Director: Administration – Washington DC

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Administration department in our Washington, D.C. office, as a Director: Administration – Washington DC.

The Director: Administration is the senior non-attorney leader within the office. You are strategic and responsible for partnering with the Chief Administrative Officer (US) (“CAO”) and the Office Managing Partner (“OMP”) to set and drive towards a vision and culture that enables the objectives of the office. This role oversees the execution of all administrative function within the offices, including secretarial services, facilities, library, records and paralegal support. This role also partners with centralized Business Services functions including Finance, Business Development and Marketing, Business Intake, Docket, Information Technology, and Human Resources to ensure aligned delivery.

Essential Functions:     

Strategy, Culture & Communications

• Works closely with the CAO and Office Managing Partners to strengthen office culture through regular office-wide communications, programs and events
• Instills strong client service ethics across all Business Services departments and onsite outsourced service providers
• Promotes a strategy of growth and increasing Mayer Brown’s market visibility
• Participates in the development, communication and administration of both legal and non-legal policies and programs
• Provides regular management reports and analysis to the CAO & Office Managing Partner as to the operations and needs of the office

Office Administration 

• Develops and oversees the implementation of administrative policies and strategic plans to achieve organizational goals
• Identifies and establishes new ways to improve office efficiencies and processes, including through technology innovation
• Coordinates with functional national leaders to ensure the office receives necessary support (IT, HR, Marketing) required to drive the offices strategic objectives; provide local facilities and office services support for teams in these functions
• Develops and monitor the office’s annual operating and capital budgets, in partnership with the Office Managing Partner and the Chief Administrative Officer
• Oversees outsourced service providers; duplicating, mailroom, record center and food services

People and Engagement

• Works closely with CAO, Office Managing Partners, Practice Leaders and Business Services leaders across the Firm to ensure smooth onboarding and integration of lateral hires
• Promotes engagement of talent in the office through development, collaboration and serving as a conduit for two-way feedback and dialogue
• Works closely with Human Resources to enable the hiring, onboarding, development and management of employees in the office

Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with Firm’s risk management policies
• Develops and maintain the offices business continuity plans

Workplace

• Works closely with the OMP, CAO, COO and Global Managing partner on leasing, workplace design, and optimizing the use of our space over time
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

Education/Training/Certifications:      

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job
• MBA or equivalent a plus.

Professional Experience: 

• A minimum of ten years of experience as an office administrator or senior-level operational manager, preferably in a AmLaw 100 law firm or other professional services environment with multiple departmental responsibility

Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products required

Performance Traits:   

• Flexibility to work in a changing environment, and the initiative to play a senior leadership role
• Sensitivity to the complexities of a law firm
• Solid understanding of law firm structure and management from financial, operational, and personnel perspectives
• Outstanding relationship and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate, assess talent and discipline effectively
• Solutions-oriented with the ability to address problems by gathering relevant information, formulating alternatives and building consensus around decisions
• Excellent judgment and business acumen
• Superior written and verbal communication skills coupled with maturity and confidence
• High level of discretion; even-keeled with the ability to maintain composure under pressure
• Energetic with the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Management Accountabilities:

• Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Operational budget analysis and recommendations
• Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner

Physical Requirements:

• May require travel to other offices as needed

The typical pay scale for this position is between $270,000 and $320,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified. 

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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