Associate 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

The Associate Director of Administration (ADOA) is responsible for the efficient and effective administrative operation of the Salt Lake City office and for ensuring delivery of exemplary client service from all staff functions.  This individual will manage the administrative and daily operations of the Salt Lake City office. The Associate Director of Administration develops plans for the operational needs of the office and anticipates and provides support systems to meet time-sensitive attorney and client expectations.  The Associate Director of Administration is in a leadership role and will act as a responsible advocate in concert with the SDOA for office concerns and needs. 

The ADOA will report to the Senior Director of Administration, Bay Area + Salt Lake City and will directly manage a team of leads who are responsible for specific areas of functional support (Facilities, Guest Services, and Digital and Delivery Services).  The ADOA will also collaborate with other firmwide functional support teams across all departments and is expected to creatively identify the needs of the office and align them with firmwide objectives.  The ADOA is expected to work 100% in office, unless otherwise approved in advance by the SDOA.

This individual is expected to be an exceptional communicator and relationship builder as they will collaborate frequently with local partnership and other Firm leaders.

Essential Functions:
(This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

Strategic Leadership

The ADOA provides overall tactical leadership at the direction of the SDOA to ensure all office functions and staff are aligned in providing seamless client service and ensure the highest level of professionalism in line with firmwide expectations. They will provide leadership at the direction of the SDOA in addressing current and anticipated needs by developing and deploying effective solutions in concert with overall Firm objectives.

Operational Leadership

The ADOA 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 ADOA will maintain best-in-class service levels.

Financial Accountability

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

Communication Leadership

The ADOA conducts periodic office meetings to ensure all staff is kept informed of significant office and Firmwide information. This individual will meet regularly with key staff to communicate business goals and objectives.

Performance Management

The ADOA provides direction to direct reports through effective goal setting, coaching, reviews, and development planning.  The ADOA will create and implement development plans as well as provide mentorship to direct reports.

Space Planning

The ADOA is responsible for recommendations for space, facilities and equipment needs; provides expertise in all space planning projects; and ensures minimal disruption to client service operations.

Overall Skills

The ideal candidate has solid business acumen, strong operational skills, high degree of professionalism and EQ with a track record for delivering results. He/she has strong leadership experience developing a team and demonstrated staff and project management skills.  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 with developing and/or leading change management efforts across all phases of projects and initiatives to drive the Firm’s culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills:

• Minimum of 8-10 years of management experience in a legal or professional services organization is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Excellent presentation and communication skills are critical
• Proven change management skills. 

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

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