Manager, Professional Development

New York, NY

Summary

The Manager, Professional Development, is a member of the Talent Development team and reports to the Director of Professional Development.  The Manager works directly and collaboratively with the Associate Development Partners, the Global Business Unit Directors, members of the Marketing and GTS Departments, and other members of the Human Resources and Talent Development teams.  The Professional Development Manager is focused on serving our lawyer and business services populations on learning and development initiatives. The Manager also works on special projects and initiatives with various groups and teams throughout the firm.

Key Responsibilities 

• Together with other members of the HR team, manage the Global Performance Management and Feedback processes, including annual performance reviews and career development discussions for counsel, associates and Business Services professionals
• Manage the formal upward review process for partners and counsel
• Recommend and implement training programs and coaching for lawyers and Business Services professionals based on needs surfaced in connection with the performance reviews and career development discussions
• Conduct exit interviews with departing counsel and associates in specific practice groups and provide summary and analysis on departures to senior management
• Work as a part of a team responsible for planning, designing and delivering core skills training programs for lawyers and Business Services professionals in the Americas
• Plan, oversee and execute all aspects of Summer Associate University, including substantive trainings, core skills trainings and Deal-o-Rama
• Recommend and implement ways in which we can maximize our subscriptions with PLI, Hotshot Legal, Rosetta Stone, LawFirmElearning and other providers as they may change or be supplemented from time to time
• Oversee the planning of morale events, including semi-annual all-lawyer events, multi-group coolers and class year gatherings
• Advise the New York Associates Committee on proposed initiatives designed to increase associate satisfaction
• Plan and attend lunches among the Associate Development Partners and associates, and breakfasts among the Senior Partner and associates, and follow up on suggestions as appropriate
• Manage the Professional Development budget
• Directly and indirectly supervise and manage employees and be responsible for their overall direction, coordination and evaluation
• Assist the Professional Development team and the wider Talent Development team with additional projects, as needed, including orientation and onboarding, eLearning, mentorship/sponsorship programs, the Career Center and global conferences
• Collaborate with the Professional Development team and members of other Business Services Departments to suggest new initiatives designed to benefit the firm’s employees
• Perform such other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Possesses outstanding interpersonal skills, self-motivation, enthusiasm, and energy and is capable of working effectively with a variety of people and departments
• Proven ability to work effectively with senior level professionals
• Is client-service oriented
• Exhibits a high degree of initiative in managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment
• Possesses ability to work with frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workflow
• Proactive and possessing the initiative to keep things up to date, to follow-up and to move projects forward
• Possesses ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise a high standard of judgment and discretion
• Demonstrates ability to make recommendations to effectively resolve problems or issues by using judgment that is consistent with standards, practices, policies, procedures, regulation or law
• Possesses ability to act independently within the scope of the position’s responsibilities as a decision-maker and contributor on all levels
• Communicates clearly and effectively in writing and in person on a one-on-one basis, as well as in small and large group situations
• Exhibits excellent organizational, planning and project management skills
• Builds energy, support and gains commitment for solutions
• Manages and motivates others with or without authority
• Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment and encourages an atmosphere in which everyone exchanges ideas
• Possesses the supervisory/managerial skills necessary in order to interact and communicate with junior team members, provide instruction and direction, determine work priorities, and coordinate the activities of a team
• Possesses excellent writing skills

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 4+ years of professional development or similar experience in a law firm or other professional services organization
• 2+ years of experience managing others
• Advanced knowledge of Windows-based systems

Preferred

• JD, Masters in Organizational Development or Human Resources Management, or other advanced and related degree preferred
• Familiarity with viDesktop, CE Manager and Workday preferred

Physical Activity/Other Miscellaneous

• Must be able to work extended hours
• Some travel may be required
• Ability to retrieve and distribute files, written documentation or office supplies weighing up to 10 pounds