McDermott Will & Schulte is hiring: Office Administrator in Chicago

Overview

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm with more than 1,750 lawyers and 3,200 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. At McDermott, we invest in your future and accelerate your career, supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With Us, You’ll Find

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself.
• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table, welcoming unique viewpoints and ideas to help you thrive.
• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life, with a benefits program that supports physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, emphasizing work-life balance.
• Real rewards for real work: Generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

Job Description

The Office Administrator manages the day-to-day operations, facilities and secretarial support for their designated office. This role enforces policies and procedures related to office management and human resources matters. The Office Administrator is part of a global team that participates in Firmwide collaborative projects and initiatives, relying on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the office’s annual operating budgets; plan, forecast and analyze variances.
• Identify areas of potential cost reduction and efficiency improvement; maintain appropriate internal controls and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with broader organizational goals to maximize resource utilization and cost efficiency and to support the Firm’s one-Firm environment.
• Oversee outside vendor services regarding efficiency, client service and cost containment.
• Liaise with building management; daily management of Firm facilities including space planning, moves, leasing, subleasing, contract negotiations, remodeling, repairs and relocations.
• Manage employee relations issues, partnering with Firmwide Human Resources Managers.
• Administer performance management processes, including annual evaluations of staff; provide salary and bonus recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and firm-wide policies and procedures.
• Conduct administrative orientations for new hires.
• Effectively manage emergency situations, solve problems calmly, and lead others.
• Oversee office activities, including internal fundraising for Pro Bono and community service initiatives.
• Participate in or lead special projects as directed by the Director of Administration.
• Manage the workflow and performance of local office support staff, including providing ongoing formal and informal feedback.
• Act as primary contact with outsourced local office services account manager and monitor day-to-day operations.
• Manage the local office’s business continuity process and ensure adherence to Firm guidelines.

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least seven (7) years of related work experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership and motivational skills.
• Ability to travel and work flexible and/or fluctuating hours.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain and handle confidential information.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses. Target Hiring Range: $198,000 - $256,000.

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of final salary offers. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that McDermott provides to compensate and recognize staff professionals. Full-time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

As part of our ongoing commitment to be #AlwaysBetter for our people, clients and communities, we have created a culture of belonging that champions individuality as both a person and a professional. We support you through every stage of your life and career, with competitive compensation, top benefits and professional development programs.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear.
• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds.

Work Environment

Typical indoor office environment.

Disclaimer

The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties.