Associate Dean of Law jobs in Asheville, NC

Position Title: Firm Administrator

Time Commitment: Full-time

Salary Range: $80,000-$100,000, depending on education and experience

Benefits: health insurance, 401(k), paid time off (PTO), plus options for group life, disability, vision, and dental insurance (a detailed summary of benefits can be provided upon application submission)

Location: Asheville, NC

Who We Are

Established in 1907, The Van Winkle Law Firm is the largest law firm headquartered in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. With two office locations (Asheville and Hendersonville, NC), we proudly serve individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Southeast. As a distinguished and respected firm, our attorneys and staff have become recognized for our ability to utilize the best practices and methods possible to meet our clients’ needs. While we are passionate about providing sound legal counsel, we believe our responsibilities go beyond serving as legal representatives. We are interested in getting to know our clients and obtaining a thorough understanding of their unique needs and goals. The Firm’s practice groups include Trusts, Estates, and Elder Law; Litigation; Business, Real Estate, and Intellectual Property; Land Use, Condemnation, and Eminent Domain; and Creditors’ Rights.

Our Values and Culture

We strive to create a workplace where our employees, clients, and business partners can thrive. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer providing all employees and applicants with a workplace free from discrimination or harassment, and with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation will not be tolerated in any of the Firm’s offices or any other work-related setting. Qualified individuals with a disability may request reasonable accommodation to apply for a position or to enable them to perform the essential functions of a position for which they are otherwise qualified. If you need an accommodation or need to discuss your situation, please contact Human Resources. More information about our firm’s vision and core values can be provided upon application submission.

Our Ideal Applicant

The Firm appreciates that a candidate for the Firm Administrator position will have unique strengths and weaknesses. The Firm is willing to adapt to the strengths of the most qualified candidate in order to optimize the benefits to the Firm. Accordingly, strong candidates in certain areas (even in areas not otherwise described below) but who may have minor deficiencies in one or a few other areas may still be considered.

Qualifications

· Knowledge of and experience with law firms or other professional service organizations and/or experience managing business operations and administrative functions including leadership and supervision in the areas including personnel and human resources, information technology, physical facilities and infrastructure, finance and accounting, and marketing.

· Ability to manage office functions economically and efficiently, organize work, establish priorities and maintain good interpersonal relations and communications with all Firm personnel.

· Must be able to delegate to management personnel in an environment that fosters leadership, accountability, and desired outcomes.

· Graduation from a recognized college or university, preferably with major course work in business administration, finance, management, or other area of study for effective leadership and communication, or comparable work experience. At least five years’ experience in management, preferably in legal or professional service administration.

Responsibilities

The Firm Administrator oversees and manages the administrative functions of the Firm, including personnel and human resources, information technology, physical facilities and infrastructure, finance and accounting, and marketing. The Firm Administrator reports to the Firm’s President who leads the Firm and is also a practicing attorney, and the Firm’s Executive Committee. The Firm Administrator collaborates and coordinates with the President and the Executive Committee to develop and advance the strategic, financial and other management objectives of the Firm. The Firm Administrator manages all of the Firm’s administrative departments and ensures they function in a highly proficient, team and client-oriented manner.

A. General Administration, Practice and Risk Management:

1) Assists in developing the Firm’s Board and Shareholders meeting agendas.

2) Attends many of the Firm’s Board and Shareholders meetings and records actions and produces summaries of actions for distribution.

3) Assists in developing the agenda for, and reports to the Firm’s Executive Committee.

4) Provides assistance to the Firm’s Risk Manager and the risk management programs including the central intake and matter due diligence process and directing the application and administration of the Firm’s malpractice insurance.

5) Through the Firm’s commercial insurance brokers, directs the Firm’s insurance programs including recommending coverage, policy limits and provisions, and supervising application and reporting.

6) Develops and monitors the Firm’s disaster recovery and emergency response programs.

7) Coordinates the Firm’s committees and their activities. The Firm Administrator may serve as a member, observer, or chair of certain Firm committees, as assigned.

8) Assists the Firm’s Board and Executive Committee in developing and implementing the Firm’s long range and strategic planning activities, policies and procedures.

9) Provides assistance to the attorney practice group leaders (PGLs) by providing information, analytical reports and administrative work to help them accomplish their assigned management responsibilities. Firm Administrator attends Practice Group meetings as needed.

10) Is responsible for maintaining and updating, as needed, the Firm’s policies, practices and procedures.

11) Assists in the planning, development of the agenda, determination and negotiation of contracts for facilities and supervision of logistics for the Firm’s attorney retreats.

B. Financial Management (with the assistance of the Accounting Manager):

12) Develops, documents and recommends the Firm’s annual budget and monitors the budget and reports on a monthly and quarterly basis. The Firm Administrator works closely with the Firm’s Treasurer to monitor and direct financial data.

13) In accordance with annual budgetary guidelines established by the Firm’s Board, manages the Firm’s financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, profitability analysis, financial reporting, cash flow control, banking relationships and tax planning.

14) Manages the financial administration and accounting operations of the Firm including supervising the personnel responsible for financial reporting, trust accounting, payroll, pension plans and other financial management functions.

C. Human Resource Management (with the assistance of the Human Resources/Personnel Manager):

1) Oversees the management of all non-attorney staff and directs the management of the Firm’s human resources, including the responsibility for hiring, evaluation, and termination of staff; allocation of staff resources; and staff compensation and salary administration.

2) Oversees the management of the Firm’s benefit plans including directing the Firm’s benefit brokers, recommending renewal options and benefit plan options to the Board and directing the reporting.

3) Directs the administration of the Firm’s 401(k) Profit Sharing and Retirement Plan and its consultants and Participant education.

4) Directs the recruitment and employment of non-attorney staff.

D. Systems Management (with the assistance of the Information Technology Manager):

1) Provides leadership and support for the development of an overall business technology strategic plan. The business technology plan should complement and support the firm’s overall strategic plan.

2) Recommends newly emerging technologies and software that supports attorneys and all staff, including administration, in achieving optimal practice performance.

3) Through direction of the IT Manager, manages computer systems including design and development, document management and retention, information and records storage and retrieval, telecommunications, legal practice software and other systems management functions.

4) Oversees the development and maintenance of a firm-wide disaster recovery plan.

E. Facilities Management and Space Planning (with the assistance of the Facilities Manager):

1) Directs the management and operation of the Firm’s offices, facilities and systems.

2) With direction from the President of the Firm and/or Executive Committee, coordinates space planning and office assignment and design and allocation of physical resources.

3) Works with the President, Executive Committee, and/or Board to plan for renovations to buildings and future space needs.

4) Directs the purchasing, inventory control, reception/switchboard services, conference services, mail, messenger and other facilities management functions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Asheville, NC 28801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person