How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Institute of Continuing Legal Education  (ICLE) at the University of Michigan seeks a Director. The Director is the senior administrative official who is responsible for the day-to-day operations, vision, and strategic direction of the Institute, strategic partnerships with related organizations, and representing the Institute at the local, state, and national levels. The Director sets the overall business, marketing, IT, and administrative strategies and policies for the Institute and provides leadership for its staff and its many volunteer speakers and authors.  The Director is responsible for managing the Institute's annual budgets, external funds, and overall financial performance.  The Director is responsible for directing the development, planning, and administration of ICLE's publications, products, programs, services, and policies, and overseeing quality standards for all ICLE services.  The Director reports to ICLE's Executive Committee and to the Dean of the University of Michigan Law School or the Dean's designee. 

Who We Are

ICLE is a self-supporting continuing legal education organization and a leader in its field with a $7.5 million annual budget. Its staff consists of 44 salaried positions, including lawyers, developers, editors, graphic artists, video producers, marketing staff, accountants, and customer experience staff. 

Responsibilities*

Basic Responsibility.
Senior administrative official responsible for the day-to-day operations of ICLE, making decisions on the planning, development and implementation of short and long-range strategic objectives. Financial management of the organization, including development and implementation of annual budgets and external funds. Development and implementation of organizational and administrative policies and initiatives and the review and evaluation of their outcomes. Represents the organization to internal and external audiences.

Responsible for the vision and long-range strategic plan for the Institute, including identifying organizational strengths, weaknesses, new initiatives and business opportunities; establishing strategic relationships with sponsors and related organizations; representing the Institute in the legal community at local, state, and national levels to increase brand awareness; supporting the function of the Executive Committee with meeting materials and proposed budgets and priorities for approval; providing overall leadership for the staff.

Responsible for ICLE's marketing strategy, information technology strategy, business and pricing models, and overall budget, including controls and resource allocation. 
Responsible for directing the development, planning, and administration of ICLE's publications, products, programs, services, and policies; overseeing quality standards for all ICLE services.

Required Qualifications*

• Progressively responsible leadership experience, including direct oversight of teams, budgets, and operations.
• Demonstrated management experience, with a track record of meeting or exceeding performance goals.
• Financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and data-driven decision-making.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Leadership and people-management skills, with experience coaching, developing, and evaluating staff.

  Desired Qualifications*

  • A Juris Doctor degree (US or Canadian).
  • A demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the practice of law and to continuing professional education.
  • A minimum of 5 years directing a business or major business for a self-supporting or for-profit organization with assets of $3 Million+ with demonstrated success at generating profits including keen business acumen and understanding of critical business functions and best practices in the areas of staff/cultural development, strategic planning, project management, and budget management and leadership.
  • Record of success in identifying and meeting market needs for continuing professional education and/or publishing, using relevant and viable business models.
  • Demonstrated ability to oversee complex IT strategy for an online content, legal research, and education service, with an understanding of and forward-thinking approach to the implications and long-term impact of artificial intelligence.
  • Demonstrated experience in establishing effective strategic direction resulting in organizational growth and adaptability to evolving trends and customer needs.
  • Proven ability to recruit and develop a strong team of professionals, matching staff skills to organizational needs.
  • Record of success in forging strong business relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to generate and present clear, concise narrative reports.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to initiate and maintain collaborative, effective working relationships with employees and the public. Ability to interact with others in a direct, cooperative and tactful manner with a professional demeanor.

    Modes of Work

    Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

    Additional Information

    Finalist candidates will be asked to prepare a work sample administered by ICLE and to make a presentation to ICLE's staff.
    
    Applications will be accepted through January 17, 2026 and will be considered on a rolling basis.  

    Application Deadline

    Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

    U-M EEO Statement

    The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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