Director of Regional Administration

Venable LLP•Chicago, IL

11h•$175,000 - $205,000•Hybrid

About The Position

You’re looking for a change, and so are we. At Venable, we know that every new hire brings valuable experience, new perspectives, and a chance to raise the bar on our approach to how we work. That’s why we’re looking for a Director of Regional Administration to partner with the firm’s Chief Administrative Officer and Chicago and Denver lawyer leadership to direct the day-to-day operations of the offices. This is a hybrid role, based in Chicago with monthly travel to our Denver office. The ideal candidate will be responsible for… Providing visible leadership that reinforces firm culture, collaboration, accountability, and a strong internal and external client service mindset Leading strategic and operational planning to improve efficiency, staffing models, support services, and cost-effective office operations in alignment with firm objectives Building strong relationships with lawyers to understand the office client base, practice needs, and matter demands Designing and implementing an effective, scalable support structure that aligns legal staff needs with firm standards of excellence Driving structured change management initiatives, including communication, training, and stakeholder engagement Managing the full employment lifecycle for assigned staff, including direct oversight of the LAA function, performance management, development, and workforce alignment Partnering with HR, peers, and senior leadership to ensure consistency in people practices, compliance with firm policies, firmwide operational standardization, and effective facilities and landlord management The successful candidate will demonstrate… A minimum of ten years office management experience in a legal or similar professional services environment; a bachelor’s degree in business or related field, or equivalent work experience A minimum of five years of leadership experience, including managing and directing teams, overseeing performance, conducting reviews, developing, and implementing training, and supervising day-to-day operations Deep knowledge of office operations, including administration, facilities, finance, and legal support services Proven ability to collaborate across offices to support growth initiatives, including staffing strategy, space planning, and resource alignment Strong relationship-building skills, with the credibility to serve as a trusted advisor and foster an inclusive, high-performing workplace Strategic and agile thinking, with the ability to set goals, adapt to evolving priorities, and lead organizational change Exceptional communication, emotional intelligence, and client-service orientation, enabling effective engagement at all organizational levels Demonstrated project management discipline and results orientation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes Pay Range for Candidates in Chicago: $175,000 - $205,000 per year The range provided is the minimum and maximum salary that Venable in good faith believes at the time of this posting that it is willing to pay for the advertised position. Exact compensation will be determined based on individual candidate qualifications and location. Committing your time and talent is no small matter—at Venable, we know that superior client service begins with an investment in our people. Our competitive compensation, robust benefits, and programs that support our employees’ well-being, families, and futures reflect our dedication to prioritizing the whole person, not just the professional. Venable’s benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending and healthcare savings accounts, 401(k) with firm profit share, paid time off, firm paid holidays, wellness and personal advocacy programs, family planning resources and leave programs, tuition reimbursement, and more. New employees are provided a detailed orientation to the firm’s benefit offerings upon hire. Here, we strive to offer the kind of care that radiates, from our colleagues to our clients, to our communities, so that success finds everyone.

Requirements

A minimum of ten years office management experience in a legal or similar professional services environment; a bachelor’s degree in business or related field, or equivalent work experience
A minimum of five years of leadership experience, including managing and directing teams, overseeing performance, conducting reviews, developing, and implementing training, and supervising day-to-day operations
Deep knowledge of office operations, including administration, facilities, finance, and legal support services
Proven ability to collaborate across offices to support growth initiatives, including staffing strategy, space planning, and resource alignment
Strong relationship-building skills, with the credibility to serve as a trusted advisor and foster an inclusive, high-performing workplace
Strategic and agile thinking, with the ability to set goals, adapt to evolving priorities, and lead organizational change
Exceptional communication, emotional intelligence, and client-service orientation, enabling effective engagement at all organizational levels
Demonstrated project management discipline and results orientation, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes
Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, or equivalent work experience.
Thorough knowledge of office operations and administration, facilities and office services management, finance and accounting, and secretarial support services.
Demonstrated ability to partner with senior management and leadership attorneys.
Ability to work collaboratively to grow the Chicago and Denver offices, including staff planning/development, space allocation/relocation and build outs, and resource assessment/alignment.
Experience developing and managing operational departments.
Experience managing vendors providing on-site support.
Ability to respond effectively and timely to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
Ability to respond to office needs/situations during non-business hours.
Adept at cultivating strong relationships, serving as a trusted advisor within the organization, and fostering a positive, engaging environment with a good sense of humor. Should we say with a good sense of humor.
Drive for continuous improvement, enhanced operational efficiencies, and implementation of automation while fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Strong strategic planning and goal-setting abilities, with the agility to adapt to evolving business priorities and drive impactful organizational change.
Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, effectively engaging individuals at all levels of the organization and conveying complex issues clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
Maintains a high level of interpersonal skills, demonstrating poise, tact, and diplomacy in handling sensitive and confidential situations.
Demonstrates strong emotional intelligence by recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions, staying self-motivated, and empathetically navigating relationships. Maintains composure under pressure, adapts to challenges, and fosters a positive, collaborative work environment.
Proven ability to collaborate across functional teams and lead through change, ensuring a cohesive, results-driven approach that drives business success.
Client-focused and responsive, with a consultative approach to understanding, anticipating, and meeting needs. Skilled in addressing sensitive inquiries or complaints effectively and in a timely manner.
Ability to anticipate challenges and identify and implement effective solutions while considering diverse perspectives.
Adept at exercising discretion and independent judgment while demonstrating strong problem-solving skills with creativity and effectiveness.
Demonstrates persistence in setting challenging goals for self and/or the team, prioritizing conflicting deadlines, and overcoming obstacles to drive own and/or team’s goals.
Adept at working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously. Demonstrates strong organizational skills, prioritizes work of self and team effectively, and ensures deadlines and business objectives are consistently met.
Demonstrates strong project management skills with proactive engagement to drive projects forward, ensuring timely completion while successfully managing multiple deadlines.
Driven by results with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes and ensuring exceptional client service and satisfaction.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Adaptable and quick to learn new technologies as needed. Proactively identifies and adopts technology advancements to facilitate process enhancements and efficiencies.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Providing visible leadership that reinforces firm culture, collaboration, accountability, and a strong internal and external client service mindset
Leading strategic and operational planning to improve efficiency, staffing models, support services, and cost-effective office operations in alignment with firm objectives
Building strong relationships with lawyers to understand the office client base, practice needs, and matter demands
Designing and implementing an effective, scalable support structure that aligns legal staff needs with firm standards of excellence
Driving structured change management initiatives, including communication, training, and stakeholder engagement
Managing the full employment lifecycle for assigned staff, including direct oversight of the LAA function, performance management, development, and workforce alignment
Partnering with HR, peers, and senior leadership to ensure consistency in people practices, compliance with firm policies, firmwide operational standardization, and effective facilities and landlord management