Director of Associate Advancement (Detroit)

We are seeking a Director of Associate Advancement with 2+ years of related experience to work with our Professional Development team in the Southfield office. All Taft employees operate under a "Client First" philosophy-in all things, we seek to provide exceptional services to our clients.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Multi-faceted role that will support associates and associate-related strategies, goals, and objectives in designated office and across the firm.
• Guide and mentor associates throughout their career stages.
• Assist with associate staffing, mentorship, feedback and retention.
• Implement and execute development plans for associates.
• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives and programs designed to enhance associate development, retention, and advancement.
• Maintain current knowledge of the firm's policies and procedures with respect to attorney recruitment, orientation, work assignments, evaluations, mentor programs, and training and development with the objective to continuously obtain feedback on and evaluate these systems.
• Survey attorneys in practice groups and in firm management to identify professional development issues and to identify areas for training and provide information and feedback to the Director of Attorney Learning and Development.
• Develop strong relationships with associates as well as practice group leaders, partners and firm leadership to garner buy-in and ensure collaboration.
• Support practice group chairs and partners to strategically match associates to work opportunities with an eye toward achieving an equitable distribution of assignments consistent with client needs, associate goals, and the firm's strategic initiatives.
• Work with the Professional Development Team to design and implement strategies and approaches for associate development that meet practice group and client needs.
• Facilitate and foster effective communication.
• Support firm-wide initiatives and programs designed to enhance associate development and retention.
• Work with Professional Development, Recruiting, Client & Innovation, IT, Business Development, General Counsel, Operations, HR, and other department teams as collaboration opportunities and needs arise.
• Some travel required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Abilities, Skills, and Other Requirements:

• Experience working in a professional services, legal, law firm or law school setting.
• Ability to assess and administer feedback with actionable direction and guidance.
• Strong communication and organization skills with superior interpersonal skills.
• Ability to quickly build trust and confidence and establish strong professional relationships.
• Superior judgment and ability to problem solve.
• Skilled in recognizing and attuning to the morale and culture among associates, practice groups, offices and the firm as a whole.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to connect people internally.
• Ability to take initiative and build new processes and approaches.
• Client service mindset.
• Strong to advanced technology skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Analytical thinking skills, with the ability to adapt to changing demands and work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Enthusiastic professional who displays a high level of maturity, a confidential nature, and a proactive work ethic.

Education and Experience:

• JD required.
• 2 or more years as a practicing lawyer in a law firm setting and 2 or more years of career development and/or coaching experience.
• Prior experience in an operations, talent management, and/or project management role.
• Prior law firm professional development and/or recruiting experience.

Candidates interested should apply here.