The Senior Specialist, Career and Professional Development Office (CPDO) is a senior staff leadership role within the Faculty of Law, reporting directly to the Dean. The Senior Specialist oversees the operations of the CPDO and provides strategic leadership for the CPDO by monitoring developments and emerging trends within the legal profession and assessing their implications for legal education, student recruitment, and career development programming.

Working independently in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing priorities and strict timelines, the Senior Specialist is accountable for the successful delivery of comprehensive career development programming and individualized career advising services for approximately 500 law students annually, including not only our JD students, but students in our graduate studies and foreign trained lawyer programs.

The CPDO is responsible for equipping 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.

The Senior Specialist oversees the operations of the Career and Professional Development Office and provides leadership and supervision to all career services staff within the Faculty of Law. They serve as a key representative of the Faculty of Law with employers, alumni, professional associations, and the broader community at local, national, and international levels. The role is responsible for fostering and maintaining strong relationships with legal employers and industry stakeholders to enhance employment opportunities for students and strengthen the Faculty’s reputation within the legal profession.

Key responsibilities include designing and implementing best practices in career education and employer engagement; researching and interpreting trends affecting legal practice in Alberta, across Canada, and internationally; and developing strategic initiatives that align with the Faculty of Law’s and the University of Calgary’s strategic priorities. The role also involves proactively promoting the Faculty and its students to employers and identifying opportunities to expand recruitment partnerships and employment pathways.

The Senior Specialist is responsible for ensuring the effective stewardship of resources allocated to the Career Services Office, including managing programs and initiatives within budget while maintaining a high standard of service delivery. The position plays a significant role in high-level decision-making related to the strategic direction of the CPDO, student career outcomes, and the Faculty’s broader strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will possess a Canadian law degree and will need a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian legal profession and legal career advising. A strong understanding of the complexities, trends, and evolving direction of the legal profession is essential, together with demonstrated expertise of career advising. Accreditation through a Career Development Association is considered a strong asset.

The role requires the ability to analyze complex issues, apply sound judgment, and recommend best practices and strategic solutions using a broad and informed perspective. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of employer outreach and student marketing strategies, as well as a thorough understanding of legal recruitment practices and employment trends across Canada. A minimum of five years of related experience is required. Experience within a post-secondary environment is highly desirable.

The position also requires a high level of competence in developing and facilitating programs, workshops, and events. Proven experience in coaching, team leadership, and effectively managing workflow within a high-performing team environment is essential. Strong decision-making, communication, and change management skills are critical, including the ability to communicate complex and evolving issues within the legal profession to the Dean, faculty, staff, and students, and to implement program and service enhancements as needed.

To apply:  On the University of Calgary Careers website  (https://careers.ucalgary.ca/), click on Faculties or Units and choose Faculty of Law.  Click on « Find Jobs ».  This will take you to the job posting.  Click on Learn More.  On the following page is a link to apply online.  Please include a cover letter along with your resume.