Office Administrator

The role

Clifford Chance is seeking a dynamic, high-performing, and forward-thinking Office Administrator to lead the day-to-day operations of our Washington, DC office and contribute meaningfully to regional transformation and strategic initiatives. This role represents a rare opportunity to bring together operational leadership, people management, and strategic impact under one umbrella.

As the senior on-site office administrator, you will ensure seamless, high-quality delivery of office operations, services and hospitality. In close partnership with the DC Office Managing Partner (OMP), you will serve as a trusted advisor and key partner on all matters impacting the functioning, experience, and performance of the DC office. You will also collaborate across the Americas Business Leadership Team and their respective functions - including Practice Management, HR, Finance, Events, Business Development, Communications, IT, General Counsel and Risk - to drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and a culture of excellence.

We are looking for a confident, service-driven leader who brings discipline, empathy, and innovation to every aspect of office management. This role reports to the Head of Operations - Americas, while maintaining a close and proactive working relationship with senior practice and operational leadership locally and regionally.

Key Responsibilities:

Office Operations & Solutions (DC Office)

• Lead and inspire the DC operations team (e.g., reception, conference services, records, pantry, mailroom, facilities) by setting clear expectations, driving accountability, and nurturing a high-performance culture.
• Oversee all aspects of workplace and facilities management, including space planning, seating assignments, hybrid work logistics, office moves and maintenance, and vendor relationships.
• Manage office contracts and service-level agreements (SLAs); negotiate and oversee all vendor engagements to ensure compliance with KPIs and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop, own, and monitor the DC office operating and capital budgets in collaboration with Finance, with a focus on transparency and strategic cost management.
• In collaboration with the local Events teams, lead coordination of in-office events, VIP and client visits, ensuring exceptional hospitality and smooth execution
• Implement and lead local environmental-sustainability initiatives aligned with firmwide ESG goals and Americas-wide green objectives; track/report metrics regularly.

People, Culture & Leadership (DC Office)

• Partner closely with the OMP to anticipate local needs, support attorney engagement and satisfaction, and provide insight and operational support for office-specific priorities and initiatives.
• Act as a cultural ambassador and trusted advisor, fostering a cohesive, inclusive, and motivated workplace aligned with firm values.
• Champion employee engagement, hybrid working best practices, and well-being initiatives tailored to local needs and expectations.
• Develop and implement thoughtful, data-informed strategies to increase purposeful office attendance and strengthen in-person engagement, working closely with the OMP, HR, and practice leadership.
• Collaborate with practice-area aligned Business Development colleagues to support pan-office client development activities and events as needed, ensuring a seamless and professional experience.
• Lead and grow local community engagement efforts-building meaningful relationships with local law firms, colleges and universities, charitable organizations, local bar and other professional associations.
• Partner with HR to ensure high-touch onboarding, recognition programs, mentorship, and training for Business Professionals.
• Maintain proactive communication with legal and business teams to understand evolving needs and adapt office services accordingly.
• Handle sensitive issues with discretion and coordinate resolution with HR, IT, or Risk as appropriate.
• Support the growth and development of operations colleagues through cross-training and skill-building.

Risk, Safety, and Compliance (DC Office)

• Ensure adherence to OSHA standards, building codes, and internal policies related to records, safety, and data security.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for emergency response and business continuity readiness.
• Partner with Security and Risk teams to ensure all physical and digital security systems meet firm standards.

Strategic Initiatives & Transformation (DC Office and Regional)

• Collaborate with the Regional Chief Operating Officer, Americas Business Leadership Team, and Business Execution Lead - Americas, to identify operational best practices and pilot scalable innovations.
• Support and/or lead regional or firmwide operational initiatives related to operating model changes, process improvements, technology adoption, and other operational and strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted contributor in regional forums, bringing local insights to broader conversations about space strategy, talent engagement, and performance optimization.
• Compile and analyze operational data to support benchmarking and strategic decision-making.

Clifford Chance US LLP offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package. The salary range for this role is $180,000 to $260,000. Actual salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience.

Your experience

• Bachelor's degree required (Business, Operations, Facilities, or related field preferred); relevant experience will be considered in lieu.
• 7-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, facilities, or office management, ideally in legal, finance, or consulting environments.
• Proven success managing multifunctional teams and delivering consistent results in matrixed settings.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and vendor negotiation.
• Familiarity with business continuity planning, emergency preparedness, and workplace safety standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, drive process improvement, and implement tech-based solutions.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to work effectively across all levels and build trusted partnerships.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., PowerPoint & Excel), Workday, Condeco, and iManage are a plus.
• High emotional intelligence, professionalism, and sound judgment in confidential matters.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-performance culture with multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to work on-site at least 3 days/week in line with the Firm's Agile Working Policy.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Travel up to 10% may be required.

Who we are

We are one of the largest international law firms in the world. With over 30 offices across the globe, we strive to exceed the expectations of our clients, providing them with the highest-quality advice and legal insight, which combines the firm's global standards with in-depth local expertise.

Our firm, work and people span jurisdictions, cultures, and languages. We offer our clients a truly international perspective. We believe every career should be rewarding and stimulating - full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That's why we're so proud of our inclusive, friendly, and team-based approach to work.

Our one firm global strategy is focused on targeted growth led by the needs of our core clients, those who we can best support with the breadth and depth of Clifford Chance expertise, across the sectors and geographies, which matter most to them.

You'll find our clients in commercial and industrial sectors, the financial investor community, governments, regulators, trade bodies, and not-for-profit organisations. But no matter who they are or why they've reached out to us, we provide a world-class service every step of the way. And that's possible thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and conscientious approach to work that you'll find across all of our teams.

Whichever area of the business you join, you'll become an integral part an innovative, diverse and ambitious team of people. Clifford Chance is a place where the brightest minds and the best of colleagues meet.

Equal Opportunities

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age. This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm.

Find out more about our inclusive culturehere

#LI-Hybrid