Senior Director, Litigation and Operations Strategy

Overview

This role involves executive-level leadership over litigation operations and operational strategy within the Staff Counsel organization. You will lead strategic planning, operational performance, and cross-functional execution aligned with enterprise objectives, serving as the operational arm of the Staff Counsel Leadership Team.

The position provides oversight of the Director, Litigation Oversight & Compliance and the Director, Associate Experience & Development to ensure consistency, mitigate risks, and set standards across Staff Counsel.

Location

• Remote role, with in-office presence and travel as needed.
• Preferred location: Maryland (Bethesda office).

Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy, and Governance

• Set and execute department-wide litigation and operational strategy aligned with cost efficiency, outcome consistency, and risk management.
• Ensure effective execution of compliance, quality assurance, and litigation governance frameworks.
• Analyze litigation and operational performance metrics; translate insights into actionable improvement initiatives.
• Drive accountability, transparency, and disciplined execution across Staff Counsel leadership.

Litigation Operations and Case Management

• Lead continuous improvement of case-handling processes, workflows, and technology platforms, including oversight of case assignment models, litigation budgeting, and efficiency tracking to drive consistent outcomes and operational discipline.
• Ensure litigation operations align with internal controls, compliance standards, and enterprise risk expectations.

Talent Development and Associate Experience

• Own the end-to-end strategy for associate experience, engagement, and capability building across Staff Counsel.
• Set training strategy and curriculum priorities (onboarding, litigation skills, and leadership development) aligned to litigation strategy and workforce needs.
• Drive adoption of standardized processes, tools, and operating practices that improve organizational effectiveness and execution discipline.
• Use development and progression data to inform talent decisions and succession planning.

Technology and Enablement

• Lead adoption and optimization of litigation technology, including AI-enabled tools, in partnership with Legal Operations and Legal Technology teams.
• Implement standardized processes to equip, train, and support associates in the effective use of litigation technology and AI-enabled tools.
• Establish governance for best practices, usage expectations, and adoption metrics tied to productivity and outcomes.

Communications and Staff Engagement

• Own the governance and consistency of Staff Counsel’s organizational communications and meetings, including planning, content alignment, and follow-through for town halls, management meetings, and leadership communications.
• Drive clarity, consistency, and accountability in messaging cascading from senior leadership to the workforce, partnering with leadership to ensure communications reinforce strategy and priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with Claims, Legal Operations, Legal Technology, and other internal stakeholders to align litigation strategy and execution.
• Collaborate with outside counsel and vendors to ensure performance expectations, cost discipline, and quality standards are met.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Active license to practice law in at least one state; must maintain all CLE requirements.
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in litigation, legal operations, strategy, program management, or consulting, preferably in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated people-management and senior-level leadership experience.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to drive operational results and lead change at scale.
• Executive presence with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels.
• High ethical standards and demonstrated commitment to transparency and accountability.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Salary

• $210,000.00 - $350,000.00

The above annual salary range is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/ annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate’s work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations.

Financial Benefits and Other Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards program that offers personalized coverage tailor-made for you and your family’s overall well-being.
• Financial benefits including market-competitive compensation.
• A 401K savings plan vested from day one that offers a 6% match.
• Performance and recognition-based incentives.
• Tuition assistance.
• Access to additional benefits like mental healthcare as well as fertility and adoption assistance.
• In-office and remote opportunities, as well as flexibility to work remotely for up to four weeks per year.

Employment Authorization

• At this time, this employer will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

Equal Opportunity

The employer provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. Qualified individuals with disabilities may be reasonably accommodated unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship.