Office Administrator

The role

Clifford Chance is seeking a dynamic high-performing and forward-thinking Office Administrator to lead the day-to-day operations of our Washington DC office and contribute meaningfully to regional transformation and strategic initiatives. This role represents a rare opportunity to bring together operational leadership people management and strategic impact under one umbrella.

As the senior on-site office administrator you will ensure seamless high-quality delivery of office operations services and hospitality. In close partnership with the DC Office Managing Partner (OMP) you will serve as a trusted advisor and key partner on all matters impacting the functioning experience and performance of the DC office. You will also collaborate across the Americas Business Leadership Team and their respective functions including Practice Management HR Finance Events Business Development Communications IT General Counsel and Risk to drive continuous improvement operational efficiency and a culture of excellence.

We are looking for a confident service-driven leader who brings discipline empathy and innovation to every aspect of office management. This role reports to the Head of Operations Americas while maintaining a close and proactive working relationship with senior practice and operational leadership locally and regionally.

Key Responsibilities:

Office Operations & Solutions (DC Office)

• Lead and inspire the DC operations team (e.g. reception conference services records pantry mailroom facilities) by setting clear expectations driving accountability and nurturing a high-performance culture.
• Oversee all aspects of workplace and facilities management including space planning seating assignments hybrid work logistics office moves and maintenance and vendor relationships.
• Manage office contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs); negotiate and oversee all vendor engagements to ensure compliance with KPIs and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop own and monitor the DC office operating and capital budgets in collaboration with Finance with a focus on transparency and strategic cost management.
• In collaboration with the local Events teams lead coordination of in-office events VIP and client visits ensuring exceptional hospitality and smooth execution
• Implement and lead local environmental-sustainability initiatives aligned with firmwide ESG goals and Americas-wide green objectives; track/report metrics regularly.

People Culture & Leadership (DC Office)

• Partner closely with the OMP to anticipate local needs support attorney engagement and satisfaction and provide insight and operational support for office-specific priorities and initiatives.
• Act as a cultural ambassador and trusted advisor fostering a cohesive inclusive and motivated workplace aligned with firm values.
• Champion employee engagement hybrid working best practices and well-being initiatives tailored to local needs and expectations.
• Develop and implement thoughtful data-informed strategies to increase purposeful office attendance and strengthen in-person engagement working closely with the OMP HR and practice leadership.
• Collaborate with practice-area aligned Business Development colleagues to support pan-office client development activities and events as needed ensuring a seamless and professional experience.
• Lead and grow local community engagement effortsbuilding meaningful relationships with local law firms colleges and universities charitable organizations local bar and other professional associations.
• Partner with HR to ensure high-touch onboarding recognition programs mentorship and training for Business Professionals.
• Maintain proactive communication with legal and business teams to understand evolving needs and adapt office services accordingly.
• Handle sensitive issues with discretion and coordinate resolution with HR IT or Risk as appropriate.
• Support the growth and development of operations colleagues through cross-training and skill-building.

Risk Safety and Compliance (DC Office)

• Ensure adherence to OSHA standards building codes and internal policies related to records safety and data security.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for emergency response and business continuity readiness.
• Partner with Security and Risk teams to ensure all physical and digital security systems meet firm standards.

Strategic Initiatives & Transformation (DC Office and Regional)

• Collaborate with the Regional Chief Operating Officer Americas Business Leadership Team and Business Execution Lead Americas to identify operational best practices and pilot scalable innovations.
• Support and/or lead regional or firmwide operational initiatives related to operating model changes process improvements technology adoption and other operational and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted contributor in regional forums bringing local insights to broader conversations about space strategy talent engagement and performance optimization.
• Compile and analyze operational data to support benchmarking and strategic decision-making.

Clifford Chance US LLP offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package. The salary range for this role is $180000 to $260000. Actual salary will be commensurate with the candidates qualifications and relevant experience.

Qualifications :

Your experience

• Bachelors degree required (Business Operations Facilities or related field preferred); relevant experience will be considered in lieu.
• 710 years of progressive leadership experience in operations facilities or office management ideally in legal finance or consulting environments.
• Proven success managing multifunctional teams and delivering consistent results in matrixed settings.
• Strong financial management skills including budgeting forecasting and vendor negotiation.
• Familiarity with business continuity planning emergency preparedness and workplace safety standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change drive process improvement and implement tech-based solutions.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively across all levels and build trusted partnerships.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g. PowerPoint & Excel) Workday Condeco and iManage are a plus.
• High emotional intelligence professionalism and sound judgment in confidential matters.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced high-performance culture with multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to work on-site at least 3 days/week in line with the Firms Agile Working Policy.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Travel up to 10% may be required.

Additional Information :

Equal Opportunities

At Clifford Chance we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families our firm and society. 

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender gender identity and expression marital or civil partnership status race colour national or ethnic origin social or economic background disability religious belief sexual orientation or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection terms and conditions of employment including pay promotion training transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm.

Find out more about our inclusive culture here

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