Director of Technology Strategy and Portfolio Management

Crowell & Moring•Washington, DC

5h•$215,000 - $340,000

About The Position

The Director of Technology Strategy and Portfolio Management serves as a strategic partner to the CIO, advancing the Firm’s technology vision and positioning IT as a business-focused, value-generating function. The role provides leadership and operational direction for technology strategy, planning, portfolio management, and technology delivery. It translates firm priorities into coordinated technology initiatives and ensures projects and services are prioritized, resourced, governed, and delivered with measurable value. The Director oversees strategic roadmap and portfolio planning, budgeting, reporting, vendor management, contracts and coordination, business analysis and relationship management, and strategic execution. The role works closely with IT, firm leadership, administrative leaders, practice leaders, and other stakeholders to support effective decision-making, operational efficiency, reliable user support, and continued innovation across the firm. It also provides strategic direction and people leadership for assigned teams.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience in a senior technology portfolio management role at a best-in-class organization; law firm experience is preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in business, information systems, computer science, or a related field.
PMP certification or a related certification.
Strong knowledge of technology strategy, portfolio management, IT operations, service delivery, governance, budgeting, vendor management, and enterprise technology planning.
Experience with contemporary project and portfolio management tools, including AI integration.
Ability to translate business priorities into practical technology plans, investment recommendations, operating models, and measurable outcomes.
Understanding of IT service delivery, end-user support, performance metrics, SLAs, and continuous improvement practices.
Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cost optimization, contract management, and technology investment planning.
Knowledge of technology operations, infrastructure, end-user technologies, service management, cybersecurity, business continuity, and emerging technology trends.
Strong leadership and team management skills, including the ability to coach, develop, and support high-performing teams in a complex, service-oriented environment.
Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with attorneys, professional staff, firm leadership, vendors, and technical teams.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and drive results.
Ability to establish structure, accountability, and transparency across complex technology initiatives, projects, and service delivery functions.
Demonstrated judgment and discretion, including the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
Commitment to responsive, high-quality support for internal and external clients and proactively improving the client experience in non-legal interactions.

Nice To Haves

An MBA or relevant master’s degree.
Experience in a law firm.
Familiarity with law firm, professional services, or similarly complex business environments.
Familiarity with enterprise platforms such as document management, knowledge management, Microsoft 365, IT service management, and collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

Oversee development, execution, and refinement of the annual technology strategy, aligning it with business priorities, operational needs, and long-term firm goals; partner with the CIO on the firmwide strategic technology roadmap.
Oversee technology portfolio management, including intake, prioritization, sequencing, resourcing, investment review, progress tracking, and benefits realization.
Lead continuous improvement and transformation of the IT business and operations model, including governance and collaboration with stakeholders on the architectural review board.
Direct strategic technology programs and cross-functional initiatives from planning through delivery, establishing ownership, milestones, dependencies, risk management, and measurable outcomes.
Champion operational excellence in IT service delivery, change management, client communications, technology implementations, and ongoing stakeholder relationship management and business reviews.
Develop and deliver executive-level reports and presentations on operational improvements and strategic initiatives.
Establish and monitor service performance metrics, KPIs, SLAs, and reporting practices to support effective project management and implementations and continuous improvement.
Oversee IT financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, variance review, cost optimization, resource allocation, invoice and expense processing, and reporting on technology spend, performance, and value.
Partner with stakeholders and outsourced procurement services vendors on vendor selection, contract negotiation, supplier relationships, service levels, renewals, and technology contract lifecycle processes.
Develop and improve IT policies, procedures, governance practices, documentation, methodologies, and operating standards to support consistency, accountability, and compliance.
Work with firm leaders, administrative departments, practice groups, attorneys, professional staff, vendors, and other stakeholders to understand needs, evaluate solutions, and support technology decisions.
Promote collaboration and communication between IT and user communities, keeping users informed about service status, project progress, support expectations, and technology changes.
Identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, automation, self-service, innovation, and technology service and support delivery.
Support risk management, information security, business continuity, and recovery planning to protect firm and client information and minimize operational disruption.
Provide strategic direction, coaching, performance management, and professional development for assigned teams, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented, continuous-improvement culture.
Undertake other strategic initiatives as assigned by the CIO.