Associate Director of Innovation

Foley Hoag LLP•Washington, DC

2d•$204,000 - $255,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Foley Hoag seeks an Associate Director of Innovation (“Associate Director”) who will help the firm conceive and operationalize transformative change in workflows, processes, and practices to confront the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Reporting to the Director of Knowledge Management & Innovation (“Director”) and working closely with attorneys and firm leadership, this position acts as a bridge between legal practice needs and technological capabilities. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, hands-on executor, and team player who can work with diverse stakeholders to advance the firm’s competitive edge in legal innovation. The KM&I department is fast-paced and must continually adapt to a rapidly evolving technology landscape. The Associate Director must be flexible and comfortable with shifting priorities. As part of a growing function, the Associate Director will directly impact the firm’s innovation roadmap. This hybrid role requires in-office presence at least three days per week to foster collaboration and connection. The onsite expectation is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Demonstrated hands-on experience with AI tools and technology adoption.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively to firm leadership, lawyers, and business services professionals.
Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, as the role requires regular interaction with attorneys, business services professionals, vendors, and members of the KM&I team.
Project management and change management skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Nice To Haves

JD, advanced degree or certifications in technology, innovation, project management, or related fields are advantageous.

Responsibilities

Identify high-impact, innovative opportunities that will transform how the firm delivers legal services and adds value.
Assist with developing and executing the firm’s innovation and AI strategy, including overseeing initiatives aligned with practice group needs, client demands, and business objectives.
Recommend critical AI and legal technology opportunities that deliver tangible client value and optimize legal practices, processes, and workflows.
Conduct horizon scanning for emerging legal technologies, generative AI platforms and related tools; evaluate vendors, lead pilots.
Participate in the rollout, training, and sustained adoption of AI-enabled tools and innovation initiatives across practice groups and offices.
Drive change management efforts, including communications, training programs, and metrics to track usage, ROI, efficiency gains, and user feedback.
Partner with Marketing, Business Development, and Information Security to lead the execution of the firm’s external communication strategy related to AI and innovation, including RFP responses, pitches, client-facing materials that highlight the firm’s AI, innovation, and technology capabilities, security questionnaires, and client and industry surveys relating to the firm’s use of AI in client work.
Serve as a key point of contact for AI and innovation queries, fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement.
Manage or contribute to innovation-related projects, pilots, and cross-office initiatives.
Develop and oversee an updated reporting system and dashboard that tracks key performance indicators for innovation programs.