Director of Administration

Morrison Foerster; New York (NY); On-site; USD 275,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

Morrison Foerster is seeking a Director of Administration to drive operational excellence across the New York, Boston, and Miami offices. You will lead services, staffing, and costs, partnering with HR and firm leadership to enable superior client service and organizational effectiveness.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in office leadership within legal or professional services, strong cross-office collaboration, and a track record of implementing efficient operations and staff development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 7+ years as an office manager/director in professional services or legal environment.
• Proven leadership and collaboration across multiple offices and stakeholder groups.
• Experience managing staff, budgets, and client-service operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for NY, Boston, and Miami offices to align with firm priorities.
• Oversee administrative operations, staffing, and service levels across all locations.
• Manage HR relations, benefits, and staff development in partnership with HR.
• Lead projects to improve processes, policies, and cost management.

Education

Bachelor's degree

7+ years experience

Tools

Office IT systems

Job description

At MoFo, we couldn’t write our own success story without yours.Ready to write your story?

Join MoFo as DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION in our New York office!

https://www.mofo.com/offices

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a strategic leader and trusted advisor, the Director of Administration drives the operational excellence of the New York, Boston, and Miami offices, shaping their culture, supporting their people, and ensuring seamless delivery of world-class client service. Develops strategic plans for future practice and operational needs of the offices; anticipates and provides support structures and systems to meet attorney and client expectations. Coordinates closely with the HR team to manage employment relations and other HR matters within the offices. Acts as a strong collaborative leader in both office and Firm matters, and as a responsible advocate for office concerns and needs. Ensures consistency of office administrative operations with broader practices and firmwide standards. Provides collaborative leadership and direction to the offices' partners and employees, coordinating closely with the Office Managing Partners of each location.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic and tactical leadership aligning people, operations, and resources with firmwide priorities and client needs; serve as a bridge between local and global strategy.
• Optimize infrastructure and staffing across the New York, Boston, and Miami offices.
• Influence firmwide direction through participation in project teams and CAO staff meetings; advise office partners and firmwide functions on business and operations.

Operational Leadership

• Foster operational excellence and accountability across all three offices.
• Establish and maintain best-in-class service levels and cost standards.
• Develop strategies, performance measures, and management talent to drive effective operational support.

Project/Process Management

• Lead complex projects supporting firm and office strategies, meeting budget and timeline goals.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve operational processes and policies.
• Benchmark performance using industry best practices and data-driven strategy.
• Partner with Business Development and Marketing on strategic initiatives.

Financial Accountability

• Develop staffing plans and budgets for all three offices; manage expenses to budget.
• Oversee billing, collections, and invoice approvals in coordination with Finance.
• Support contract and vendor negotiations per firm procurement policy.

Communications Leadership

• Ensure transparent, consistent communication across offices; lead relevant meetings.
• Represent office interests in firmwide committees.
• Collaborate with other Directors of Administration.

Team Management & HR

• Provide leadership and development for direct reports and business professional staff, including performance management and compensation decisions.
• Partner with HR and firm leadership on employee and attorney relations matters.
• Oversee benefits administration and new-hire integration across offices.

Infrastructure Management

• Lead long-range planning for space, facilities, and equipment needs.
• Approve major purchases and space planning within authority.
• Ensure robust security and disaster preparedness programs.

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor's degree plus 7+ years of experience as an Office Manager/Director in a legal or professional services environment, or equivalent.
• Proven leadership record and collaborative results-orientation across a services industry.
• Experience managing a business to shareholder, management, and employee expectations.
• Demonstrated success leading organizations through change and developing high-performing management teams.
• Multi-office oversight experience preferred.
• Strong focus on operational excellence, client service, and cost management.
• Highly intelligent, organized, and analytical approach to problem-solving.
• Excellent project management, presentation, and communication skills.
• Solid financial and operational acumen, with familiarity with IT practices.
• Skilled at developing staff through coaching, goal-setting, and performance planning.
• Willingness to travel regularly among the New York, Boston, and Miami offices.

ABOUT MOFO

At MoFo, we collaborate as one firm, across borders, practice areas, and business functions and value fresh ideas and innovation over conformity and competition.

• About Us:https://www.mofo.com/about
• Inclusion + Engagement:https://www.mofo.com/community/we-at-mofo
• Commitment to Pro Bono:https://www.mofo.com/community/pro-bono
• The MoFo Foundation:https://www.mofo.com/culture/mofo-foundation

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS

MoFo offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.

• Avariety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances.

New York salary range: $275k to $400k

For questions regarding this position, please e-mail [e-mail]