Executive Director

Korn Ferry; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 250,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

403(b)/401(k) plan

Job summary

Korn Ferry, in partnership with the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), seeks an Executive Director to guide a premier professional association of legal management professionals. The role focuses on strategic leadership, member value, and long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving legal services landscape.

The Executive Director will oversee governance, education programs, conferences, and partnerships, ensuring strong financial stewardship and a forward-looking, member-centric

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in a membership/professional services setting.
• Experience working with a Board and volunteer leadership.
• Strong financial, operational, and strategic planning skills.
• Proven track record overseeing education programs, conferences, and credentials.
• Ability to build relationships with sponsors, partners and stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership of teams with accountability and inclusion.
• Strategic thinker with change-management experience.
• Understanding of AI/technology trends in professional services.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, enterprise-wide leadership for ALA and the Foundation of ALA.
• Strengthen member engagement, educational offerings, conferences, and credentialing programs.
• Develop and execute long-term growth strategies and financial stewardship.
• Lead governance, external relations, and partnerships with law firms and corporate departments.
• Foster a collaborative, data-driven culture and ongoing staff development.
• Represent ALA publicly and at conferences to enhance visibility and influence.

Skills

Executive leadership

Board governance

Strategic planning

Financial management

Education programs

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

People leadership

Change management

Industry trends AI/tech

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree preferred (CAE/JD/MBA)

Job description

Korn Ferry has partnered with the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) on a search for an accomplished, forward-looking Executive Director to lead one of the legal profession’s most influential membership organizations.

This is a compelling opportunity to shape the future of legal management at a moment of significant industry change. Technology, artificial intelligence, evolving client expectations, workforce dynamics, cybersecurity, and new service-delivery models are redefining the business of law. ALA’s next Executive Director will help legal management professionals navigate that transformation while expanding the Association’s relevance, reach, and impact.

About Association of Legal Administrators

Founded in 1971, the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) is the premier professional association serving legal management professionals across the United States, Canada, and beyond. Organized as a 501(c)(6) membership organization, ALA supports individuals responsible for the business and operational leadership of law firms, corporate legal departments, government legal agencies, and other legal service organizations. For more than five decades, ALA has served as the leading source of education, professional development, peer networking, thought leadership, and strategic resources for professionals charged with managing the increasingly complex business of law.

The legal profession is undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation driven by technological innovation, artificial intelligence, evolving client expectations, talent and workforce challenges, alternative service delivery models, cybersecurity concerns, and growing demands for operational efficiency. As the business of law becomes increasingly sophisticated, legal organizations require leaders who can navigate change, drive organizational performance, manage risk, and position their firms and legal departments for long-term success. ALA plays a critical role in supporting these leaders by providing the knowledge, credentials, relationships, professional community, resources, and professional development necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.

Today, ALA serves as the professional home for legal management professionals across a broad range of functional disciplines, including finance, operations, technology, human resources, marketing and business development, facilities, administration, compliance, and executive leadership. ALA's distinctive offerings reflect the breadth and complexity of the legal management profession. The Association is the exclusive credentialing body for the Certified Legal Manager (CLM)® program, a rigorous professional certification that demonstrates mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to operate at a high level within legal management. The CLM credential serves as an important differentiator for ALA and the professionals who earn it. ALA complements this credential with conferences, continuous education, specialist certificate programs, and an array of publications and thought leadership, including Legal Management magazine, podcasts, white papers, surveys, resource hubs, and other practical tools addressing the evolving needs of the profession.

Equally important is the professional community ALA creates. Through its network of independently operated chapters, members have access to local education, networking, professional development, and opportunities to build meaningful connections with peers. ALA's broader reach, relationships with peer organizations, and engaged volunteer leadership structure further create opportunities for collaboration and industry influence. At the heart of the Association is the trusted network its members build with one another, creating a community in which legal management professionals exchange ideas, share practical guidance, build lasting relationships, and help one another navigate the opportunities and challenges of leading within the legal industry.

ALA has also intentionally cultivated a business partner model that extends beyond a traditional vendor relationship. The Association's Value in Partnership (VIP) Program brings together an exclusive group of business partners vetted by ALA for their understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing ALA members and the legal organizations they serve. As ALA's official member benefits resource, the program connects members with solutions, savings, and expertise designed specifically for the legal sector. This partnership-oriented approach reinforces a broader ecosystem in which members, chapters, peer organizations, and business partners contribute to member value and the advancement of the profession.

At its core, ALA exists to elevate the profession of legal management and strengthen the organizations its members serve. Guided by its vision of "Creating Excellence. Driving Innovation. Empowering Leaders in Law", ALA provides diverse educational experiences, professional credentials, engaged peer communities, strategic solutions, dynamic resources, business partnerships, and trusted networks that help members succeed as leaders within the legal industry. Through these efforts, ALA serves not only as a membership organization, but as a catalyst for professional growth, industry innovation, meaningful professional connection, and organizational excellence across the legal ecosystem.

As ALA looks toward its next chapter, the organization is well positioned to build upon its strong foundation while expanding its influence and value proposition in an increasingly complex marketplace. Its priorities include enhancing member engagement, advancing educational and credentialing offerings, strengthening chapter and volunteer leadership, deepening relationships with peer organizations and business partners, embracing emerging technologies, and ensuring that legal management professionals remain at the forefront of shaping the future of the legal profession. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead a respected and influential organization at a pivotal moment for both ALA and the industry it serves.

Purpose of the Position

The Executive Director of ALA serves as the chief executive officer of the organization and the primary steward of its mission, strategic direction, organizational performance, and long-term sustainability. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for leading one of the legal profession's most influential membership organizations, ensuring that ALA continues to deliver exceptional value to its members while advancing the business and management of law across an increasingly complex and evolving legal landscape.

As the legal industry undergoes significant transformation driven by technological innovation, artificial intelligence, changing client expectations, workforce dynamics, and evolving business models, the Executive Director will guide ALA through its next chapter of growth and impact. This leader will partner closely with the Board of Directors, volunteer leadership, chapter leaders, staff, industry partners, and stakeholders across the legal ecosystem to strengthen member engagement, expand educational and professional development offerings, enhance organizational effectiveness, and ensure that ALA remains the premier professional home for legal management professionals.

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership across all facets of the organization, including governance, membership, education, conferences and events, technology, chapter relations, finance, talent management, and external affairs. As Executive Director of both ALA and the Foundation of the Association of Legal Administrators (the charitable affiliate of ALA), this individual will be responsible for ensuring strong financial stewardship, fostering a high-performing and collaborative organizational culture, and aligning resources and operations with the Association's long-term strategic priorities.

Equally important, the Executive Director will serve as a visible ambassador for ALA and the legal management profession, strengthening relationships with members, business partners, law firms, corporate legal departments, legal service providers, academic institutions, and peer organizations. The successful candidate will be a strategic, forward-thinking executive who possesses the leadership presence, business acumen, and collaborative style necessary to position ALA for continued relevance, growth, and influence while advancing its vision of creating excellence, driving innovation, and empowering leaders in law.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director will provide visionary, enterprise-wide leadership to ensure ALA remains the leading professional organization serving legal management professionals while operating as a high-performing, financially sustainable, and member-centric association. In partnership with the Board of Directors, chapter leaders, volunteers, staff, and strategic partners, the Executive Director will advance ALA's mission, strengthen its value proposition, and position the organization for continued relevance and growth across a rapidly evolving legal marketplace.

Executive Leadership and Strategy

• Position ALA as the leading voice for legal management professionals and a trusted resource on the forces reshaping the legal industry.
• Anticipate and respond quickly to emerging trends impacting law firms and legal departments, including artificial intelligence, legal technology, talent management, operational efficiency, risk management, and evolving client expectations.
• Guide the development of strategic initiatives that help members successfully navigate change while advancing the business of law.
• Foster innovation and thought leadership that strengthen ALA's influence across the legal profession.
• Ensure the Association remains responsive, relevant, and forward-looking as the legal services landscape continues to evolve.

Membership Value and Professional Impact

• Champion a member-centric culture that prioritizes engagement, retention, recruitment, and long-term professional growth.
• Oversee the development of best-in-class educational programs, conferences, peer networks, certifications, publications, and professional resources.
• Continuously assess and enhance ALA's value proposition to meet the changing needs of legal management professionals at every career stage.
• Leverage technology and new delivery models to improve accessibility, engagement, and member experience.
• Ensure ALA remains the professional home for current and emerging leaders across the legal industry.

Strengthening the Association and Foundation

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for both ALA and the Foundation of ALA.
• Ensure organizational resources, staffing, technology, and infrastructure effectively support the Association's strategic objectives.
• Develop and execute long-term growth strategies that strengthen organizational sustainability and impact.
• Oversee fiscal stewardship, financial planning, risk management, and resource allocation to ensure continued organizational health.

Governance, External Affairs and Relationship Development

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors and volunteer leadership while fostering a strong culture of governance, transparency, and accountability.
• Strengthen engagement with ALA's chapter network and volunteer leadership structure.
• Support leadership development initiatives that cultivate future ALA leaders.
• Cultivate, strengthen, and maintain impactful relationships with law firms, corporate legal departments, legal service providers, consultants, academic institutions, peer organizations, and other key business partners across the legal ecosystem.
• Develop and expand strategic partnerships that enhance member value, advance organizational priorities, and support ALA's long-term growth and sustainability.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for ALA at conferences, industry events, and professional forums.
• Advance the recognition, influence, and value of legal management professionals throughout the broader legal community.

People and Culture Leadership

• Build, develop, and retain a talented and engaged team committed to service excellence, innovation, accountability, and member success.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages transparency, continuous learning, cross-functional partnership, and shared ownership of organizational goals.
• Empower staff and volunteer leaders to contribute ideas, challenge conventional approaches, and identify new opportunities to enhance member value and organizational performance.
• Champion professional development, succession planning, and leadership growth to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of ALA.
• Establish a culture of continuous improvement by leveraging data, technology, and performance metrics to enhance decision-making, operational effectiveness, and member experience.
• Lead the organization through change with a focus on communication, alignment, and organizational resilience as the legal profession and member expectations continue to evolve.

The Candidate

Experience and Professional Qualifications

ALA seeks a strategic, highly collaborative executive who understands how professional communities shape industries. As ALA enters its next chapter, this leader will build on the organization’s strong legacy, help members navigate an increasingly dynamic legal environment, and expand ALA’s impact, influence, and relevance. The successful candidate will appreciate ALA’s distinctive position within the legal ecosystem and be energized by the opportunity to elevate the legal management profession.

The next Executive Director will be both a relationship builder and an organizational leader. They will bring the credibility and executive presence necessary to engage volunteer leaders, members, staff, industry partners, and other stakeholders while cultivating a shared sense of purpose around ALA’s mission and future. The successful candidate will understand how to bring people together, encourage meaningful engagement, and foster a strong sense of community among professionals whose responsibilities span operations, finance, technology, talent management, business development, and firm leadership.

As the legal profession continues to evolve, ALA seeks a leader who is intellectually curious and forward-looking. The Executive Director should understand the opportunities and challenges created by emerging technologies, changing workforce expectations, evolving business models, and shifting client demands. While deep legal industry experience is not required, the successful candidate must demonstrate an ability to understand complex professional environments and position organizations to remain relevant amid change.

This role requires a leader who is equally comfortable discussing strategy in the boardroom, engaging members at chapter events, representing ALA publicly, and supporting staff in achieving organizational goals. The ideal candidate will possess sound business judgment, strong operational instincts, and a genuine appreciation for the importance of member service. Above all, ALA seeks a leader who values collaboration, embraces innovation, and can inspire confidence across a broad and diverse stakeholder community.

Candidates should possess many of the following qualifications and characteristics:

• Significant executive leadership experience within a membership organization, professional association, nonprofit enterprise, professional services organization, or similarly complex stakeholder environment.
• Demonstrated success leading organizations through periods of growth, change, innovation, or strategic transformation.
• Experience working in close partnership with a Board of Directors and volunteer leadership structure.
• Strong financial, operational, and business management capabilities, including strategic planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and organizational performance management.
• A track record of strengthening stakeholder engagement, building community, and fostering meaningful professional connections.
• Experience overseeing educational programming, conferences, learning experiences, membership initiatives, credentialing programs, or other professional development offerings.
• Demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with sponsors, business partners, vendors, industry leaders, and other external constituencies.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent an organization effectively across a variety of audiences and settings.
• Experience leading and developing teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate ideas into action and drive measurable organizational outcomes.
• An appreciation for the trends reshaping professional services organizations, including technology, artificial intelligence, workforce evolution, and changing client expectations.
• High integrity, strong judgment, and a leadership style characterized by transparency, humility, and service.

Key Relationships

• Director, Membership Services and Development
• Director of Marketing and Communication
• Director of Human Resources
• Senior Director, Governance and Education
• Director of Finance
• Director, Business Development
• Director of Information Technology

Education

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• An advanced degree in business administration, nonprofit management, association management, organizational leadership, law, public administration, communications, or a related field is preferred.
• A Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or other relevant professional credential is considered advantageous.

Compensation

• The estimated base compensation will be $250,000–$275,000. ALA also offers a comprehensive benefits package, paid time off, annual bonus(es), 403(b), healthcare.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

ALA maintains a strong commitment to creating and preserving equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.

ALA’s equal employment opportunity philosophy applies to all aspects of employment with ALA, including job benefits, social activities, hiring, recruiting, training, promotion, compensation, and other personnel matters. All employment-related decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender (or sex), sexual identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, order of protection status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other legally protected characteristic.

ALA prohibits discrimination regardless of whether the conduct at issue violates the law.