Director of Administration & Office Services

New Jersey Association of Legal Administrators; Newark, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP in Newark, NJ seeks a Director of Administration & Office Services to lead day‑to‑day operations and build a scalable people function. This senior role reports to the Administrative Partner and partners with Finance, Technology & Facilities to translate firm priorities into concrete execution.

The Director will recruit, develop, and retain top administrative talent, standardize processes, and drive continuous improvement across the firm’s operations, client service,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of administrative, HR, or operations leadership experience within a law firm or partner-led professional services organization.
• Experience building or improving people operations and administrative processes.
• Demonstrated success leading administrative teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the firm's administrative operations and support functions.
• Translate leadership priorities into clear plans, accountability, and execution.
• Lead firmwide administrative initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Build scalable administrative systems that support continued growth.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Director of Administration & Office Services

Job Posting
Aug. 22, 2026

Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP – Newark, NJ

Location : Newark, NJ
Compensation: $150,000–$175,000 annually
Experience: 5–10 Years
Employment Type: Full Time

About the Firm

Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP (MSW) is a dynamic and growing law firm committed to delivering exceptional legal services and client experiences across the commercial real estate and construction industries. As a fast-growing, entrepreneurial firm, MSW is investing in the leadership, systems, and operating discipline required to support its next stage of growth.

We are creating a new Director of Administration & Office Services role to strengthen leadership capacity, build a scalable people function, professionalize administrative operations, and ensure attorneys and staff receive exceptional operational support. Given the visible, hands‑on nature of this leadership role, the Director will work in the firm’s Newark, NJ office five days per week.

Position Summary

The Director of Administration & Office Services is the firm's senior administrative leader responsible for building a high‑performing people function, leading day‑to‑day administrative operations, and ensuring firm priorities are translated into consistent execution. Reporting to the Administrative Partner, this role serves as a true “player-coach” providing strategic leadership while remaining closely engaged in the firm's daily operations.

Working closely with the Director of Finance and Director of Technology & Facilities, the Director will improve coordination across administrative functions, strengthen management disciplines, and help create the operational foundation that allows partners to focus on clients, growth, and firm leadership.

• Lead the firm's administrative operations and support functions
• Translate leadership priorities into clear plans, accountability, and execution
• Lead firmwide administrative initiatives and cross‑functional projects
• Build scalable administrative systems that support continued growth

People Operations & Talent Management

• Lead recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, career development, and training
• Coordinate attorney recruiting support, including the firm's on‑campus interview (OCI) program
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and employment compliance
• Foster an engaged, accountable, and high‑performing workplace culture

Office Administration & Service Delivery

• Oversee day‑to‑day office operations and administrative support services
• Coordinate administrative resources to support attorneys and clients
• Improve workflows, documentation, and service standards
• Manage administrative vendors and operational resources

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Standardize administrative policies, procedures, and operating practices
• Lead process improvement and organizational change initiatives
• Establish performance measures and service standards
• Promote knowledge management and continuous improvement
• Partner closely with Finance, Technology & Facilities, and firm as well as practice leadership
• Support strategic planning and implementation of firm priorities
• Promote collaboration, communication, and accountabilityDiscover
• Serve as a trusted advisor on people and operational matters

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years of administrative, HR, or operations leadership experience within a law firm or partner‑led professional services organization
• Experience building or improving people operations and administrative processes
• Demonstrated success leading administrative teams and cross‑functional initiatives

Preferred Experience

• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or similar certification
• Experience leading organizational change, process improvement, or operational transformation

Leadership Capabilities

• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential matters
• Ability to influence across all organizational levels
• Hands‑on leadership style with a bias toward execution and continuous improvement

Measures of Success

Within the first 12 months, success will be measured by the Director's ability to:

• Build firmwide credibility
• Establish a scalable people operations function
• Clarify administrative ownership and strengthen execution
• Increase partner capacity by assuming day‑to‑day administrative leadership

Why Join MSW?

This newly created leadership role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of the firm. You will work closely with firm as well as practice leadership and your fellow administrative leaders to build efficient operations, strengthen our culture, and support continued growth and excellence.

Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.