Director of Office Administration

Lowenstein Sandler•Palo Alto, CA

1d•$250,000 - $275,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Office Administration (DOA) is responsible for the overall management of business services staff, office services, and facilities in the Palo Alto and San Francisco offices. In addition, the DOA will have oversight of the Utah office. The DOA wears multiple hats, overseeing operations, human resources coordination, finance and billing support, facilities, and technology needs in partnership with outside vendors and firm leadership. The DOA works directly with the Office Managing Partner and firm Partners/Directors on strategic and daily operational matters and reports directly to the Director of Operations.

Requirements

Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
Excellent analytical and sound decision-making skills required.
Experience managing people and teams in a professional services environment.
Experience with budgeting, billing support, and inventory management.
Must be client-service oriented with excellent interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize and work independently.
Working knowledge of PC technology, including Microsoft Office Suite and standard practice management/billing software.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree required.
8+ years of relevant experience, with recent experience as an Office Administrator, Office Manager, or in a comparable management role within a law firm or professional services environment preferred.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Business Administration, Management, Human Resources, or a related field preferred.
SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Directing the day-to-day operations of the office, with an emphasis on non-attorney staff management, development, and facilities operations.
Serving as the primary liaison between attorneys and staff and working closely with HR, finance, IT, and other service providers supporting the firm.
Identifying and planning for the changing needs of the office.
Sharing responsibility with firm leadership for strategic planning and practice management.
Contributing to cost-effective management throughout the firm.
Management of All Staff (Facilities, Reception, Secretarial/Administrative Support): including recruiting, selection, training and development, performance evaluation, salary administration, employee relations, motivation, counseling, discipline, job design, and resource allocation for all business services staff, while fostering a cooperative and harmonious working environment with an eye toward excellent client service and improved operating efficiency.
Facilities Management: including space planning and design, purchasing and inventory control, records storage, reception/switchboard services, telecommunications, and general office services. Involves coordination of, and negotiation with, vendors and landlords, and ensuring compliance with safety and security procedures.
Financial Management: including planning, forecasting and budgeting for office expenditures and capital improvements, local banking relationships, local tax reporting, accounts payable and other financial management functions. Involves the supervision and management of the billing process including: workflow, adherence to client and firm policies, deadlines for billings and accruals, special billing requirements and rates. Facilitates the timely billing to clients by acting as a liaison between the partners, local billing specialist and the Client Accounting Group.
Operations/Management: including strategic and tactical planning, risk management, quality control, organizational development, and other general management functions. Involves continual assessment of firm processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, as well as handling orientation and onboarding of new personnel and assisting with recruiting for business services roles.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as required or requested.