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 and depth of knowledge of standard legal and business resources such as Lexis, Westlaw and applications such as Research Monitor.

• Financial acumen and ability to manage a budget.

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of law firm personnel, including partners and administrative managers.

• Excellent presentation skills (both oral and written) with the ability to communicate in a persuasive manner that builds support, agreement and/or commitment.

• Ability to analyze complex problems and recommend (or implement) solutions.

• Ability to multi-task as well as take appropriate action to ensure obligations are met.

• Ability to direct others and ability to foster an environment of collaboration, commitment, team spirit, pride, and trust. 

• Flexibility to support attorneys and staff in multiple locations using various communication strategies

• Demonstrated ability to work well with peers and to contribute to efforts to further management’s goals

Education and/or Experience: 

• Master’s degree in library and information science from an American Library Association Accredited program.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of research services work experience in the legal industry.

• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in managing a large, national team, and influencing senior level management and key stakeholders.

• Experience leading change management initiatives.

The Firm will comply with any applicable city or state workplace mandates in effect in regards to Covid-19. 

This position description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job.  The statements contained in the position description are not necessarily all-inclusive and additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as determined by business needs.

This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

By applying for this position, you agree and understand that Troutman Pepper Locke will process your Personal Information pursuant to the terms of our Worker and Applicant Global Privacy Notice. If you have questions about our data handling practices, or you are a resident of California, the United Kingdom, or the European Union and wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at privacy@troutman.com. 

Equal Employment Opportunity
Troutman Pepper Locke adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and will make all employment decisions, which include hiring, promotion, transfer, demotion, evaluation, compensation and separation, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital or armed forces status and any other classification as protected by law.

Compensation is dependent on several factors, such as position, location, education, training, and/or experience.