Chief Information Officer at Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

Description & Requirements

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is seeking to hire a Chief Information Officer (CIO) who would be a leader and oversee the day-to-day technology operations in our US offices. This support would include: information security, cloud and on-premise infrastructure, end-user software and hardware support, and mobile device management. The CIO works closely with attorneys and staff to assess current technology needs, incorporating input and recommendations concerning changes to the legal landscapes, assuring a forward-thinking approach to IT services. The CIO also is an integral part of the firm's executive staff and collaborates routinely with other senior staff (e.g., Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), etc.) to integrate, align and support firm technology priorities.

TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY & DELIVERY

• Embrace the current IT vision and initiatives in progress and strategically expand upon them.
• Establish a comprehensive technology strategy and roadmap for the organization that is audience-friendly, supports growth and scale, and aligns with the firm's strategic plan.
• Develop and implement IT department goals, objectives, milestones, and operating procedures through the coordination of budget, time and personnel. Ensure all IT functions are enabling the business while supporting a unified integrated platform.
• Define and communicate corporate plans, policies, and standards for the organization for acquiring, implementing, and operating IT systems.
• Transition the IT department from a cost center to a profit center, always enabling and enhancing the business, ensuring clients, lawyers, and other stakeholders believe Womble Bond Dickinson to be an effective firm to work with.
• Collaborate with firm leadership and key practice leaders to determine how high-quality data and technology can support top-level practice goals, and then accomplish those stated goals.

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP & ENABLEMENT

• Possess a broad business perspective in order to see considerations in the context of business outcomes and consequences. Align the IT strategy with the overall business objectives of the firm.
• Ensure the IT team maintains a customer (internal and external) focus and orientation.
• Be engaged, discerning voice in all meetings to effectively and confidently communicate how the technology function is supporting the business strategy to achieve key metrics and outcomes.
• Grow the firm's bottom line through top line improvement as well as evaluation and reduction of overall corporate and cost structure.
• Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the firm's management board, practice leaders, and end users regarding pertinent IT projects and activities.
• Create and encourage alignment to an enterprise roadmap and value-based business.

FUNCTIONAL OPTIMIZATION & TALENT MANAGEMENT

• Lead continuous assessment and improvement efforts of core business processes, systems, and tools to support attorney productivity and efficiency, intelligent automation, accuracy and knowledge sharing. Ensuring the cost structure of systems and tools aligns with expected returns on assets.
• Maintain day-to-day operations of technology solutions and services in order to achieve maximum operational uptime.
• Identify opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, ultimately curating a highly relevant and well-integrated tech stack.

INNOVATION & RISK MANAGEMENT

• Ensure the security posture of the firm maximizes the prevention of security breaches and protection of firm and client data. Lead the effort to obtain and maintain ISO 27001 certification to validate the strength of the security program.
• Develop, implement, and monitor a strategic, comprehensive enterprise information security and IT risk management program. Implement guardrails for incubating, testing, and/or adopting new technology while protecting the core business and client data.

ORGANIZATIONAL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

• Maintain consistent communication at all levels of the organization; ensure that firm management is informed of progress on the IT roadmap, ensure the IT team is aware of the strategy and vision of the organization, and communication across the organization about processes, procedures, strategies, and important IT initiatives so the IT team is viable, transparent, and organized in its approach to organizational leadership and business enablement.
• Understand the issues that impact lawyers and offer useful, educational advice driven by these issues.
• Listen well at all levels of the organization; ensure communication is a key priority for organizational initiatives and alignment throughout the IT organization.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology or related field.
• Advanced degree, such as MBA in management information systems or related field is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience leading, managing and directing technology teams.
• Security Certifications, such as CISM, or CISSP, are preferred but not required.
• Extensive IT experience in the professional services and/or legal industry.
• Experience leading and managing information security for a large, distributed enterprise.
• Proven capability in managing large scale, firm-wide technology projects centered on business and client enablement.
• Relatable communicator with proven ability to present technical ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
• Experience in developing and executing firm level information technology strategic plans.
• Strong leadership qualities and characteristics in the areas of critical thinking, cross functional collaboration, communication, and competency development.
• Ability to assess solution architecture and design & know where repairs are needed.
• Strong IT and management skills: traditional system development (agile, scrum, and waterfall method), service-oriented architecture framework experience, business value approach and quality assurance.

COMPENSATION

The national average salary range for this role is $296,600-$400,000. Starting salary will be determined based on location, qualifications and experience.

Qualified individuals who are interested in applying for the Chief Information Officer position may upload a resume and cover letter through our website. We will not be accepting applications from staffing agencies. Thank you.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer.