Director of Collections

At Jimerson Birr, our team has accepted the lasting responsibility of protecting our clients’ rights, businesses, properties, investments and finances. In both established and emerging businesses, our professionals are integral, trusted advisers and advocates, giving our clients insights into legal and business considerations that guide prudent decision making. We work with some of the world’s most respected and well-established businesses, as well as start-up visionaries, and individuals looking to overcome challenges.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Director of Collections will oversee the firm’s collections operations, managing the recovery of outstanding accounts. This role requires a strong leader with expertise in legal billing practices, debt recovery strategies, and team management to ensure the timely and efficient collection of overdue payments.

This individual is responsible for developing and maintaining an annual calendar for departmental objectives and task queues, managing accountability charts, scorecards, key performance initiatives, and departmental meetings, while overseeing dashboards and automated reporting systems. The Director of Collections will report to the Managing Partner and help in strategic planning and performance management of the Collections team.

Additional responsibilities include handling the department's budgeting and forecasting activities to align with organizational financial planning, owning all aspects of department's people, process and technology.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Vision

• The department leader is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the collections department.
• This involves defining long-term goals, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall mission and objectives.
• The director develops and implements strategies to optimize collections performance, enhance client satisfaction, and adapt to industry changes, such as regulatory updates or market trends.
• By maintaining a forward-thinking approach, the leader ensures the department remains competitive and effective.

Financial and Performance Management

• The director is responsible for managing the department’s financial health, including budgeting, resource allocation, and revenue optimization.
• This involves setting financial targets, monitoring collections performance, and identifying areas for cost savings or revenue growth.
• The director tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) at a macro level, analyzing trends and outcomes to ensure the department is on track to meet its goals.
• By maintaining accountability and focusing on measurable results, the director drives the department’s success and contributes to the organization’s overall profitability.

Team Leadership and Development

• As the head of the department, the director provides leadership to managers, supervisors, and team members.
• This includes fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture, mentoring leadership staff, and ensuring that the entire team is aligned with departmental goals.
• The director is also responsible for talent development, implementing training programs, succession planning, and maintaining high morale across the department.
• Effective leadership ensures that staff are engaged, skilled, and motivated to deliver exceptional performance meeting or exceeding all targets.

Client and Stakeholder Relations

• Serving as the primary liaison for high-level client interactions, the director ensures that the department consistently meets or exceeds client expectations.
• This includes addressing client concerns, providing performance updates, conducting client site visits, handling quarterly business reviews, and ensuring transparency in all communications.
• The director also works closely with other organizational leaders, such as executives and legal counsel, to align the department’s operations with broader business objectives and foster internal collaboration.

Sales Support

• The leader of the department spearheads efforts to meet departmental origination targets, vital for business growth.
• This entails strategizing, coordinating, and supporting sales initiatives in generating new business opportunities while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• A director plays a pivotal role in driving sales and supporting the sales team by aligning departmental strategies with revenue generation goals.
• This involves developing and implementing initiatives to attract and retain clients, such as refining service offerings, enhancing value propositions, and identifying new market opportunities.
• The director collaborates closely with the sales team, providing leadership, guidance, and resources to improve client acquisition and retention strategies.
• Additionally, the director ensures that operational processes, such as onboarding, reporting, and technology integration, are optimized to support sales efforts and enhance client satisfaction.
• By fostering a results-oriented culture, mentoring sales leaders, and maintaining strong client relationships, the director acts as a catalyst for sustained growth and sales success within the organization.

Success in this position goes beyond mere accomplishments; it culminates in personal and professional fulfillment. High performers in this role reach a state where creativity flows effortlessly, challenges are embraced as opportunities, and solutions are delivered with impact.

Victory in this position is defined by continuous growth, both professionally and personally, where each milestone achieved sets the stage for even greater achievements. Significant career ascension and monetary rewards await those who flourish in this role.

WHO WOULD DO WELL IN THIS POSITION?

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in collections, finance, or accounts receivable, preferably within a legal environment
• Proven experience in managing a collections team, with a track record of driving results
• In-depth understanding of collection laws, regulations, and best practices, including knowledge of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide actionable insights
• Direct supervisory or management experience of departments and effective track record of managing teams
• Proficiency in matter management tools, dashboards, and CRM systems
• Must be comfortable working autonomously
• Must be extremely organized and have excellent time management skills
• Must have effective organizational and communication skills

ABOUT THE FIRM

Our award-winning law firm is at its best when it helps clients set measurable goals and develops multi-level strategies to achieve them. Our lawyers are trained to take ownership of our clients’ challenges by getting close to the problem and close to the people who can benefit from the solutions we provide. We’re business-oriented lawyers equally comfortable as community leaders, private transaction counselors or courtroom advocates. We pride ourselves on our people and their collective achievements. Besides our long list of legal industry honors, the firm has a track record spanning over a decade winning local, state and national awards for being a “Best Company to Work For,” “Fastest Growing Company,” and “Best law firms in America.”

For all current career openings, firm history, frequently asked questions, and professional development tracks please check out our careers page by clicking this link Careers: View Current Opportunities.

We’ve found that the key to doing great work is to love what you do and respect who you do it with. To continue reading about our firm, visit our website Jimerson Birr.

Our atmosphere and award-winning firm culture is collegial and professional, and our shared commitment to professional development is superior to our contemporaries. Learn more about our firm culture here: JB Firm Culture: JB FOR ME.

WHY APPLY?

You’ll get a Challenging Opportunity with a Company that Cares About Its Most Valuable Asset: YOU! At Jimerson Birr, we pride ourselves on our people and their collective achievements. Besides our list of legal industry honors, in 2021 and for the seventh consecutive year, the firm was named one of Florida’s “Best Companies to Work For” by Florida Trend Magazine. In recent years, the firm was also distinguished as one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Jacksonville Business Journal and five times as one of the “50 Fastest Growing Companies.” Opportunities abound for those who can meet and exceed the expectations set for our team. Jimerson Birr is comprised of high-performing and professionally fulfilled people. We believe that a positive attitude, personal accountability, and a commitment to quality work will put a talented person on a fast track for success. Our atmosphere and award-winning firm culture are collegial and professional, and our shared commitment to professional development is superior to our contemporaries.

Our core values are simple: Commitment to service; Commitment to quality; Commitment to results.

Jimerson Birr is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and all employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, gender identity and marital status.