Description

Description

As a senior member of the Knowledge Management Department, the Director of KM Operations and Research is responsible for oversight of the operations and research staff, strategic planning for these teams including collection development and budget. This role will be eligible for a hybrid remote work environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership and Management

• Lead and direct firm wide KM operations and research teams (legal, risk and competitive intelligence); establish short and long-range strategies, goals, and objectives.
• Manage department staff which includes performance management, developing and coaching; always encouraging growth and motivating a positive environment. Manage department staff which includes performance management, developing and coaching; always encouraging growth and motivating a positive environment.
• Initiate process improvement and quality review to simplify and improve productivity.

Acquisitions, Collection Development and Budget

• Plan and implement collection development policy, evaluating which resources are needed, and in what format (print or online).
• Plan and execute systems and procedures for acquisitions and circulation control, guaranteeing complete, consistent and ready access to all materials in the firm collections.
• In conjunction with the CKIO, prepare, manage and monitor department budget, forecasting expenses for upcoming fiscal year.
• Manage and maintain relationships with outside libraries, vendors, and associations to ensure prompt and cost-effective service.

Strategy & Professional Development

• Responsible for driving the strategy and product development of the legal, risk mitigation and competitive intelligence research teams to continually respond to emerging attorney and client needs related to market and business intelligence/analysis.
• Market and promote the KM operations and research teams to maximize effective use of research tools and related technologies.
• Stay abreast of developments and trends in the legal industry and KM profession. Network with professional colleagues through seminars, conferences, meetings, and be on the forefront of developments that affect law firm management.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES):

 Education:     

• MLS, MLIS, Juris Doctorate or equivalent degree.

Experience:

• 10 years of legal services experience in KM or library related field.
• 5+ years experience in management/mentoring of others, particularly in the legal industry.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

KNOWLEDGE

• Industry Knowledge: A broad working knowledge of the legal industry, its trends, dynamics, and growth drivers as well as the ability to place the firm in the context of the competition.
• Research Planning: Ability to demonstrate knowledge of how and when to use appropriate research methodologies and studies to provide research input for business decisions. Including keeping abreast of new development and techniques in the field.
• Market Understanding: Ability to understand current economic, market and legislative conditions and trends that may impact departments, practice groups or clients.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

General:

• Planning: Ability to develop challenging but achievable objectives that support organizational business goals; plan projects on basis of time and resource parameters; delegate tasks when appropriate; effectively manage own time relative to project demands and other duties/responsibilities; effectively manage projects running concurrently.
• Managing Performance & Development: Ability to enhance an individual’s strengths and address identified weaknesses in efforts to improve overall performance. Ability to identify and provide meaningful opportunities that improve or enhance skills and/or competencies required. Ability to collaborate with other KM teams and administrative departments on projects and solutions.
• Self-motivated, detail oriented and organized with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline driven environment.
• Intellectual curiosity and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

Technical:

• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability in performing product evaluations and analyzing contracts for KM tools and research services.
• Experience creating and managing a budget.
• Ability to multitask and effectively prioritize competing projects.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word and Adobe Acrobat.

Communication:

• Outstanding communication skills that enable clear, concise oral and written communication to all levels of the organization.
• Presentation: effectively utilizes visual media when appropriate and demonstrate professional yet comfortable presentation style.
• High level of customer service.
• A strong team orientation and a professional attitude.
• Act as an ambassador of the Department during regular interaction with attorneys and staff.