Senior KM Operations Manager

The Senior KM Operations Manager will oversee and administer collection development initiatives and analysis of resources; department budget and statistics reporting, intake of KM requests processing, and overall operations.  This role requires a strategic thinker with in-depth experience in collection development, oversight of legal tools, and vendor relationship management within a law firm environment. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing operations, personnel and projects that enhance the capture, distribution, and effective use of information in legal practice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Collection Development and Project Coordination

• Oversee the development and management of the firm's collections in both print and digital form, ensuring they remain current, relevant, and accessible to all staff. Works closely with the KM Operations Manager in collection management and maintenance operations, including office collection audits and moves.
• Coordinate the analysis, piloting and implementation of legal tools and technology that support the firm’s knowledge management and innovation strategies.  Works collaboratively with KMI teams to accomplish deadlines and goals. 
• Collaborate with IT and other administrative departments as needed to integrate knowledge management and research systems and processes into the firm's overall operational workflow.
• Facilitate continuous improvement by keeping abreast of trends, challenges, and opportunities in legal knowledge management.
• Ensure compliance with data governance policies and best practices in the management of legal information resources.

KMI Department Requests & Statistical Reports via Quest system

• Triage intake and assignment of KMI requests to appropriate workstreams.
• Administer TRG/Quest system standards and reports.
• Establish and monitor performance metrics for KMI initiatives and tools, ensuring alignment with the firm's strategic objectives.
• Work with KMI management and practice and department chairs, other attorneys and users and vendors to identify and proactively solve pertinent KMI and Research database issues and access problems, including accessing remote resources and mobile alternatives.
• Oversee, coordinate, and participate in troubleshooting of all KMI and research tools, including the management of open tickets, in conjunction with KM Operations Analyst. 

Financial and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to various knowledge management projects and research tools. Work closely with the KM Operations Manager on auditing monthly reports from Accounting department. 
• Regularly assess the cost-effectiveness of current and potential legal tools and resources through detailed usage statistics and analysis.
• Strategically triage department requests, allocating funds and resources based on priority and alignment with the firm's business goals.
• Work closely with the CKIO to oversee the management and renewal process of license agreements, conducting evaluations to inform decisions, and maintaining favorable vendor terms.
• Coordinate license negotiations and work closely with Firm’s contract review attorney(s) and other executive staff to execute approvals.
• Manage relationships with vendors and external partners, ensuring they serve the firm's best legal and financial interests.
• Provide regular financial reports to senior management, including the annual KMI budget, highlighting investment returns in knowledge management resources and tools, and forecasting budget needs.

Personnel Management

• Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of professionals in a fast-paced and intellectually stimulating environment.
• Oversee day to day requests for Ops/KM Tools requests.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Participate in special projects as assigned.
• Substitute for other staff members as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS (EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES):

Education:     

• A bachelor's degree in library science, information management, law, or a related field; a master’s degree or JD is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in operations or related management within a knowledge-intensive environment, preferably in a law firm.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong background in collection development, knowledge management, legal technologies, and vendor relationship management.
• Exceptional leadership abilities, including management of personnel with a talent for nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative and innovative team culture.
• Proven experience in negotiating and managing contracts with vendors and third-party service providers, including license agreements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with all levels of management and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage large-scale projects and initiatives from conception through implementation.
• Expertise in budget management and resource optimization in a legal knowledge environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary work: Exertion of physical strength to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 10 pounds. Work involves sitting most of the time.  Walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

VISUAL ACUITY

Worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as:  preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

DISCLAIMER

Fox Rothschild LLP is under no obligation to provide sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis now and in the future.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform and the employee may be required to perform additional duties.  Additionally, management reserves the right to review and revise the job description at any time. Employment with the firm is at-will.  Employees must be able to satisfactorily perform all of the essential functions of the position with or without a reasonable accommodation.  If an accommodation request would cause an undue hardship or a safety concern, the individual may not be eligible for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer - vets, disability