Director of Research Services

We are always seeking talented, motivated, growth-minded, and creative individuals. Our firm is committed to providing employee support and advancement, while embracing inclusion and innovation as keys to a stronger future.

We invite you to explore the position below and to submit your application to join our team!

The Director of Research Services is responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the firm's global research services. This role involves leading a team of research professionals to ensure the information needs of the organization and its clients are met efficiently and effectively. The Director collaborates closely with colleagues in the Knowledge Management and Innovation Department to identify and implement initiatives that add value to the firm's services. Additionally, the Director is tasked with budget management, strategic planning, and maintaining strong relationships with information providers and other departments. The role also includes overseeing related training, development sessions, and the marketing of the department's services and resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Manage and oversee day-to-day research services operations at the firm, including leading a team of research professionals in executing department services and ensuring the information needs of the organization and its clients are met.

• Partner with colleagues within the Knowledge Management and Innovation (KMI) Department on initiatives where Research Services can provide value; maintain strong relationships with these colleagues and directors within the KMI Department.

• Actively seek and identify ways to elevate Research Services at Troutman Pepper Locke to provide value to attorneys and external clients.

• Coach the library team on appropriate billing practices and manage the overall profitability of the department.

• Guide the library team in handling all firm research needs, including providing point-of-need assistance, training, and managing access issues such as password management and Electronic Resource Management (ERM) use.

• Set priorities and key performance indicators (KPIs) and lead the team to ensure both daily and long-range responsibilities and objectives are met.

• Communicate with attorneys and other firm personnel to ensure information needs are being met and resources are used efficiently and effectively.

• Ensure invoices for Research Services are properly managed by the team and manage the Department Budget, including annual development and ongoing oversight; provide budget variance reports as required.

• Partner with Procurement on research service renewals and long-term strategy related to research expenditures.

• Maintain relationships with information providers.

• Work with the Managing Director of Knowledge Management on future planning and the strategic provision of information services.

• Oversee the Department’s training and new hire orientation practices as needed, related to the services and resources offered by the Research Services department.

• Implement marketing strategies to promote the department’s services and resources.

• Keep abreast of new features and technologies as they affect legal research resources and best practices within the legal industry.

• Write, compile, and deliver reports to management as needed and as requested.

• Plan and participate in staff development sessions, including offsite retreats.

• Ensure effective oversight and management for all physical library collections development, associated maintenance, and strategy.

• Monitor terms of contracts and license agreements for assigned services to ensure compliance and effective use.

• Manage relationships with filing and outsourced library services for assigned offices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High level of personal integrity, and the ability to professionally handle confidential matters with effective judgment and maturity, as well as inspire confidence in both the internal clients and team members.

• High degree of initiative, dependability, and ability to work with little supervision.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal and collaborative skills; and the ability to communicate between highly specialized groups of professionals.

• Critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of legal research and innovation trends and developments, vendors, and most frequently used applications.

• Knowledge of legal research services management best practices, including Efficiency