Executive Director

Job Description

Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP, a leading Washington, DC area Intellectual Property law firm, is seeking an Executive Director to oversee all administrative operations in a high production environment for IP prosecution. The Executive Director works in a wide array of management areas, supporting managers and staff in the areas of administration, human resources, accounting, finance, information technology, marketing, and facilities. This position is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and following up on Executive Committee meeting items and implementation of decisions and policies. The position is also responsible for organizing and monitoring Partnership Meetings. The position is responsible for fiscal management of the firm including the coordination of the budgeting process, monitoring expenses and cash outlays, and identifying factors that could impact revenue. The position is a full-time, exempt position and will report directly to the Executive Committee.

The current Executive Director is planning to retire during the Spring, 2027. We are planning to hire for this position and allow time for training and sufficient overlap.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Controller or Director of Finance, or even a CFO that wants to work in a “CFO” type role in a strong reputable environment. But is ready to expand and utilize their experience in working with Functional Line Managers, to directly oversee the different facets of the organization. The position requires a strong accounting background, significant experience in a Financial Management role at a mid-to-large entity, and has proven success with collaboration at all levels of an organization.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Attend all Executive Committee and Partnership meetings, draft agendas, keep minutes, publish minutes to Partners on a prompt basis
• Direct or assist in the formulation of policy in the areas of financial reporting and general administration
• Oversee overall supervision and direction of non-legal and administrative managers/staff including Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, and Library
• Serve as liaison and provide advisory assistance to managers of legal personnel and Marketing
• Formulate annual capital and operating budget proposals
• Prepare and interpret management reports
• Expend allocated budgets for personnel, equipment, supplies and capital budget
• Work with Accounting personnel to identify and develop reporting needs
• Strategic planning for the firm including the various administrative departments
• Keep Executive Committee informed of any unusual or non-recurring events that could have an impact on the firm
• Monitor insurance of all types
• Encourage staff support throughout the firm
• Proficient in use of Word and excel
• Proficient in law firm management software
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related field required, MBA strongly preferred.
• CPA license required (may be inactive).
• CPA firm experience preferred
• Minimum of 5-7 years working experience in accounting and reporting required
• Solid knowledge of technical tools such as excel and report writing
• Minimum of 7-10 years experience required in a financial management role such as a Controller, CFO, or Director of Finance in mid-to-large sized entities
• Significant experience in a mid to large size intellectual property law firm or professional services environment preferred
• Budgeting experience required
• Systems experience required
• Taxation experience preferred

Other Requirements

• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to multitask by prioritizing tasks and staying organized in a fast-paced environment and completing tasks under time pressure when necessary
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with all levels of personnel
• Strong attention to detail
• Fundamental knowledge of accounting and billing policies and procedures
• Strong problem-solving skills with desire to study issues and formulate solutions
• Experience with setting up controls to ensure that work performed in different sections of accounting and billing are connected
• Normal BSKB business hours required
• Ability to work hours beyond the normal workday when necessary

The good faith base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $210,000 per year. The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the Firm.

Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision insurance. Paid time off and paid holidays. Firm wide annual events and business casual environment. Access to nearby metro and free parking offered.

About BSKB:

Since 1976, BSKB has been providing a full range of intellectual property law services to clients in the areas of patent prosecution, post-grant review, litigation, opinions and counseling, design patents, trademarks and licensing. Our knowledgeable attorneys and agents hold advanced degrees and are experienced in the fields of chemistry, electronics and IT, mechanical engineering and life sciences/biotechnology.

We believe in offering every client quality, personalized service, and are committed to educating our clients to help them make the most of their intellectual property. BSKB has a rich tradition of offering seminars on intellectual property law that have been attended by practitioners from around the world.

For more information, visit bskb.com.

Birch, Stewart, Kolasch, & Birch LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all applicants and employees in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity protected veteran status and individuals with disabilities, or any other class protected by applicable state or federal law.