Project Manager

Project Manager

Cooley is seeking a Program Manager to join the Firm Operations team.

Position summary: Cooley Firm Operations embraces a culture of strategic thinking and operational excellence, and all members of the department are expected to move this agenda forward.  The responsibility of the Program Manager is to strategize, execute and take accountability for the success of program initiatives (multiple connected projects) that are consistently aligned with the Firm’s strategy, while adhering to established firm project management methodologies and standards. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Position responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, governance and implementation of multiple connected projects
• Oversee multiple (cross-functional) project teams, ensuring project and program goals are reached
• Manage the program’s budget
• Identify, document and manage project and program issues, risks and interdependencies; develop appropriate action/ mitigation plans
• Identify and manage program resources and roles and responsibilities
• Organize, guide, and direct the activities of the cross-functional team(s)
• Follow a defined, agreed upon project management methodology  
• Regularly and proactively manage projects in Cooley's project management platform (Adobe Workfront), inclusive of meeting summaries, action items (tasks), issues, risks and key decisions
• Prioritize tasks to meet deliverables and commitments on time
• Work with and communicate directly with senior leadership (department directors, chiefs and partners) to ensure definition of program success criteria, map project deliverables to those criteria
• Serve as a change agent for Workfront, helping foster best practices and adoption, often working directly with the vendor (Adobe)in a system administrator capacity
• Ensure program communications and change management plans are documented and executed
• Report on program performance to senior leadership (department directors, chiefs and partners)
• Bandwidth permitting, manage other projects outside of the target program. These assignments will be discussed and agreed upon between the Associate Director of Project & Portfolio Management
• All other duties as assigned or required

Skills and experience:

Required:

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
• Ability to travel, as required
• 5+ years project and/or program management experience
• Senior level candidates must have 7+ years’ directly applicable experience in the field and performing exempt-level duties. 
• Strong track record of leading successful major projects from start to finish according to plan
• Solid grasp of advanced project management principles, and experience successfully applying and maturing those principles

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Certified Project Manager (from accredited program) and/or PMP credential
• Prior law firm experience

Competencies:

• Professional demeanor   
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of program and project management methodology
• Proven experience as program manager or similar managerial position
• Understanding of the wider objectives of the program and firm-level strategy
• Ability to think strategically (big picture) and tactically regarding project planning, scoping, budgeting, and quality
• Detail-oriented
• Proven track record of integrity and effective decision making 
• Ability to interact seamlessly with all members of the firm – from c-level leadership to project-based staff, NESPs and vendor resources
• Knowledge of budgeting and resource management procedures
• Ability to lead remote teams  
• Strong understanding of (and experience enacting) change management principles
• Demonstrated leadership including ability to identify key issues, motivate and empower others to address them in a way which builds morale, generates ownership and commitment
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task and work within a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently and successfully amidst high pressure and tight timelines 
• Adaptable to shifting priorities and projects
• Ability to operate at a detailed level when required
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Capable of grasping new concepts quickly and without prior experience
• Innovative and goal-oriented