Instructional Designer & Strategist (Manager)

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

Kirkland and Ellis LLP is seeking an Instructional Designer & Strategist to join our Learning & Development function for our global firm.  The primary focus of this role is to support the Firmwide members of Kirkland’s Business Support Services (or “staff”). As a member of the Firmwide Legal Recruiting and Development Department (“LRD”) and reporting to the Firmwide Director of Legal Education, this Instructional Designer & Strategist will be a principal architect responsible for the design and development, curriculum organization, delivery, and evaluation of new and existing learning programs.  This role will partner with FW Associate Director of Learning & Development as well as our Associate Director of Onboarding, Integration, and Retention to conceptualize a staff development framework and actively execute on the course design of programs. The role will seek guidance and consultation from the most senior leaders including the FW Director of Legal Education and Development and Chief Human Resources Officer. This is an exciting opportunity to build the foundational elements of a world-class vision for learning and leadership development of our global staff functions.

This position requires a high level of collaboration with senior leaders across the firm as well as representatives from all levels of our staff population.  You will need the ability to work independently.  A Bachelor’s degree and Learning and Development experience is required.  Law firm, Finance, Management Consulting, and/or Professional Service experience is a plus.

A successful candidate will have experience with the areas below.

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

• Ability to strategically apply assessment, planning, design, and execution against any subject matter of our global learning landscape for the continuous improvement of Firmwide learning and development
• Instructional design, development, and authoring approaches aimed at delivering engaging learning experiences including but not limited to: digital learning (web-based training, video based learning, MOOCS, learning apps, digital simulations, podcasts, etc.), virtual classroom learning, instructor led classroom learning (simulations, facilitated learning) workplace learning, coaching, and blended solution development including job aides and other supplementary resources; facilitation skills are a plus
• Analyzing and evaluating existing programs for impact and alignment with firm needs and competitor benchmarks, providing recommendations for learning experiences that increase reach, impact, and future capability requirements
• Developing strategies leveraging cutting edge learning technologies, tools, sound and thoughtful learning delivery archetypes, with mindful curriculum maintenance approaches
• Defining metrics for successful evaluation of learning programs respective of audience needs and relevant business drivers with practices/functions
• Develop and/or lead change management efforts across all phases of projects and initiatives to drive the Firm’s culture of continuous improvement
• Identifying, developing, leading and managing key external vendor relationships as necessary
• Working knowledge of Learning Management Systems, processes, and procedures
• Indirect management and cross-team collaboration to accomplish learning objectives/goals
• Keen stakeholder management skills catered to consultation, influence, and alignment
• Building and fostering working relationships with business partners across a global firm/organization

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferred Master’s Degree in Human Resources or related discipline
• Minimum eight years of progressive experience in learning & development functions including in-person training, virtual training and facilitation roles
• Senior level expertise across a variety of instructional methods and training techniques including curriculum design principles, adult learning theory, and blended learning strategies
• Excellent ability to engage with people at all levels of an organization
• Clear communicator through a variety of both written and oral delivery methods
• Proven change management skills
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Solid influencing, negotiation and facilitation skills with the ability to foster and maintain collaborative relationships.
• Strong project management skills and business acumen
• A can-do, positive attitude

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-LC1 #LI-Hybrid