Director of Administration

This is an exciting opportunity to work for one of the top law firms in the U.S. Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is looking for a Director of Administration to join our team in our Seattle office.

We offer a hybrid work engagement with one day o f remote work, and four days in-office.

The Director of Administration manages and oversees daily operations of the Seattle & Bellevue offices with 226 attorneys and 358 professional staff. This position will have the opportunity to have a significant impact on the organization for a professional dedicated to providing top-notch service as well as building and maintaining a diverse environment in which lawyers, paralegals and professional staff can thrive. This position is a blend of direct staff supervision for 81 professional staff and management of operations, administration, facilities, events, and hospitality and requires the ability to quickly adapt to evolving priorities and demands. The Office Administrator should demonstrate exceptional energy, commitment to service excellence, and leadership in managing and growing a team of diverse support staff professionals.

At Davis Wright Tremaine, you will find challenging assignments, opportunities for professional growth and community involvement, and a culture of inclusion. DWT fosters inclusiveness and authenticity. Regardless of position, everyone here has a voice and the support is unparalleled.

On a typical day you will:

·       Manage all office operational functions including delivery of support services by Managers, Legal Assistants (secretarial), Concierge Staff and Office Services (reception, mail, document reproduction and hospitality)

·       Supervise all administrative areas, provide professional staff with ongoing guidance, direction, and feedback to ensure a productive, professional, and motivated team

·       Analyze operations and identify areas for process improvement and manage process improvement projects. Develop documentation to support long term operational consistency and resilience. Determine need for restructuring or changes in work reallocation to properly support clients, attorneys, staff and the culture of excellence. Ensure consistency of workflow, timeliness of projects, and the most economical and efficient use of resources available for completion of work

·       Coordinate and oversee on-the-ground Human Resources functions including participating in the interviewing and hiring of professional staff, conducting new hire orientation, conducting bi-annual performance reviews, managing employee relations, salary adjustments, discipline, and separation from employment, and performing other duties as needed; liaise and report in real-time to Human Resources team on employment performance issues  

·       Assist in budget preparation and forecasting, including salary budget and increases. Monitor and manage office budget throughout the year, including controlling expenses appropriately and performing periodic variance analysis

·       Work with team to plan and assist with regular client, partner/C-Suite, and officewide events

·       Oversee facility maintenance; serve as liaison with local property management and working with building personnel and appropriate internal contacts

·       Coordinate with firm-wide and global administrative operations team and work on projects and initiatives which enhance service delivery firmwide

·       Anticipate and facilitate Seattle & Bellevue office contributions to the firmwide strategic plan

·       Support Office Partners-In-Charge

• Work closely with Partners-in-Charge in planning and execution of office-related initiatives, programs, and meetings involving attorneys and staff
• Seek opportunities to reduce the administrative load on the Partners-in-Charge by providing quick, concise, and accurate information while also anticipating their needs
• Collaborate with Partners-in-Charge regarding resolution of issues involving attorneys and staff
• Provide support with attorney programs or initiatives as requested
• Collaborate with Partners-in-Charge and participate in activities aimed at elevating the office’s profile and brand and enhances and supports the office and firm culture

Join us if you have:

·       10+ years of leadership experience with staff supervision and management responsibilities within the professional services industry; large law firm experience preferred

·       Bachelor's Degree preferably in management, business, organization development or Human Resources

·       Highly professional and organized with a strong hands-on customer service orientation

·       Business acumen must include uncompromising integrity, sound leadership experience