Strategic Director of Administrative Operations

Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, LLP; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Anderson, a well-established mid-size law firm in Raleigh, NC, seeks a Director of Administrative Operations to lead day-to-day administrative services. This exempt, full-time role reports to firm leadership and collaborates with the COO to translate goals into effective processes and high-quality service delivery.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in administrative/operational roles, with proven leadership in law-firm settings, HR, and facilities management.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressively responsible administrative, operations, HR, or professional services management experience, preferably in a law firm.
• Experience supervising administrative professionals and support staff.
• Strong knowledge of law firm operations, confidentiality, and professional service expectations.
• Proven ability to lead people, manage performance, and build relationships across levels.
• Experience developing and improving policies, procedures, staffing models, and service standards.
• Understanding HR processes, recruiting, onboarding, and compliance considerations.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, development, workload guidance, and performance management for administrative teams.
• Partner with firm leadership to align resources with attorney needs, client service, deadlines, and workflows.
• Evaluate staffing, coverage, work allocation, and service levels; propose improvements for efficiency.
• Support HR operations including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and policy administration.
• Manage facilities, office services, vendors, space planning, and records support.
• Assist with budgeting, vendor relationships, and resource planning for administrative functions.
• Serve as liaison among administrative teams, HR, and firm leadership to foster communication and collaboration.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

HR

Facilities management

Policy development

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/HR/related

Tools

Microsoft Office

HR systems

Job description

Smith Anderson, a well-established mid-size law firm in Raleigh, NC, seeks a Director of Administrative Operations to lead day-to-day administrative services. This exempt, full-time role reports to firm leadership and collaborates with the COO to translate goals into effective processes and high-quality service delivery.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years in administrative/operational roles, with proven leadership in law-firm settings, HR, and facilities management.