Manager of Professional Development

Pdclegal; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Pdclegal is looking for a Professional Development Manager to manage the Milbank@Harvard program and oversee the U.S. mentoring program for first-year associates. The role requires 5-7 years in legal professional development and strong skills in project management and relationship-building.

This highly visible position collaborates with key stakeholders to create exceptional learning experiences while ensuring compliance with firm policies. The expected salary range for this position is between $130,000 to $150,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of legal professional development experience or similar experience in a professional services firm.
• Strong presentation and project management skills are crucial.
• Willingness to travel to Harvard University for training.

Responsibilities

• Support the Milbank@Harvard program including planning and execution.
• Manage U.S. first-year associate mentoring program.
• Develop external vendor relationships for learning programs.

Skills

Legal professional development experience

Presentation skills

Relationship-building skills

Project management skills

Technology skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Milbank LLP New York, New York 10001
United States

The Professional Development Manager will be a key member of the Firm’s Global Professional Development team. Reporting to the Director of Professional Development and Training, the position will support the management and execution of the Firm’s Milbank@Harvard program. The position will also directly manage our U.S. first-year associate mentoring program.

Bring your experience developing, facilitating and executing PD programs to this highly visible role, in which you will collaborate closely with partners, Firm leaders, world-renowned university executive education professionals, and leading independent learning consultants to manage market-leading learning experiences.

Responsibilities

• Share responsibility with other senior PD team members for supporting the Milbank@Harvard program, including managing the curriculum’s planning and execution. Manage budgeting, global nominations process, curriculum development, and physical execution of approximately five week-long programs annually. Share with other senior PD team members the responsibility of attending Milbank@Harvard programs in Cambridge, Massachusetts to serve as program MC and host. Collaborate closely with university executive education team and external coaches and consultants on all aspects of programs and follow‑up development opportunities.
• Act as a point person for the Firm’s US mentoring programs, including by maintaining guidance and advising on best practices and firm policies for mentoring in the legal sector. Direct responsibility for implementation of U.S. first‑year mentoring program, which includes partner mentoring and associate buddy program for our annual first-year associate class of approximately 80‑90 associates. Manage and administer the Firm’s “Mentoring Stars” recognition program.
• Develop and manage external learning and coaching vendor relationships, including managing presentation preparation, program physical and technical logistics, and contracts and invoices.
• Facilitate internal focus groups, compile and analyze feedback, and recommend curriculum and program delivery innovations.
• Supervise Learning & PD Specialists and PD Coordinators in creating and deploying internal communications including intranet site, updating emails and internal calendars webpages for all programs under management.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on programs under management (particularly Milbank@Harvard offering) and work with and advise BD and PR teams on external promotion of these programs.
• The anticipated base salary range offered for this role will be between $130,000 to $150,000 and represents the firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the base compensation range. Actual base compensation will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s relevant experience, performance, qualifications, degrees, and location, as well as the needs of the firm.

Qualifications

• 5‑7 years of legal professional development experience, or a combination of legal PD and law practice experience. Consideration will also be given to candidates with similar experience in a professional services firm L&D department or with university executive education experience.
• Strong presentation skills, relationship‑building skills, and a high level of diplomacy.
• Strong project management skills are absolutely crucial for this role, as is a willingness to oversee event planning and execution incidental to learning program delivery.
• Strong technology skills (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) Knowledge of viLMS a plus.
• Availability to work overtime as needed and willingness to travel to Harvard University for several days, up to five times a year (all reasonable expenses paid).
• A successful candidate will be able to:
  • Confidently interact with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
  • Effectively prioritize to permit management of multiple simultaneous, complex projects.
  • Have strong attention to detail and a client‑service mindset.

Education