Job Description
Location: Miami, FL
Salary: $140k - $180k base, negotiable depending on experience, plus bonus and good benefits package.
Job Title: Director of Knowledge Management/Research
The Director of Knowledge Management/Research will be responsible for leading and managing the firm’s library and research services. This professional collaborates closely with firm leadership and administration to develop and implement strategic initiatives that support the research needs of attorneys and staff and add value to the firm’s vision and goals. The Director of Knowledge Management/Research will leverage the latest innovations and technologies, including artificial intelligence, and adopt best practices to improve and enhance attorney support and ultimately, client service.
Essential Functions
- Conduct advanced legal, non-legal, business, due diligence, and competitive intelligence research.
- Implement and improve upon best practices and workflows to maximize efficiency and accuracy of research services and support.
- Maintain department intranet site providing information to users on resources, materials, and training.
- Manage acquisition and maintenance of CLE materials.
- Set and monitor litigation, legislative, and news alerts and tracking.
- Create research guides and finding tools.
- Curate and send current awareness emails and newsletters.
- Stay current with emerging research tools and technology.
- Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of resources, negotiating with vendors to optimize value and return on investment.
- Administer contracts, including monitoring performance, managing changes, and calendaring contract terminations.
- Troubleshoot and escalate resource performance issues with vendors.
- Oversee maintenance of research resources, ensuring cost-effective and strategic use of materials.
- Facilitate access to resources, including creation of log in credentials and password management.
- Manage circulation and routing of print materials.
- Understand and anticipate information needs firmwide and recommends the acquisition of resources to enhance the collection and maintain the highest level of service.
- Oversee attorney and staff on-boarding and off-boarding with research materials.
- Coordinate training session on research strategies and resources to enhance skills and improve return on resource investment.
- Design and deliver training and presentations on research tools and techniques.
- Conduct point-of-need training as needed by users.
- Prepare applications for CLE course accreditation for internal firm presentations.
- Develop and foster teamwork at all levels of the firm. Collaborate with firm colleagues on initiatives and projects.
- Manage the Department Budget, including annual development and ongoing oversight.
- Process department invoices and other payments on firm accounting systems and reconcile expenditures with budget allocations.
- Build strong, proactive relationships with other departments, administration, committees, and practice groups.
- Serve on firm committees.
- Communicate with firm leadership on strategy, recommendations, and upcoming initiatives.
Education and Experience
- Master's degree in library and information science, Juris Doctor, or equivalent combination of education and experience in legal research or information management.
Knowledge Requirements
- Experience includes expertise in legal and business research tools (e.g., Westlaw, CNS, Bloomberg Law, PACER, World Check, Accurint, dockets) and strong internet research skills. Attention to detail in managing resources and ensuring information accuracy.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proven aptitude to learn new software applications.
- Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.
- Strong analytical and communication skills both oral and written. Ability to speak effectively and respond to common inquiries or complaints from all levels of clients and staff.
- Interpersonal communication skills are necessary to maintain effective relationships with partners, attorneys, clients and staff, and to exhibit a high degree of responsiveness, diplomacy and professionalism in these interactions.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt, multi-task, and be detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines. A tolerance for uncertainty and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects with minimal supervision and to collaborate with other members of the team.
- Strategic and forward-thinking mindset with an ability to align service with firm objectives.
- Commitment to integrity, excellent judgment, and the highest standards of ethics. Ability to work discreetly with confidential information and situations.
- Ability to work overtime when needed. Work occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
- Ability to travel as needed.