The OpportunityWe are seeking a
Manager, Learning and Development Core to join the People Development team at our Firm. This position will be based in our Washington D.C. or Boston office (hybrid).
The Manager, Learning and Development Core is responsible for identifying, maintaining, and refining core curricula in collaboration with the custom learning and design team, ensuring all programs are aligned with the Firm's overarching strategy and vision. They will oversee the delivery of programs, manage cross-office teams, and work with other managers to ensure consistency and excellence across all training and development efforts.
- Manages Learning & Development (L&D) Core programs and cross-office teams, ensuring understanding and articulation of the Firm's L&D strategy, emphasizing key learning points and their relevance to professional growth during sessions.
- Collaborates with other members of People Development, People Strategy, Centers of Excellence, and other departments to align program needs, share best practices, and ensure consistency in learning and development efforts across all initiatives and the Firm.
- Maintains, enhances, implements, and evaluates the core curriculum for associates and counsel, incorporating a balanced mix of programs, experiences, and self-study opportunities and ensuring alignment with the Firm's L&D strategy and long-term vision.
- Manages the Business Development Academy in collaboration with Core L&D and BD teams.
- Supports all associate, counsel, and Business Services training activities.
- Leads, implements, and enhances the technical skills (litigation) curricula for associates at all levels and counsel, spearheading needs assessments and evaluation across litigation practice groups and regions.
- Serves as the primary liaison to the Litigation Partner Training Committee, incorporating feedback into program development to ensure alignment with the Firm's strategic vision.
- Collaborates with L&D Core Mentorship Manager on program design and implementation, creates strong relationships with Partners and People Teams to effectively promote mentorship program, and stays current on mentorship best practices and industry trends.
- Clearly communicates program value and Firm expectations to associates and counsel.
- Identifies and engages knowledgeable and charismatic instructors, both internal and external, to deliver high-quality sessions.
- Monitors and assesses program effectiveness with data analytics; ensures written feedback is received after program sessions to measure outcomes and shares participant feedback with the Custom Learning and Design Team to track evaluations, generate statistics, and ensure all programs are innovative, effective, and aligned with L&D strategy outcomes.
- Conducts follow-ups with teams to gather insights on program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement to enhance sessions, makes real-time adjustments to programs not meeting expectations, and communicates feedback to leadership.
- Participates in the interviewing, selection and training process.
- Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with Firm policies.
- Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage unsatisfactory performance.
- Oversees employees' work performance and provides guidance in the resolution of problems.
- Recommends guidelines and practices to promote efficiency, effectiveness, excellent customer service and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values.
- Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with other.
Qualifications- Extensive experience in learning and development, including curriculum design, implementation, and program evaluation
- Strategic thinker with a track record of aligning learning initiatives to organizational goals
- Strong understanding of professional development needs for associates at various levels, with the ability to create and refine curriculums incorporating various learning methods
- Proven ability to review, evaluate, and implement impactful learning programs using data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement practices
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and shifting priorities simultaneously
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to engage, develop, and inspire teams and associates
- Experience in managing cross-office teams and fostering collaboration across functions
- Strong facilitation and team leadership skills, with demonstrated experience leading and supervising others
- Proficiency in using technology for virtual learnings and discussions, including relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
- Experience in tracking feedback, analyzing data, and producing actionable enhancements
- Current knowledge of industry best practices, trends, and techniques
- Flexibility to travel and to adjust hours as necessary to meet operating and business needs
Education and Experience- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum of six years of attorney development or related experience in a law firm or professional services environment including supervisory experience
BenefitsThe overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.
- Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
- Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
- Generous paid time off.
- Paid leave options, including parental.
- In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
- Robust well-being classes and programs.
- Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.
For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits
The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.
Salary Details$165,000 - $190,000
