Assistant Professor of Law

Cornell University

About the Position

The School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) at Cornell University has an immediate opening for a Labor & Employment Law Education Associate – Extension Associate in the Labor and Employment Law Program (LEL) in the NYC Extension/Outreach Division.

Our Team

The Cannabis Workforce Initiative (CWI) is a collaboration between the Cornell University ILR School’s Labor and Employment Law Program and the Workforce Development Institute.

CWI supports social equity in the adult-use cannabis market through quality workforce development and legal education—aiming to create equitable workplaces and generational wealth in communities most impacted by the war on drugs.

CWI offers training for employers, entrepreneurs, community organizations, and individuals, including those with justice system involvement. Programming includes education on labor/employment law obligations, anti-discrimination practices, and entrepreneurship guidance for new licensees.

ILR’s focus:

  • Legal instruction and resources to employers/entrepreneurs, community and advocacy organizations, and individuals (including those with criminal records).

  • Training on labor and employment law obligations of employers/entrepreneurs to ensure a fair, discrimination-free work environment and support success for new business owners.

  • Instruction for justice-impacted individuals and communities to promote social equity goals of NY’s cannabis law.

What You Will Do

The Labor & Employment Law Education Associate will be part of LEL and CWI and will:

  • Design and deliver labor and employment law education and training—both in-person and online—tailored to the cannabis industry and broader workforce equity goals.

  • Develop programming on employment rights, equal opportunity, drug testing, wage and hour compliance, HR best practices, and labor relations.

  • Collaborate with SUNY/CUNY campuses, nonprofits, unions, reentry services, social equity licensees, and agencies to identify needs and co-create programming.

  • Act as a key liaison to partner/subcontractor teams; provide oversight to ensure alignment with initiative goals and deliverables.

  • Prepare materials such as toolkits, manuals, reports, presentations, and stakeholder guidance documents.

  • Maintain expertise in labor and employment law, focusing on cannabis regulation and implications at state and federal levels.

  • Evaluate and monitor curriculum and training effectiveness.

Position Details:

  • Academic, full-time, non-tenure track, term position through June 30, 2026 (renewal possible based on performance, funding, and recommendations).

Learn more:

What We Need

  • Master’s degree or advanced degree.

  • 2–4 years of experience in labor relations, employment law, or workforce programming.

  • Strong research and writing skills (training materials, policy briefs, grant reports).

  • 1–3 years of experience delivering educational programs to diverse audiences (in-person and virtual).

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Experience working with diverse populations and justice-involved communities.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

  • Willingness to travel within New York State.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in labor, employment rights, or workforce development.

  • Experience designing curriculum for community-based, higher education, or workforce systems.

  • Experience with grant writing and project management.

  • Fluency in Spanish.

Hybrid Schedule: ILR School Outreach offers a 3:2 campus-to-home hybrid schedule.
Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this position.
Salary: $79,000 to $87,000 (commensurate with experience, qualifications, and location).

Cornell Benefits

Cornell provides:

  • Educational benefits.

  • Wellness programs and employee discounts.

  • Multiple health care options.

  • Generous paid leave provisions.

  • Superior retirement contributions.

Cornell is nationally recognized for health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

To Apply

Submit:

  • Vita.

  • Letter of application describing qualifications, research agenda, and teaching/training experience.

Apply through Academic Jobs Online:
http://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/program/30235

This is an academic, full-time, non-tenure track, benefits-eligible term opportunity based in New York, NY (Cornell ILR School at 570 Lexington Ave) or may be remote.

Pay Range

Refer to posting language.
Factors considered:

  • Prior work or industry experience.

  • Education level relevant to the position.

  • Academic discipline.

  • Unique skills.

Employment Assistance

Applicants without internet access can request assistance at local libraries or the Department of Labor.

Notice to Applicants

Please review the Notice to Applicants for important information.

EEO Statement

Cornell is committed to diversity and inclusion. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status.
We encourage applications from historically underrepresented or marginalized identities.

Cornell engages in affirmative action for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities and recognizes lawful employment preferences for Native Americans living on or near reservations.

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