Director of the State and Local Policy Institute

Position Summary

The University at Buffalo School of Law is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Director of its newly established State and Local Policy Institute. This innovative Institute aims to enhance legal expertise and focus on state and local law issues. As New York State continues to be a leading voice of change, policymakers will rely on scholars with expertise in state law concerning climate, public health, environmental, labor, and safety issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Community and Advocacy Partners: Identify potential areas for state policy research and litigation.
• Engage Law Students: Provide opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge policy advocacy, litigation, and research.
• Expand Legal Expertise: Increase the number of legal practitioners, academics, and clinicians dedicated to state and local policy research and advocacy.
• Develop and Teach Courses: Propose and teach a state and local law course with seminar and practical/fieldwork components starting in the 2025/2026 academic year.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a strategic plan to expand expertise in state and local law, consulting with various stakeholders including advocates in the areas of environmental justice, labor, healthcare, and racial justice.
• Liaison Role: Serve as a liaison among advocates, policymakers, students, academic researchers, and others.
• Supervise and Coordinate: Engage in, supervise, and coordinate policy advocacy, research, and public education.
• Initiate Projects: Implement select projects annually to advance the Institute’s work.
• Hire and Supervise Staff: Hire and supervise a research coordinator.
• Organize Events: Work with the University at Buffalo School of Law to organize events that foster understanding and idea exchange on potential litigation and legal research.
• Fundraising: Coordinate fundraising efforts with the University at Buffalo School of Law.

Outstanding Benefits Package

Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal, and academic pursuit – all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. Visit our benefits website to learn about our benefit packages.

About The University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo (UB) #ubuffalo is one of America’s leading public research universities and a flagship of the State University of New York system, recognized for our excellence and our impact. UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. Our research, creative activity, and people positively impact the world. Like the city we call home, UB is distinguished by a culture of resilient optimism, resourceful thinking, and pragmatic dreaming that enables us to reach others every day. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar within the United States.
• Significant experience in legal practice, academia, or public policy, with a focus on state law and policy.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Entrepreneurial attitude.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to public interest law, state-level advocacy, and legal education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a legislator in state government.
• Preference for expertise in New York State legislative processes.

Physical Demands

Salary Range

$125,000

Additional Salary Information

• Type: Full-Time
• Campus: North Campus

Posting Alerts

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at [email protected].

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