Senior Manager, Professional Development and Engagement

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

The Senior Manager of Professional Development and Engagement plays a key leadership role in fostering a culture of excellence, connection, and continuous learning across the firm. This position manages, designs, and delivers professional skills training for attorneys and business professionals while also leading initiatives that strengthen engagement, belonging, and professional fulfillment. This person will work closely with the Director of Legal Education & Development; the Chief Professional Development, Engagement & Inclusion Officer; the Director of DEI; firm management; department and practice group leadership; and the broader PD team to ensure alignment of learning and engagement initiatives with the firm’s strategic priorities and core values.

Ideally this position will be based in our Palo Alto, San Francisco or New York City office. Other US office locations will be considered. 

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and requires some U.S. based travel.

 Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Alignment

• Partner with PD and firm leadership on a cohesive strategy for professional development and engagement that supports and amplifies the firm’s culture of growth and community

• Identify emerging skill and engagement needs—such as leadership development, client relationship management, innovation, and inclusion—and proactively build programming to meet them

• Serve as a thought leader and advisor to leadership on learning, engagement, and talent trends in the legal industry

Professional Development and Learning

• Design, develop, and deliver professional skills programs for attorneys and business professionals through in-person and virtual formats

• Create innovative learning resources such as e-learning modules, guides, and newsletters to foster continuous learning

• Evaluate and enhance programs using feedback and data to measure impact and ensure alignment with evolving professional and business needs

• Integrate technology and modern adult learning methodologies to drive curiosity, engagement, and retention

Engagement and Culture

• Develop and execute firmwide initiatives that promote connection, belonging, and engagement among attorneys and business professionals

• Partner with the DEI, Recruiting, and Talent teams to create a seamless and engaging experience across the attorney lifecycle

• Leverage engagement surveys, focus groups, and feedback mechanisms to understand attorney experience and inform continuous improvement efforts

• Support and engage with firm committees (e.g., associates’ committee) – ensuring alignment with firm strategy; supporting and enhancing firm initiatives; and enhancing morale, retention, and growth

Coaching and Individual Development

• Provide coaching to attorneys to support their personal and professional growth, using psychometric tools (e.g., DiSC or other assessments) where appropriate

• Facilitate small-group coaching, peer-learning circles, and other initiatives to foster connection and career progression

Measurement and Continuous Improvement

• Use data and feedback to assess program impact, identify trends, and communicate results through reports and presentations to firm leadership

• Establish metrics to measure engagement, participation, and professional growth outcomes

Team Management

• Supervise, mentor, and develop team members to ensure exceptional execution and consistent aligning with our core values

Firm Values and Culture

• Champion the firm’s core values through all programming and interactions and collaborate on approaches to continue embedding the core values into the firm’s organizational environment

• Model the behaviors that foster a thriving, inclusive, and high-performing professional environment

Desired Skills and Experience 

• 10+ years of experience in learning, development, and engagement with experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred

• Bachelor’s degree is required; JD or graduate degree in education, organizational development, psychology, or related field preferred

• Exceptional training and facilitation skills, including delivering learning and engagement programs for diverse audiences

• Proven training expertise in areas such as communication, management, leadership, time management, organization, and presentation skills

• Experience with virtual delivery platforms, learning technologies, and digital content creation

• Coaching experience required; certification preferred

• Familiarity with DiSC, MBTI, or other psychometric assessments is desirable

• Motivated self-starter with a strong interest in attorney development

• Highly organized, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities to completion in a fast-paced, partnership-driven environment

• Demonstrated success working cross-functionally with leadership, DEI, Talent, Recruiting, and HR teams

• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with a strong ability to influence and build relationships

• Deep understanding of engagement, inclusion, and community-building strategies within professional environments

The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).