Professional Development Manager
About the Role
Our client, a prestigious law firm, is seeking a Professional Development Manager (PDM) to drive training and professional development initiatives for attorneys. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can take ownership of key projects, serve as an industry thought leader, and enhance the firm’s learning programs. The PDM will be a vital part of the Professional Development team, managing various training initiatives and supporting all professional development functions across the firm.
Reporting Structure
The PDM reports directly to the Director of Professional Development and collaborates closely with legal and business services professionals across the firm.
Key Responsibilities
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Assess the evolving training and development needs of attorneys in collaboration with the PD Director, considering practice group and experience levels.
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Continuously refine and enhance the professional development curriculum to ensure alignment with industry best practices.
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Identify and engage internal faculty to deliver training in areas not currently covered by practice group leaders, including client-facing programs.
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Oversee the implementation of attorney training at firm-wide, departmental, and practice group levels, ensuring seamless coordination and communication.
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Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness, recommending enhancements as necessary.
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Maintain and expand the firm’s E-Learning Center, developing supplemental quick-reference training materials and tracking completion rates.
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Support the firm’s annual and mid-year attorney evaluation processes, including timeline creation, process updates, and feedback coordination.
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Manage relationships with external training providers, oversee seminar registrations, and approve related expenses.
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Administer and facilitate the firm’s partner and associate mentoring programs in collaboration with the PD Coordinator.
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Supervise the CLE compliance process, ensuring adherence to New York accreditation requirements and overseeing the year-end reporting process.
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Track and analyze data on professional development programs and recommend improvements.
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Stay informed on industry innovations in training and professional development to ensure the firm remains at the forefront of best practices.
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Assist in budget planning and oversee expenditures related to internal and external attorney training programs.
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Support the execution of the firm’s participation in American Lawyer and Vault associate surveys.
Additional Responsibilities
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Coordinate PD events and facilitate smooth program delivery in collaboration with team members.
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Manage special projects as needed.
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Supervise department coordinators and assistants, ensuring efficient execution of tasks.
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Undertake other duties as assigned to support the department’s objectives.
Qualifications & Skills
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Bachelor’s degree required.
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Minimum of five years of professional development experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across various teams and levels of seniority.
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Strategic and analytical mindset with a problem-solving approach.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines with attention to detail and accuracy.
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Self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with learning management systems is preferred; experience with Micron CE Manager and viDesktop is a plus.
Compensation
The salary for this role will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications, years of experience, education, certifications, and work location.
New York Salary Range
$160,000 – $175,000 USD
