Director of Knowledge Solutions

Troutman Pepper • Washington, DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are always seeking talented, motivated, growth-minded, and creative individuals. Our firm is committed to providing employee support and advancement, while embracing inclusion and innovation as keys to a stronger future. We invite you to explore the position below and to submit your application to join our team! The Director of Knowledge Solutions is responsible for owning and defining how knowledge is captured, structured, shared, and applied across the firm. Partnering closely with Innovation, Data/AI, IT, and practice leadership, the Director of Knowledge Solutions translates firm strategy into an enterprise‑scale, outcome‑driven knowledge management (KM) program that strengthens attorney experience, improves efficiency and quality, increases client value, and supports firm competitiveness.

Requirements

• Strategic, hands‑on leadership skills with the ability to build and scale a modern KM function and hold teams accountable for outcomes.
• Deep understanding of knowledge management operating models, content governance, and adoption practices within professional services environments.
• Strong familiarity with document management systems, KM platforms, knowledge portals, collaboration tools, and enterprise search.
• Knowledge of taxonomy development, metadata standards, information architecture, and data governance.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders including partners and practice leadership and drive adoption.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to define KPIs, measure impact, and communicate ROI.
• High professional integrity, sound judgment, and discretion when managing sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to lead enterprise-scale change and build strong cross-functional partnerships (Innovation, IT, Firm Intelligence, Research Services, and practice teams).
• Strategic mindset paired with a practical, execution-oriented approach; comfortable operating in ambiguity and iterating toward outcomes.
• Ability to mentor and motivate teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a culture of knowledge sharing.
• Bachelor’s degree required; JD, MBA, or advanced degree in Library & Information Science, Information Management, or related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the core responsibilities of the role.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in knowledge management, innovation, legal operations, or related disciplines within a law firm or professional services environment, including demonstrated success leading KM programs, transformation initiatives, or enterprise-scale change efforts.

Nice To Haves

• Relevant certifications (e.g., knowledge management, information architecture, data governance) beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary architect and owner of the firm’s knowledge management strategy and operating model, translating strategic priorities into a practical, firmwide KM program.
• Collaborate across Knowledge Management & Innovation and practice groups to embed KM principles into attorney workflows, product development, and process improvement initiatives as part of how legal work is performed.
• Partner with stakeholders across the organization to ensure KM assets are structured, governed, and maintained to align with the firm’s data ecosystem, analytics, search, and AI initiatives.
• Establish and maintain taxonomies, metadata standards, and knowledge architecture that balance consistency with attorney autonomy and practice needs.
• Own the evaluation, governance, and evolution of KM‑related platforms and tools, in partnership with stakeholders throughout the firm (e.g., knowledge portals, search tools, collaboration systems).
• Drive continuous improvement in knowledge findability, search performance, content quality, and reuse through governance, training, and iterative enhancement.
• Lead the adoption and responsible use of AI‑enabled KM capabilities grounded in authoritative, trusted content, including establishing guardrails, standards, and governance.
• Lead and manage a team of Knowledge Management Attorneys, setting priorities, providing coaching and feedback, and ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery of KM services to the firm’s practices.
• Oversee the KM Attorney team’s work to curate and maintain practice content (e.g., forms, checklists, precedents), monitor and summarize legal/market developments, and support matter management and workflow improvements through practical guidance, process mapping, and enabling technology.
• Establish team workflows, standards, and governance to coordinate targeted KM contributions across attorneys and offices; promote collaboration and knowledge sharing through communications, practice pages, and training.
• Guide and review the KM Attorney team’s development of internal and client-facing training and communications, including client alerts and thought leadership, in alignment with practice leadership and firm standards.
• Manage staffing, capacity planning, and performance for the KM Attorney team; identify skill gaps, support professional development, and partner with practice and leadership on hiring and resource allocation as needed.
• Foster strong collaboration within the Knowledge Management & Innovation Department and other operational teams.
• Collaborate with firm administrative departments (e.g., IT, Practice Management, Legal Talent, HR) to align KM strategy and delivery with enterprise technology, operating processes, and people initiatives; coordinate requirements, support, and adoption planning.
• Define, track, and report KPIs related to KM adoption, reuse, efficiency, data quality, and client value; partner with the Knowledge Management & Innovation Program Director to ensure portfolio‑level reporting is accurate, consistent, and leadership‑ready, and communicate impact and ROI to firm leadership.
• Partner closely with the Knowledge Management & Innovation Program Director to support firmwide oversight of the KM project portfolio, including roadmap development, milestone tracking, risk management, and status reporting to leadership; leverage this partnership to ensure successful, timely deployments aligned with firm standards, governance, and change‑management expectations.
• Lead stakeholder engagement and change management to drive adoption of KM practices and tools.
• Own strategic communications for the Knowledge Solutions function, developing clear, consistent messaging on KM priorities, progress, and impact in close coordination with the firm’s communications teams to ensure alignment with firm voice, standards, and leadership expectations.
• Build a culture of trust and accountability within Knowledge Solutions.
• Build, mentor, and lead KM professionals.
• Continuously evaluate and improve KM processes and governance to support scalability, consistency, and evolving practice and client needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees