Director of Administration

MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton LLP; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP in Erie, PA seeks a Director of Administration to lead the firm's business and administrative operations. This senior executive partners with the Managing Partner, CFO, and Management Committee to oversee HR, technology, facilities, marketing, vendor relations, and financial administration while driving strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership, business acumen, and a track record of improving operational performance in a professional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field.
• MBA, CLM, SHRM or other relevant designation preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressive administrative or operational leadership experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services.
• Strong understanding of human resources, operations, technology, finance, and business management principles.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing diverse administrative functions and teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR function, including recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compensation, and benefits programs.
• Manage office operations, facilities, vendor relations, lease administration, space planning, records management, and services.
• Collaborate with CFO on budgets, forecasts, and financial performance metrics; review financial reports.
• Support strategic planning, policies, procedures, and best practices across the firm.
• Lead marketing and business development support and assist with client service initiatives.
• Provide leadership and development for administrative personnel across all areas; set expectations and drive accountability.
• Monitor organizational performance and recommend process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Change management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

MBA or CLM/SHRM preferred

Tools

Legal billing systems

ERP systems

Job description

On behalf of our client, MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP, a highly respected and long-established law firm located in Erie, Pennsylvania, Decision Associates seeks an experienced, collaborative, and strategic Director of Administration to lead and oversee the firm's business and administrative operations.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Administration serves as one of the firm's senior administrative executives and strategic partner to the Managing Partner, Chief Financial Officer, and Management Committee. This individual will oversee the firm's human resources, technology, facilities, marketing, vendor relations and operational functions while ensuring the efficient management of day-to-day business operations.

The successful candidate will combine strong business acumen with exceptional leadership skills, helping the firm maintain operational excellence while supporting its long-term strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

Human Resources & Talent Management

• Oversee the firm's human resources function, including recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, compensation administration, and benefits programs.
• Support workforce planning and organizational development initiatives.
• Foster a positive workplace culture that promotes employee engagement, accountability, and professional development.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations, and firm policies.

Operations & Facilities Management

• Oversee the firm's daily administrative and operational functions.
• Manage office facilities, vendor relationships, lease administration, space planning, records management, and office services.
• Coordinate facility improvement projects and office expansions as necessary.
• Ensure the firm's physical environment supports client service and employee productivity.
• Oversee the firm's internal and external technology resources to ensure the effectiveness, security, and reliability of the firm's technology infrastructure.
• Support software implementation, cybersecurity initiatives, document management systems, and operational technology improvements.
• Evaluate technology investments and recommend enhancements that improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Partner closely with the CFO to support the firm's financial management and operational objectives.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial performance metrics.
• Review financial reports and key operational metrics to support informed decision-making.
• Collaborate on cash management, banking relationships, and financial administration processes.
• Support financial planning initiatives and strategic business analyses.

Strategic Planning & Firm Leadership

• Collaborate with firm leadership on strategic planning initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of firm-wide policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Support practice group leaders with operational planning, resource allocation, and special projects.
• Prepare reports, agendas, meeting materials, and minutes for partner, committee, and firm meetings.
• Monitor organizational performance and recommend process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Marketing & Business Development Support

• Provide oversight and support for marketing and business development initiatives.
• Assist with firm branding, client development efforts, website management, and community engagement activities.
• Support attorneys and leadership with strategic growth initiatives and client service enhancements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to administrative personnel across all operational areas.
• Establish performance expectations and promote accountability throughout the organization.
• Develop and mentor staff while creating opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field required.
• MBA, Certified Legal Manager (CLM), SHRM certification, or other relevant professional designation preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative or operational leadership experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong understanding of human resources, operations, technology, finance, and business management principles.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing diverse administrative functions and teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• High degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion when handling confidential information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a mid-sized or large law firm.
• Familiarity with legal billing systems, professional services operations, and law firm economics.
• Experience supporting executive leadership and governing committees.
• Knowledge of legal industry trends, best practices, and compliance requirements.

Why Join MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP?

MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP offers the opportunity to play a meaningful leadership role within one of the region's premier law firms. The Director of Administration will work directly with firm leadership to help shape strategy, drive operational excellence, and support a culture committed to exceptional client service and professional excellence.

MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.