approaching 100%.

The mission of the Highline Legal Studies department is to provide students with a contemporary legal background in each vital area of law and to develop strong skills in legal research and writing.

Students' critical thinking is fostered through coursework in the application of theory combined with a liberal arts core curriculum.

Students will graduate with a mastery of legal and communications skills needed to succeed both personally and professionally in the legal community and in our society.

LOCATION:

Highline College is located in a diverse community just 15 minutes south of downtown Seattle, with easy access to a dynamic urban arts scene, world-class cultural and sporting events, and unsurpassed outdoor recreation opportunities.

The college annually serves more than 16,500 students, and with a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages, Highline has been consistently ranked as one of the most diverse colleges in the nation.

HIGHLINE COLLEGE OFFERS:

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to increase access, improve learning, and strengthen partnerships with our surrounding community;
• Robust support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship;
• A friendly, supportive, and highly engaged work environment with diverse colleagues;
• Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future need

Application Process

To be considered for this position, applicants must include the following items in their application package:

• Cover Letter: Letter of formal application that addresses how your experience and education qualify you to perform the professional responsibilities listed above;
• Supplemental Question: Highline College is committed to improving the success of our racially, ethnically, linguistically, and socio-economically diverse students and closing equity gaps experienced by students from historically minoritized groups. We believe that critical self-reflection is a key element in this process. Please attach a statement (approximately 500 to 700 words) describing how you have integrated elements of culturally relevant and inclusive teaching methods into your professional practice.

Effective responses will demonstrate awareness of your socialidentities, knowledge of students or others with whom you've worked, and examples of strategies you have used to support equitable and inclusive classrooms or places of work.

Note:

If your previous experiences do not involve working with students, you are encouraged to frame your responses to this question using your experience working in the field and/or how this informs your vision of becoming an educator.

• Curriculum Vitae:Detailed curriculum vitae (resume) of all educational and professional experience, which includes a list of courses taught. Be sure your resume demonstrates that you meet the minimum qualifications listed above.
• Transcripts:Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts that include degree received and confer date. International transcripts MUST include a foreign transcript evaluation.

For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit:
Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required prior to hire.

• References:A list of four current professional references with name, relationship to candidate, address, email address, and telephone number. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted in lieu of a list of professional references.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoGov account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.


SALARY, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, APPLICATIONPROCEDURE:
A standard 170-day contract is written annually for the period of September to June. Latecontracts will be prorated on the basis of work days remaining in the contract year.
This position is exempt from the overtime pay requirements of The Fair Labor StandardsAct.

This is a union represented position subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Salary, retirement, medical and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with stateregulations and may be subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates andcollective bargaining agreements.

Additional information on benefits can be found


Conditions of Employment:
Prior to employment, the candidate must complete a sexual misconduct declaration form, and pass a sexual misconduct check.

If hired you will be required to provide proof that you are either 1) a U.S. citizen, or 2) animmigrant whose status permits you to lawfully work in this country.

Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts atthe time of hire.

Please be aware that the College hiring authorities reserve the right to hire one or morecandidates, and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

Recruitment:

Positions posted on SBCTC,Inside Higher Ed,HERC; other places identified by committees/departments; committee/department members encouraged to share posts in professional networks.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE
NEED APPLICATION HELP?

Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOVTechnicalSupport at , Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Pacific Time.

HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population.

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity.

We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

TITLE IX POLICY
Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our

The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.