Professional Development Manager

About the role

The is responsible for shaping and executing the associate development experience within the New York office. This role owns the design and delivery of structured coaching initiatives aimed at fostering individual growth and performance. The manager will lead integration efforts for new and lateral associates, ensuring a seamless transition into the firm's culture and expectations. They will also own the strategy and execution of mentor programming, pairing associates with experienced partners for guidance. This position drives the development and maintenance of training curricula, including the New Lawyer and Mid-Level Academies. The role analyzes professional needs through ongoing feedback and exit interviews to refine development offerings. The manager will collaborate closely with department leaders to implement special projects that enhance associate engagement and retention.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Orchestrate individualized coaching sessions for associates to navigate professional challenges and define growth pathways.
• Architect and facilitate group coaching workshops designed for new associates to build community and shared learning.
• Engineer the end-to-end integration journey for fall associates, including orientation content planning and mentor coordination.
• Streamline the onboarding process for lateral associates through targeted check-in calls and structured support pods.
• Curate and oversee the New York mentor program, including event scheduling, mentor group alignment, and resource development.
• Conduct confidential monthly associate check-ins to monitor well-being and address concerns proactively.
• Guide expecting and new parents through the Gibson Dunn Families Program to ensure smooth on-ramping and off-ramping experiences.
• Provide dedicated support for attorneys on flex-time schedules to maintain engagement and productivity.
• Coordinate with the New York Associates Committee to design and execute office-wide programming and town halls.
• Lead event design and coordination for internal gatherings, ensuring seamless execution and participant satisfaction.
• Perform exit interviews with departing associates to uncover trends and insights regarding professional development needs.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data from associate feedback to identify systemic trends and improvement areas.
• Support the curriculum development for the New Lawyer Academy, focusing on practical skills and knowledge transfer.
• Plan and manage the Mid-Level Academy programming to address the evolving needs of experienced associates.

Requirements

• Adhere to a professional demeanor at all times, demonstrating excellent communication skills and a service-oriented mindset.
• Exhibit strong organizational abilities with meticulous attention to detail and robust problem-solving capabilities.
• Produce high-quality written work, including proofreading and editing, tailored for specific audiences.
• Display resourcefulness, creativity, and self-directed behavior in managing multiple priorities.
• Apply established project management principles to long-term initiatives and event planning.
• Interact effectively with colleagues across all firm levels, building and maintaining positive relationships.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with the utmost integrity and discretion.
• Identify potential legal issues and escalate concerns to firm management appropriately.
• Communicate confidently in front of groups and during one-on-one coaching sessions.
• Accept that some travel will be required to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.

Practical notes

This role operates within the framework of Gibson Dunn's global professional development standards, requiring a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration. The successful candidate will engage with a diverse range of associates, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. The position involves managing confidential information and sensitive situations with discretion. Effective time management is critical given the multifaceted nature of associate support and program development. The manager will serve as a key liaison between associates and firm leadership, ensuring alignment on professional growth objectives. Travel may be necessary to support New York office events and integrate with other global offices where permitted. The candidate must be capable of managing competing deadlines and delivering high-quality results under pressure. This position reports to the Director of Professional Development - New York, ensuring strategic alignment with firm-wide goals.