Director of Administration

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • New York, NY

3h • Hybrid

About The Position

As a strategic leader and trusted advisor, the Director of Administration drives the operational excellence of the New York, Boston, and Miami offices, shaping their culture, supporting their people, and ensuring seamless delivery of world-class client service. Develops strategic plans for future practice and operational needs of the offices; anticipates and provides support structures and systems to meet attorney and client expectations. Coordinates closely with the HR team to manage employment relations and other HR matters within the offices. Acts as a strong collaborative leader in both office and Firm matters, and as a responsible advocate for office concerns and needs. Ensures consistency of office administrative operations with broader practices and firmwide standards. Provides collaborative leadership and direction to the offices' partners and employees, coordinating closely with the Office Managing Partners of each location.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree plus 7+ years of experience as an Office Manager/Director in a legal or professional services environment, or equivalent.
• Proven leadership record and collaborative results-orientation across a services industry.
• Experience managing a business to shareholder, management, and employee expectations.
• Demonstrated success leading organizations through change and developing high-performing management teams.
• Strong focus on operational excellence, client service, and cost management.
• Highly intelligent, organized, and analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent project management, presentation, and communication skills.
• Solid financial and operational acumen, with familiarity with IT practices.
• Skilled at developing staff through coaching, goal-setting, and performance planning.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-office oversight experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and tactical leadership aligning people, operations, and resources with firmwide priorities and client needs; serve as a bridge between local and global strategy.
• Optimize infrastructure and staffing across the New York, Boston, and Miami offices.
• Influence firmwide direction through participation in project teams and CAO staff meetings; advise office partners and firmwide functions on business and operations.
• Foster operational excellence and accountability across all three offices.
• Establish and maintain best-in-class service levels and cost standards.
• Develop strategies, performance measures, and management talent to drive effective operational support.
• Lead complex projects supporting firm and office strategies, meeting budget and timeline goals.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve operational processes and policies.
• Benchmark performance using industry best practices and data-driven strategy.
• Partner with Business Development and Marketing on strategic initiatives.
• Develop staffing plans and budgets for all three offices; manage expenses to budget.
• Oversee billing, collections, and invoice approvals in coordination with Finance.
• Support contract and vendor negotiations per firm procurement policy.
• Ensure transparent, consistent communication across offices; lead relevant meetings.
• Represent office interests in firmwide committees.
• Collaborate with other Directors of Administration.
• Provide leadership and development for direct reports and business professional staff, including performance management and compensation decisions.
• Partner with HR and firm leadership on employee and attorney relations matters.
• Oversee benefits administration and new-hire integration across offices.
• Lead long-range planning for space, facilities, and equipment needs.
• Approve major purchases and space planning within authority.
• Ensure robust security and disaster preparedness programs.

Benefits

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director