Director of Administration
About The Position
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is hiring a Director of Administration for its Seattle office. This role manages and oversees daily operations for the Seattle and Bellevue offices, which have 226 attorneys and 358 professional staff. It combines direct supervision of 81 professional staff with responsibility for office operations, administration, facilities, events, and hospitality. The Director is expected to provide excellent service, lead and develop a diverse support team, and adapt quickly to changing priorities. The role oversees operational functions and administrative areas, supports workflow and process improvement, coordinates local human resources activities, and contributes to budget preparation and monitoring. It also oversees facilities and office events, coordinates with firmwide administrative teams, and supports implementation of the firmwide strategic plan. The Director works closely with the Partners-in-Charge on office initiatives, attorney and staff matters, programs, and efforts to strengthen the office’s profile and culture. The position is based in the Seattle office with a hybrid arrangement of four days in-office and one day remote. Davis Wright Tremaine describes itself as an AmLaw 100 law firm with nine offices nationwide and emphasizes client service, inclusion, and professional growth.
Requirements
- At least 10 years of leadership experience with staff supervision and management responsibilities in the professional services industry.
- Bachelor’s degree; preferably in management, business, organization development, or human resources.
- Highly professional and organized, with a strong hands-on customer service orientation.
- Business acumen, uncompromising integrity, sound leadership experience, and ability to manage change effectively.
- Ability to adapt management and communication styles to the situation and audience.
- Excellent emotional intelligence, interpersonal and communication skills, professional demeanor, and presentation skills.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion among internal and external stakeholders.
- Analytical, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills; takes initiative, uses good judgment, and has excellent listening and follow-up skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and influence senior leadership and staff, and to communicate ideas clearly and succinctly.
- Highly motivated and able to manage multiple priorities, deliver work on time, and advance projects with minimal prompting.
- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, high-pressure environment to achieve business goals and objectives.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Experience using technology tools such as document management systems, MS Teams, and invoice management systems to manage workflow, communication, and collaboration.
Nice To Haves
- Large law firm experience.
Responsibilities
- Manage office operational functions, including support services delivered by managers, legal assistants, concierge staff, and office services teams.
- Supervise administrative areas and provide professional staff with ongoing guidance, direction, and feedback.
- Analyze office operations, identify process improvements, manage improvement projects, and develop documentation to support consistent and resilient operations.
- Determine when restructuring or work reallocation is needed to support clients, attorneys, staff, and operational efficiency.
- Oversee workflow consistency, project timeliness, and economical and efficient use of resources.
- Coordinate local human resources functions, including interviewing and hiring professional staff, new-hire orientation, biannual performance reviews, employee relations, salary adjustments, discipline, and separation from employment.
- Liaise with and provide real-time reports to the Human Resources team about employee performance issues.
- Assist with budget preparation and forecasting, including salary budgets and increases; monitor the office budget, control expenses, and conduct periodic variance analysis.
- Work with the team to plan and assist with client, partner/C-suite, and officewide events.
- Oversee facility maintenance and liaise with local property management, building personnel, and appropriate internal contacts.
- Coordinate with firmwide and global administrative operations teams on projects and initiatives to improve service delivery.
- Anticipate and facilitate Seattle and Bellevue office contributions to the firmwide strategic plan.
- Work with Partners-in-Charge to plan and execute office initiatives, programs, and meetings involving attorneys and staff.
- Reduce the administrative load on Partners-in-Charge by providing concise, accurate information and anticipating their needs.
- Collaborate with Partners-in-Charge to resolve issues involving attorneys and staff and support attorney programs or initiatives as requested.
- Participate in activities with Partners-in-Charge to elevate the office’s profile and brand and support office and firm culture.
Benefits
- Choice of health and vision insurance plans.
- Dental plan.
- Fertility and adoption benefit.
- Two paid volunteer days for qualifying community service work.
- Paid sabbatical after 13 years of service.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Commuter and transit programs.
- Retirement contribution and 401(k).
- Potential eligibility for a bonus for full-time employees.
- Long-term disability.
- Telemedicine and virtual short-term solution-based counseling services.
- Life insurance.
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Subsidized backup care and caregiving resources.
- Vacation, sick time, and 11 paid holidays each year.
- Employee assistance program.
- Voluntary accident, life, disability, long-term care, and pet insurance.
- Optional HSA.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
