Director of Operations - Office of General Counsel
Job Description
The Director of Legal Operations is responsible for overseeing and optimizing all operations of the Vanderbilt University Office of General Counsel (OGC) including information technology, facilities, human resources, budget preparation and management. This role ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of legal processes, manages technology solutions, and oversees outside counsel relationships. This role serves as a strategic partner to the Chief of Staff and General Counsel, driving process improvements and operational efficiencies across the legal department.
About the Work Unit:
The OGC provides legal advice to university departments with an awareness of the nuances of client business priorities and with understanding of university business practices. The OGC is committed to agile service delivery aligned with the university's mission, priorities, and needs. All litigation proceedings are managed by the OGC on behalf of the university.
The OGC focuses on operational excellence in all we do, which includes:
- Project management and status updates
- Technology implementation, use, and analytics
- Budget containment and outside counsel management
- Identification of the highest and best use of attorney time
Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage the Operations staff of the Office of the General Counsel, including resource allocation, vendor management, and facilities oversight
- Lead the annual budget planning process for the Office of the General Counsel, working closely with Finance to develop and monitor the budget
- Implement and oversee administrative policies, procedures, and systems to support the work of the Office of the General Counsel
- Identify and drive process improvements to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve the overall efficiency of the Office of the General Counsel
- Implement and maintain legal technology solutions, such as contract management systems, e-discovery tools, and document automation platforms.
- Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Chief of Staff and General Counsel on operational matters
- Manage a team of legal operations professionals and support staff
- Collaborate cross-functionally with other business units to align OGC operations with broader organizational goals
- Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Relationships:
This position has supervisory responsibility over a team of legal operations professionals and support staff; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Office of General Counsel Chief of Staff.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education, relevant military experience, and relevant skills, is required; JD, MBA, or relevant master’s degree is preferred.
Experience and skills the ideal candidate will possess include:
- 8+ years of experience in legal operations, law firm management, legal administration, or a related field is required, preferably within higher education or a complex institutional setting
- Strong project management, budgeting, and financial management skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Advanced proficiency with legal operations technologies and software
About Us
At Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
