Associate Director, Staffing and Development

Cornerstone Research•Washington, DC

16h•$128,000 - $207,690•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Staffing and Development oversees project staffing and related professional development for Cornerstone Research’s Finance practice area. The role supports effective case teams, individual development, and consistently outstanding client service. As a member of the Talent team, the Associate Director works with staffing colleagues, practice leadership and management, Learning & Development, Talent Acquisition, and HR to advance the practice’s staffing and development objectives. The role also provides leadership, oversight, and guidance to team members and supports the Director in managing the firm-wide staffing and development function. The position manages the Finance Staffing team and assigned local office staffing managers, leads staffing for billable and non-billable projects, and balances case requirements, business needs, and consultants’ development goals. It requires building professional relationships with consultants, understanding their aspirations and capabilities, and maintaining dialogue with case managers and advisors to align staffing decisions with skill and development goals. The position follows a hybrid work policy requiring two to three days per week in an eligible U.S. office: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, or Washington, DC. Relocation assistance is not available.

Requirements

At least 12 years of broad-based experience in a professional services, legal, or consulting environment, with a demonstrated focus on staffing and professional development.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software and operating systems.
Demonstrated ability to implement comprehensive short-term and long-term strategic operational plans based on broadly stated business objectives.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
Proven project management skills.
Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work effectively in a demanding, fast-paced environment under pressure and amid conflicting circumstances.
Initiative and willingness to contribute actively to the team and firm.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
Strong business acumen and ability to learn the firm’s financial and operational functions.
Commitment to providing superior service.
Ability to commute to an eligible U.S. office and comply with the hybrid policy of two to three days per week in office.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in place of a bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

Manage the Finance Staffing team and local office staffing managers as assigned.
Work closely with officers and case managers to track changing project pipelines, deadlines, and priorities.
Lead the staffing process for billable and non-billable projects, accounting for case needs, development needs, and timing.
Provide leadership and guidance on key issues at each consultant level.
Coach team members on incorporating development considerations into staffing solutions, balancing these with business needs, and communicating decisions to stakeholders.
Work with Officers to promote fair and comparable utilization across the practice and provide consultants with varied matters and colleagues while balancing development opportunities with client needs.
Develop professional relationships with consultants and understand their aspirations, experience, strengths, development needs, and relevant personal circumstances.
Maintain dialogue with case managers and advisors to align staffing decisions with consultants’ skills and development goals.
Anticipate, identify, and address challenging staffing issues.
Support the Director in managing the firm-wide staffing and development function and provide oversight and guidance to team members.