Department Operations Specialist - IP Department (KC or St. Louis)

EMERGE; Independence (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

401(k) plan

Paid leave

Professional development

Strategic initiatives collaboration

Job summary

EMERGE is seeking a Department Operations Specialist to partner with the Intellectual Property leadership to oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and operational improvements that support strategic initiatives. You will analyze financial and operational data, coordinate cross-functional projects, and drive efficiency across the department in a fast-paced professional services environment.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in operations or financial analysis, a related bachelor's degree, and

Qualifications

• 5+ years in business operations, PM, or financial analysis
• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Experience in law firm or professional services preferred
• Budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting experience
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations with IP leadership
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and reporting
• Analyze data to identify trends and provide recommendations
• Coordinate departmental projects with timelines

Skills

Budgeting

Financial analysis

Project management

Operational improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel proficiency

Power BI

Monday.com

Smartsheet

iManage

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Power BI

Monday.com

Smartsheet

iManage

Excel

Job description

We're hiring for a highly respected national law firm known for its commitment to client service, operational excellence, and professional development. This Department Operations Specialist opportunity is ideal for an analytical and detail-oriented professional who enjoys improving processes, managing financial operations, and supporting strategic business initiatives. You'll partner closely with Intellectual Property department leadership, attorneys, and cross-functional teams to oversee budgeting, financial reporting, project coordination, and operational improvements that support the department's overall success. This role is a great fit for someone who combines strong financial analysis, project management, and organizational skills while thriving in a collaborative, fast-paced professional services environment.

REWARDS

• Competitive base salary
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm contribution
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Professional development and long-term career growth opportunities with a nationally recognized law firm
• Opportunity to collaborate directly with department leadership and firm executives on high-impact strategic initiatives

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional experience in business operations, project management, financial analysis, or a related field
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment preferred
• Strong experience with budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and operational analysis
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with experience interpreting financial and operational data to develop actionable recommendations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, leadership, and cross-functional teams
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, including financial reporting and data analysis
• Experience with Power BI, Monday.com, Smartsheet, or similar reporting and project management tools preferred
• Familiarity with legal technology platforms, document management systems such as iManage, or legal billing software is a plus

Responsibilities

• Partner with Intellectual Property department leadership to oversee daily business operations, streamline workflows, and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency
• Manage department budgets, financial forecasting, and reporting to support strategic planning and informed business decisions
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, monitor performance, and provide actionable recommendations to department leadership
• Coordinate and manage departmental projects and strategic initiatives, including developing timelines