Executive Director (Law Firm)

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Managing Partners and Executive Committee on operational, organizational, and administrative matters affecting the firm.
• Partner with firm leadership to develop, prioritize, track, and execute strategic initiatives and firm objectives.
• Lead organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and change management initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Coordinate with department leaders to ensure accountability and the successful achievement of desired outcomes.
• Collaborate with the CFO and firm leadership on operational budgeting and the evaluation of significant business initiatives.
• Coordinate and facilitate Executive Committee, partner, and attorney meetings, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up execution.
• Support the year-end employee compensation and partner distribution processes.

• Provide executive oversight for all administrative departments and non-attorney personnel firmwide through department directors and managers.
• Partner with the Human Resources Director on talent management, compensation and benefits strategy, employee relations, and organizational development.
• Champion employee engagement, retention, succession planning, and professional development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and develop administrative department heads and managers across all offices.
• Empower leaders to address challenges, develop talent, and achieve departmental and firm objectives.

• Oversee firm operations to ensure efficient, effective, and scalable service delivery across all offices.
• Maintain alignment between firm operations, approved budgets, and strategic objectives.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate operational metrics and key performance indicators.
• Monitor operational performance and budget adherence across administrative departments.
• Recommend operational adjustments as needed.
• Approve significant operational expenditures within delegated authority.

• Partner with information technology leadership to develop and execute the firm’s technology strategy.
• Serve on the firm’s Information Technology and Information Security Committees.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement through the thoughtful adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, and other technology solutions.
• Identify opportunities to use technology to improve productivity, efficiency, security, and client service.

• Coordinate with the Director of Facilities on office leases, space planning, buildouts, renovations, and facilities-related projects.
• Ensure the firm’s facilities support its operational, client service, and growth objectives.

• Collaborate with firm leadership to identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Review and evaluate major contracts, vendor relationships, professional service engagements, and significant financial commitments.
• Support crisis planning and business continuity initiatives.

• Oversee the development, review, maintenance, communication, and implementation of firm policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, audit, certification, and risk management requirements.
• Support firm leadership and committees in the development and execution of governance initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Direct firmwide communications regarding operational matters, including policy updates, committee matters, office closures, and other organizational announcements.

• Serve as a trusted advisor, coach, and sounding board for administrative department heads and managers.
• Develop leadership effectiveness through active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and thoughtful counsel.
• Build trusted relationships with attorneys, staff, vendors, and external partners.
• Travel to the firm’s offices as needed to support operations, leadership initiatives, and organizational objectives.

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a law firm or professional services organization
• Experience managing or overseeing multiple administrative functions
• Demonstrated success leading organizational transformation and strategic initiatives
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
• Outstanding leadership, judgment, and problem-solving skills
• The ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution
• Experience working effectively with partners, attorneys, executives, directors, and managers
• The ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations with diplomacy and confidence
• A reputation for integrity, professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style

About Burnett Specialists
Burnett Specialists is a top-ranked, 100% employee-owned recruiting firm with over 50 years of expertise in connecting top talent with exceptional companies. Headquartered in Texas, we specialize in placing professionals in Accounting, IT, HR, Marketing, Engineering, Sales, Legal, Supply Chain, and Administrative roles across major cities, including Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso.

With a proven track record of responsiveness, cost savings, and full-spectrum staffing solutions — from temporary and temp-to-hire to payrolling and direct hire placements — we are committed to exceeding expectations and delivering unparalleled results.

As a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), we take pride in building long-term relationships with our clients and candidates while fostering integrity, professionalism, and community involvement.

Visit us at: www.burnettspecialists.com
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