Professional Development Manager

** this role is open to the following saul ewing offices: chicago, new york, philadelphia, washington dc, princeton, pittsburgh, minneapolis, miami, baltimore, los angeles **

the professional development manager is responsible for designing and implementing impactful training programs for attorneys and professional staff members. In this role, they will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with the director of professional development, other talent team members, department chairs, and practice group leaders on strategic learning and development initiatives. They will oversee all training programs provided by the professional development team to ensure a consistent and strategic firmwide approach to training.

They will be the key contact for successfully onboarding and integrating new first year associates each year and for designing and managing all curriculum for new associate orientation. They will also design all training curriculum for the summer associate program. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate and build relationships with attorneys and business professionals across our footprint.

• partner with the director of professional development in delivering firmwide, department and practice-specific training. This includes the following:
• design curriculum and training sessions for attorneys and professional staff members, including practice group substantive trainings
• present trainings for attorneys and professional staff members
• partner with attorneys to design slide decks and other visuals for training programs and other firmwide events
• serve as a point of contact for internal presenters and outside consultants and vendors
• design and manage curriculum for new associate orientation, summer associate program, and new partner orientation
• manage database of all training programs offered firmwide
• use data analytics, surveys, and feedback mechanisms to assess training effectiveness and inform improvements
• work with it department to update firmwide calendar to reflect planned training sessions
• supervise pd assistant in ensuring saul online university and connect page are regularly updated with recordings of training programs and their relevant materials
• serve as a trusted point person for first year associates and summer associates as they onboard, helping them understand and navigate the firm, build strong relationships, and seek out resources.
• manage all aspects of pre-onboarding for summer associates and first year associates, including preparing and sending communications to them before they join the firm. Partner closely with human resources, group operations, conflicts, and other internal teams to ensure smooth onboarding processes.
• meet annually with practice group leaders to share training plans and to listen to training needs they have identified and collaborate with them to plan dynamic training programs.
• design and implement approval process to track external trainings and cles attended by firm associates.
• partner with director of professional development to prepare annual training budget.
• supervise professional development assistant.
• travel as needed to attend in-person training programs such as orientations and retreats.
• maintain membership in industry organizations to keep up to date on trends in law firm learning and development to ensure firm programming evolves to meet our attorney and professional staff members’ needs. Explore new technologies and programming formats to ensure training continues to align with firm needs.
• collaborates with other members of the firm’s talent team on special projects as needed.

• excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• business acumen, leadership presence, and the ability to take ownership of assigned projects and work independently.
• high social and emotional intelligence, with experience leading and mentoring team members and cultivating strong working relationships within all levels of a firm.
• ability to show discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• strong project management skills, high attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• ability to shift priorities and manage change with a positive outcome.
• strong problem-solving skills and strong judgment.
• ability to provide outstanding client service and to seek innovative ways to help colleagues.

• bachelor’s degree required.
• knowledge of instructional design and experience planning training programs is preferred.
• minimum five years of experience in professional development or talent management, ideally in a professional services environment, and at least two years in a law firm setting is preferred.
• computer proficiency in windows-based software and microsoft office suite applications including word, power point, excel, and outlook.…