Assistant Director, Events Operations

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Assistant Director, Events Operations to join our Firm. This position will be based in our New York office (hybrid). In this role, you will help lead the operational strategy, logistics, and execution of firmwide events, both internal and client-facing. You will develop and implement the Firm’s event standards, contracting processes, operational playbooks, and systems across all regions, ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience that aligns with the Firm’s culture, brand, and service excellence. You will drive the creation and implementation of standardized systems and training programs to enhance operational efficiency, elevate team performance, and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develops and implements operational playbooks, templates, process manuals, and execution standards to ensure consistency in event delivery for internal events, client events and sponsorships across all Firm offices and event types.
• Manages the contracting process for hotels, venues, sponsorships and other event vendors to ensure consistent negotiation terms and compliance with firm policies and risk mitigation practices.
• Collaborates with internal legal team to ensure compliance with Firm policies and best practices.
• Implements systems and tools to improve department efficiency.
• Monitors KPIs to evaluate event operations and team performance including post-event evaluations.
• Partners with the event’s leadership team to align operational practices and share best-in-class approaches.
• Maintains updated Firm-approved vendor lists, preferred agreements, master contracts and riders.
• Assists with the development of the global events budget.
• Tracks operational expenses, negotiates cost savings and prepares financial summaries for leadership.
• Partners with leadership to align strategies and ensure seamless coordination across event types and regions.
• Designs and leads a structured training and professional development program for event managers, specialists and coordinators focused on contracts, operational logistics, vendor management and client service.
• Creates onboarding frameworks for new hires.
• In collaboration with leadership:
  • Recommends, develops and executes department strategies to shape topics including policy, culture, initiatives and other areas of strategic importance.
  • Applies best practices to support enhanced communications, policies, practices, etc. 
  • Provides guidance and creates strategy to elevate and communicate department resources
  • Drives department learning initiatives.
  • Leads strategic projects that create added value and efficiencies to the work of the department.
• Understands business needs and identifies alternatives on a quantitative and qualitative basis.
• Recommends innovative approaches to effectively deliver department services in more efficient and effective ways.
• Has significant independence in the role and may independently manage certain aspects of the department's functions.
• Establishes collaborative partnerships across departments to strengthen mutual interests, reduce operational redundancies, and to engage our business services professionals in work that supports Skadden’s business priorities.
• Convenes groups in formal and informal dialogue to support strong relationships across the Firm and fluid sharing of priorities, knowledge and best practices. 
• Participates in collaborative and high-level projects as needed. Prepares and presents internal programs as applicable. 
• Engages in strategic (i.e., long-range) planning by developing departmental goals and supporting objectives for assigned department(s).
• Coordinates and oversees department projects, day-to-day operations and long-range plans.
• Ensures accurate and timely responses to requests for departmental services.
• Forecasts financial and budget requirements for the department, prepares related reports, and monitors the budget.
• Oversees employees' work performance and provides guidance in the resolution of problems. Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage unsatisfactory performance.
• Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with Firm policies.
• Participates in the interviewing, selection and training process.
• Initiates disciplinary procedures in collaboration with the Human Resources Department.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Performs other projects as directed.

Qualifications

• Understands and is able to successfully perform in a global, matrix environment
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the various functions performed by the department and the impact of those functions on other departments and offices
• Consistently demonstrates thought leadership, and the creation and implementation of best practices aligned with the Firm's goals and objectives
• Professional demeanor, high emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity and ability to interact effectively with all levels
• Demonstrates fiscal responsibility
• Demonstrates collegiality, creativity, and strategic thinking and planning when dealing with Firm leadership, departments and offices
• Strong technological skills and knowledge of relevant Firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), project management and database applications, with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Emulates, through leadership, the Firm's core values
• Strong communicator capable of developing and leading communications efforts across multiple platforms
• Strong writing abilities across multiple platforms and excellent verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple processes and projects and delegate effectively
• Strong experience and track record on leading successful projects with high degree of quality, speed and flexibility for change to support Firm-wide initiatives
• Effective decision maker and creative problem solver focused on continuous improvement with an innovative mindset
• Ability to handle difficult or sensitive situations with poise and diplomacy and to use discretion, exercise independent and sound judgement and maintain confidentiality
• Current knowledge of industry best practices, trend and techniques
• Knowledge of and ability to administer Firm operations, policies and procedures
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Flexibility to travel and to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of ten years of related experience at a law firm or professional services organization
• Currently a Senior or Global Manager and has been for over two (2) years or has equivalent experience/managerial role
• Manages or directly coordinates and evaluates the work of five (5) or more people and/or has functions with global reach

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us.  We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life. 

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit:  https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details.  Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

$260,000 - $275,000

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Lara Bell at (212) 735-2794.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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