Senior Director of Administration

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and management; restructurings; high-stakes litigation and trials; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500+ lawyers) operating from 19 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Director of Administration (SDOA) is a member of the strategic administrative senior leadership team responsible for both the efficient and effective administrative operation of the Boston office and for active participation in crafting firmwide process, driving projects and furthering Firmwide initiatives. Ensuring delivery of exemplary client service from all staff functions, this individual will manage the planning, business, administrative, and daily operations of the Boston office. The SDOA develops strategic plans for the operational needs of the office, anticipates and provides support systems to meet time-sensitive attorney and client expectations, and acts as a responsible advocate for office concerns and needs.  The SDOA is in a critical role always leading with positivity and driving engagement both locally and Firmwide.

The SDOA reports to the Chief Administrative Officer with accountability to local stakeholders such as the Boston Operations Committee and other various committee Chairs. The individual manages a team that is directly responsible for specific areas of functional support (Office Services, Guest Services, Digital Services). The Boston office Practice Assistant Services team will report to the SDOA, and the SDOA will be responsible for monitoring assignments, workflow, performance, reviews, recruiting and training of the population. The SDOA will also collaborate with the Firmwide functional support teams across all departments.

This individual is expected to be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder as they will collaborate frequently with senior leaders across Firm offices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership

The SDOA is a member of the Firmwide strategic leadership team reporting to the CAO.  In that capacity they will help formulate Firmwide processes and drive global projects with the unique perspective and input from local stakeholders. Locally, the SDOA provides overall strategic and tactical leadership to ensure all office functions and staff are aligned to Firmwide goals and providing seamless client service to their local office. He/she provides leadership in addressing current and anticipated needs by developing and deploying effective solutions in concert with overall Firm objectives.The SDOA will develop and/or lead change management efforts across all phases of projects and initiatives to drive the Firm’s culture of continuous improvement.

Operational Leadership

The SDOA is responsible for creating a culture of operational excellence and accountability in managing business processes and activities in support of internal and external clients.  Additionally, the SDOA maintains best-in-class service levels.

Employee Engagement

The SDOA is responsible for delivering Firmwide engagement strategies at both the FW level and locally - contributing to our Firmwide initiatives by submitting local content and encouraging local participation, to hosting local Kirkland Social events, holiday parties, and other programs to foster a cohesive culture for attorneys and our business support services.

Financial Accountability

The SDOA develops staffing plans and budgets for the office consistent with Firm objectives and operational requirements and ensures monthly operational expense performance meet budgets. He/she should contribute to cost-effective management of the office.

Communication Leadership

The SDOA is responsible for two way communication - both up to CAO and FW functions as well as locally to ensure all staff are kept informed of significant office and Firmwide information. They will conduct meetings with various Committees, as well as Partners and Associates as appropriate. This individual will meet regularly with the CAO, functional Senior Staff leads, local stakeholders and key staff to communicate business goals and objectives.

Performance Management

The SDOA provides direction to the Management Team through effective goal setting, coaching, reviews, and development planning.

Space Planning

The SDOA will work with our Firmwide Real Estate team on space, facilities and equipment needs,providing local leadership for space planning projects; coordinates with stakeholders to promote client service objectives and ensures minimal disruption to client service operations.

Qualifications & Requirements

Overall Skills

The ideal candidate has solid business acumen, strong operational and project management skills, and a track record for delivering results.  The qualified candidate will have significant experience partnering with Human Resources. He/she has strong leadership experience developing a management team. The candidate should have past success in building relationships and trust with partners and staff at all levels. Operational excellence, client service and cost management are a must.  He/she must be able to balance competing priorities in a time-sensitive environment. The ideal candidate is team-oriented, proactive and able to change direction quickly to meet the dynamic needs of the office and the Firm as well as its clients.  He/she has experience in effectively leading change.

Education, Work Experience, Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of management experience in a legal or professional services organization is required
• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Proven change management skills
• Proven success with executing employee engagement initiatives
• Experience writing and delivering executive level presentations/communications
• Demonstrated experience in building and creating dashboards and executive summaries

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm. #LI-Hybrid #LI-DC1