Director, Pro Bono and Philanthropy

Seyfarth Shaw LLP•New York, New York

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Pro Bono and Philanthropy works closely with the Pro Bono and Philanthropy Partner to advance Seyfarth’s pro bono, community service, and charitable giving programs. The role develops initiatives to expand participation, strengthen program quality, manage risk, and deepen relationships with legal services organizations, community partners, corporate clients, and other stakeholders. It oversees the department’s day-to-day operations and uses data, technology, communications, and project management to advance the Firm’s objectives and demonstrate impact. The Director also manages departmental workloads and priorities and coordinates cross-functional teams supporting Firm initiatives. The position is based in New York, NY. The stated salary range for work performed in New York is $273,000 to $296,000 annually, based on a 40-hour work week. The role is also eligible for an annual merit increase and bonus pay.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
At least 10 years of experience in law firm pro bono, legal services, nonprofit management, philanthropy, or a closely related field.
Deep knowledge of the U.S. legal services and access-to-justice ecosystem and the role of law firm pro bono programs.
Demonstrated success developing and managing programs, partnerships, projects, and events from concept through completion.
Strong strategic planning, project management, operational execution, and process-improvement skills.
Experience supporting attorneys on pro bono matters, including training, staffing, supervision, matter management, and risk assessment.
Excellent relationship-management, communication, and collaboration skills across Firm and external stakeholders.
Ability to analyze program data, prepare reports, and use matter-management, reporting, and collaboration technologies.
Creative, resourceful, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to lead volunteers and manage multiple complex priorities.
Ability to travel to Firm offices, conferences, and events, as needed.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and active admission to a U.S. state bar are strongly preferred.
Law firm and/or legal services organization experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Execute department strategy, priorities, and measures of success with the Pro Bono and Philanthropy Partner.
Improve program administration, data quality, and the volunteer experience through effective tools, workflows, and technology.
Source and evaluate new pro bono matters and collaborations; support matter approval and intake; and oversee the active docket.
Monitor pro bono participation and address staffing, supervision, quality, resource, and risk concerns across offices and practice groups.
Manage departmental projects, vendors, administrative resources, and reporting requirements.
Match attorneys and staff with pro bono opportunities and guide teams through matter opening, staffing, training, supervision, reporting, and closing.
Develop training resources and maintain internal program content.
Build partnerships with legal services providers, charitable organizations, corporate clients, and other stakeholders.
Collaborate with Firm departments and lead program communications, including announcements, impact stories, intranet content, and social media.
Represent the Firm at relevant conferences and events.
Develop charitable and community service activities, including large-scale volunteer events.
Support Seyfarth’s Charitable Foundation through grant review, records management, Board materials, recommendations, and policy guidance.
Research organizations for targeted giving and assist with client-related charitable requests.
Analyze and report program participation, matters, outcomes, partnerships, and impact.