Database Administration Manager

Kirkland & Ellis; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 153,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking a Database Administration Manager in Chicago to lead the firm‑wide DBA team and oversee on‑prem and cloud SQL Server environments. You will drive incident response, architecture, upgrades, and security across critical systems.

The role requires strong leadership, deep SQL Server expertise, and collaboration with IT partners to ensure resilient, scalable databases and data protection across the firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• 5–7 years of database administration experience with Microsoft SQL Server.
• 1–3 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience with on‑premises and cloud SQL environments (Azure/AWS).
• Strong Transact‑SQL, SSIS, SSRS scripting and administration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the DBA team, fostering professional growth.
• Direct major database incidents and root‑cause analysis.
• Oversee scalable database architecture and data modeling.
• Plan upgrades, patches, and migrations with minimal downtime.
• Monitor and optimize performance across SQL Server environments.
• Maintain backups, DR, and failover processes for resilience.
• Develop and enforce database security policies and SOPs.
• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate databases with apps and infra.

Skills

People leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft SQL Server

Azure SQL Database

AWS RDS for SQL Server

SSIS/SSRS

PowerShell

Idera

Redgate

SentryOne

Job description

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

Are you an experienced database leader ready to strengthen critical systems while developing a high-performing technical team?

As Database Administration Manager, you will lead the firm‑wide Database Administration (DBA) team responsible for deploying, administering, maintaining, and supporting on‑premises and cloud‑based Microsoft SQL Server environments. You will oversee advanced production support and project implementation services, helping deliver secure, resilient, and high‑performing database solutions across the firm.

This position follows a hybrid work model, combining remote work with in‑office attendance in accordance with departmental and firm policies. A reliable high‑speed internet connection is required for remote work.

• Lead and develop the team: Guide, mentor, and support DBA team members while promoting professional growth, effective performance, and strong collaboration.
• Manage critical incidents: Direct the resolution of major database incidents, provide escalation support, and conduct root‑cause analysis to improve long‑term reliability.
• Shape database architecture: Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of scalable, efficient database schemas and data models.
• Deliver upgrades and migrations: Plan and execute software upgrades, patches, and database migrations while minimizing downtime and disruption.
• Optimize performance: Monitor database environments, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements that strengthen system performance and stability.
• Strengthen resilience: Maintain robust backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and failover processes that protect business continuity.
• Protect sensitive information: Develop and enforce database security policies that safeguard data and support regulatory compliance.
• Establish consistent practices: Create and document standard operating procedures, technical standards, and database administration best practices.
• Partner across technology teams: Collaborate with Information Technology colleagues to integrate databases effectively with applications and infrastructure.

What You’ll Bring

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Experience: At least five to seven years of database administration experience, particularly with Microsoft SQL Server, plus one to three years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• SQL Server expertise: Strong experience administering Microsoft SQL Server environments, including installation, configuration, performance optimization, replication, log shipping, database mirroring, clustering, and Always On availability solutions.
• Cloud capabilities: Knowledge of Azure SQL Database, Azure SQL Managed Instance, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Relational Database Service (RDS) for SQL Server.
• Development and reporting skills: Experience with Transact‑SQL, SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), and SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), including scripting, package development, report optimization, and administration.
• Technical toolkit: Familiarity with PowerShell and database tools such as Idera, Redgate, and SentryOne is preferred.
• People leadership: The ability to motivate others, delegate effectively, manage performance, navigate conflict, and build a collaborative team environment.
• Communication and judgment: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, along with sound judgment and the ability to explain complex technical topics to varied audiences.
• Problem‑solving: The ability to prioritize competing demands, work effectively in a fast‑paced environment, and build productive relationships across teams.

If you’re ready to lead talented database professionals and strengthen the performance, security, and resilience of enterprise systems as Database Administration Manager, we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $153,000 - $191,000

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI‑Hybrid #LI‑SM1