Director of Knowledge Management and Research Services

About Us

Shipman’s value lies in our commitment -- to our clients, to the profession and to the community. We have one goal: to help our clients achieve their goals. How we accomplish it is simple: we devote our considerable experience and depth of knowledge to understand each client’s unique needs, business and industry, and then we develop solutions to meet those needs. With more than 140 lawyers in offices throughout Connecticut and New York, we serve the needs of local, regional, national, and international clients. Our clients include public and private companies, institutions, government entities, non-profit organizations and individuals, and we believe that effective knowledge management is key to achieving our goals.

Position Overview

The Director of Knowledge Management and Research Services will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive knowledge management strategy that enhances the firm's ability to capture, distribute, and effectively use knowledge and information. This role involves collaboration with attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff to ensure that knowledge assets are leveraged to improve efficiency, client service, and the overall success of the firm.

Essential Functions and Specific Responsibilities

• Provide reference and research services to internal attorneys and staff, supporting collection development analysis, and assisting with research training and presentation.
• Conduct in-depth reference interviews with attorneys to clarify the subject, scope and purpose of their request.
• Follow and execute on the Knowledge Management Lifecycle for discovering, capturing, storing, sharing, applying and reviewing knowledge and information across the assigned domain, including case studies, legal precedents, research materials, and internal expertise.
• Identify and leverage knowledge management technologies, such as document management systems, intranets, databases, and collaboration tools, to enhance knowledge sharing and accessibility.
• Coordinate training and guidance to all attorneys and staff on the use of knowledge management systems and resources, as well as available legal technologies, and promote user adoption.
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and updating of the firm's knowledge repositories, ensuring that content is accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible.
• Stay informed about industry trends and advancements in knowledge management, incorporating new methodologies and technologies as appropriate.
• Draft and collect external thought leadership materials and presentations, including training materials, memos, alerts, practice notes, industry updates, and reports from attendance at professional association meetings and conferences.
• Taking responsibility for the management of knowledge management suppliers, driving value and developing positive partnerships by regularly reviewing services, seeking feedback and assessing internal satisfaction.
• Working with the marketing and business development team, develop effective ways to cultivate, present and contribute competitive market intelligence, proactively, using technology tools and analytics to enhance the firm’s competitive advantage, especially with respect to RFPs and other pitch proposals and new business opportunities.

Job Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Management, Library Science, Business Administration, or a related field is required; advanced degree or J.D. preferred
• 5 years of experience in knowledge management or library science, experience in a law firm and/or in house legal department preferred
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful knowledge management strategies.
• Excellent written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with attorney work product and the typical workflows and needs of attorneys in a legal practice
• Project management experience, with ability to manage multiple competing priorities at once
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Hours: Full-time, with flexibility to work additional hours as indicated by client and Firm needs.

Physical and Other Requirements

The work is primarily of an intellectual nature and requires a variety of physical capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. and rarely has to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly to stand, walk, talk and hear. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Non-Discrimination

The Firm will not make employment decisions (including decisions related to hiring, assignment, compensation, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action and termination) on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence or any other characteristics protected by applicable law except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement

The preceding job description has been designed to illustrate the general nature and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Hartford, CT 06115 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hartford, CT 06115