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Saxe, Doernberger, & Vita P.C, a boutique insurance litigation law firm, with locations in Trumbull, CT, Naples, FL, and Temecula, CA seeks a Director of Operations and Human Resources to join its leadership team.

Position Overview: The Director of Operations and Human Resources will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of human resources management within the firm. This role requires a seasoned HR/ Operations Administration professional with a deep understanding of legal industry practices, excellent interpersonal skills, and a strategic mindset to align Operations and HR initiatives with the firm's goals. The Director will report directly to the Management Committee and collaborate closely with department heads to ensure the effective implementation of Operations and HR programs and policies.

Who we are: Our top priority at Saxe, Doernberger, & Vita P.C. is to provide unique solutions to unique client needs, with the experience and expertise typically found at big law firms but with the personal service and cost-benefit of a boutique firm. As a high-performance firm, we understand that our success is a reflection of the dedication, ingenuity, and passion of our team members. This is why we strive to bring out the best in our people. We are intentional about cultivating a firm culture of support, growth, respect, acknowledgment, equity, and excellence where all contributions are valued. We work smart to be our best, do our best, and give our best performance to our clients.

Who you are: We seek to hire people who work smart, who are strategic, and who are committed to connecting with our philosophy. You should be positive, motivated, passionate about your work, and dedicated to reaching success in the workplace. You should also be meticulous and detail-oriented, as well as have a special focus on ensuring that all stakeholders are informed of and involved with Operations and HR-related developments.

Key Responsibilities: Talent Acquisition and Recruitment: ● Develop and implement strategic recruitment plans to attract top legal talent. ● Prepare headcount projections and identify staffing needs in alignment with firm objectives. Coordinate recruiting needs with Management Committee, managing partners and department directors. ● Administrative staff recruiting: Conduct interviews, assess candidates, and manage the entire hiring process for administrative staff. ● Coordinate with Legal Recruitment team as necessary. ● Manage post-hiring processes, including 30-, 60- and 90-day check-ins for all new employees; oversee and manage new attorney assignments; maintain communication about new hires and departures through Intranet posts and emails.

Employee Relations: ● Proactively manage employee relations, addressing concerns and fostering a positive work environment. ● Develop and implement employee engagement initiatives to enhance job satisfaction and retention. ● Mediate and resolve workplace conflicts in compliance with legal and ethical standards. ● Design and implement regular job satisfaction surveys to gather feedback from employees.

Performance Management: ● Prepare and maintain job descriptions. ● Implement and manage yearly performance review processes, including scheduling of reviews with appropriate participants and preparation of review packets. ● Prepare evaluation forms and packages for partnership candidates. ● Monitor and address performance issues with a focus on continuous improvement. ● Prepare necessary Performance Improvement Plans; assist with implementing and tracking same.

Compliance and Legal Knowledge: ● Stay informed about employment laws and regulations applicable to the legal industry. ● Ensure firm-wide compliance with all legal and ethical standards related to HR practices. ● Research, draft, review and revise firm policies and procedures as necessary regarding HR. ● Collaborate with legal counsel as needed to address HR-related legal matters.

Payroll and Benefits Administration: ● Payroll software Administrator (UKG) ● Oversee the administration of employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, and other perks. ● Collaborate with external vendors to ensure competitive and cost-effective benefit offerings. ● Prepare salary analyses and market comparisons by position. ● Recommend salary increases and bonuses for staff and attorneys in advance of budget deadlines.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): ● Develop and implement strategies to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. ● Collaborate with leadership to ensure that DEI principles are integrated into all HR practices. ● Establish metrics and regularly assess the effectiveness of DEI initiatives, making adjustments as necessary.

Team Leadership and Development: ● Manage and lead a team of HR specialists, providing guidance, mentorship, and support for tasks related to payroll, benefits, recruiting, onboarding and compliance. ● Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, ensuring effective communication and coordination.

Facilities: ● Coordinate w/MPs, MC and property management re leasehold improvements, space planning and lease negotiations ● Liaison w/subtenants ● Connecticut ● Florida/California ● Coordinate with MPs and office managers ● NJ: Liaison with Regus in Basking Ridge

Budgeting: ● Prepare and maintain annual budgets for 37 General Ledgers across offices ● Monthly review of each GL 1. Update budget spreadsheets and coordinate with satellite office/MC re overages 2. Review expense reports and credit card forms re accurate GL allocations’

Firm Insurances: ● Liaison with brokers/complete applications: Property, Cyber, EPLI, Fiduciary, ERISA Fidelity, Workers' Comp, Professional Liability ● Submission of supplemental applications for all new lawyers ● Coordination of claims submissions and deductible tracking ● Coordinate carrier's risk management requirements

Qualifications: ● Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree or HR certification is a plus. ● Minimum of 10 years of experience in human resources or operations management ● Proven experience as an HR leader in a legal setting, understanding the unique challenges and dynamics of law firms. ● Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations. ● Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. ● Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion. ● Strategic thinker with the ability to align HR initiatives with the firm's overall goals.

Benefits we offer: ● Medical, dental and vision insurance ● Life and disability insurance ● 401(k) plan and match ● Generous family leave program ● Ample free parking ● Staff bonus program

Please email resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to Samarie Gasper at samarie@performlaw.com.