Executive Director

Job Description

Job Description

The Executive Director (ED) is the senior business and administrative leader of one of New Mexico's most highly respected, full-service law firms, with fifty-five lawyers, sixty support staff and professionals serving from their offices in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Reporting directly to the Managing Director and working with the Executive Committee, the ED ensures that the Firm maintains strong financial performance, operational efficiency, talent attraction and retention, and the resources and infrastructure needed to support growth and deliver excellent client service, in coordination with the Firm's Directors of Billing, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Operations.

Essential Responsibilities.

Financial Leadership

• Lead the Firm's financial operations.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget and long-term financial plans.
• Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, and analysis to the Managing Director and Executive Committee.
• Oversee billing, collections, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, trust accounting, and general accounting.
• Establish and maintain appropriate financial controls.
• Work with outside accountants, auditors, banks, financial advisors, and other professional service providers.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting, tax, banking, and financial requirements.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee the Firm's daily business and administrative operations.
• Establish and maintain effective administrative, policies, procedures and controls.
• Evaluate administration departments and recommend improvements.
• Oversee facilities, including space planning, purchasing, and lease matters.
• Improve efficiency and control costs, including through technology.

Human Resources

• Provide leadership and oversight of the Firm's human resources function.
• Support the HR Director with recruiting, retention, compensation, benefits, employee relations, performance management, and compliance.
• Maintain competitive, financially sustainable compensation and benefits programs.
• Ensure employment policies and practices comply with applicable law and Firm policies.

Technology & Information Management

• Work with Firm leadership and the Information Technology Director to develop technology strategies supporting the Firm's business objectives.
• Evaluate technology investments and their financial and operational impact.
• Oversee vendor relationships and contracts for major technology and administrative systems.
• Support cybersecurity, data protection, disaster recovery, and business continuity initiatives.
• Encourage appropriate use of technology to support client service.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and monitor financial, operational, employment, contractual, and business risks.
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage.
• Work with outside counsel, insurance brokers, and other advisors.
• Maintain appropriate internal controls and policies to protect Firm assets and confidential information.
• Support Firm leadership on compliance and risk-management.

Leadership & Staff Management

• Set clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability measures.
• Recruit, develop, and retain qualified administrative professionals.
• Foster collaboration among Finance, HR, IT, and Operations.
• Promote a professional culture of service, teamwork, and improvement.
• Serve as a resource and business partner to attorneys and department leaders.

Success in This Position. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to:

• Position the Firm for continued growth and long-term success.
• Maintain financial strength and stability.
• Develop and retain strong teams.
• Build effective working relationships across the Firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• MBA, CPA, or other advanced professional designation preferred.
• At least 10 years of financial and/or operational leadership experience.
• Experience managing financial operations in professional services organization.
• Experience leading and developing administrative teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Salary DOE