Project Management Coordinator

Position summary

The Project Management Coordinator (“PM Coordinator”) will contribute to Reed Smith's value proposition by driving operational excellence and fostering an inclusive, collegial culture. The role will advance the Global Private Equity Chair's (“PE Chair”) priorities and values, both independently and as a member of a key team (“The Team”).

Key drivers for success are strong organizational and project management skills, understanding of the clients and the legal projects in Private Equity for the clients, commitment to internal and external client service, and a high degree of drive, initiative and judgment.

This role will be a member of a fast-paced team that supports the PE Chair in driving forward business development, client on-boarding and client service. The candidate must be adept at navigating complex, high-pressure environments and be comfortable working both independently and as a member of a fast-moving team. The Team is expected to function as a singular unit, with each member contributing to ensure tasks are completed, processes are continuously improved, communication flows and deadlines are met. The candidate will interact directly with clients and partners across Reed Smith, maintaining and fostering positive relations.

This role will be required to use project management methodologies and tools to facilitate and execute project management, process improvement initiatives and process mapping efforts. The role will be expected to organize and manage projects, including follow up, for the practice, draft engagement letters and project plans, as well as help scope and price projects, for clients, as well as facilitate the full process of on-boarding and intake of new clients to the Firm.

Job duties and responsibilities

• Take ownership of own tasks and projects, as well as organization of team tasks and projects, keeping status updated in team tracking documents, and contributing to team meetings and team communications with key updates and status information; demonstrate flexibility and ability to be nimble in the face of changing priorities as well as ability to juggle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, juggling priorities, deadlines and essential project management duties for each respective project.
• Track and follow up on open items for the practice.
• Write engagement letters, including project scoping and pricing, with input from firm partners, PE Chair, Client Value Team, and others on the Team. Must be able to apply own understanding / research of project to draft scoping and assumptions for partner review.
• Create matter workstreams, including for full engagement and onboarding process of new clients.
• Extrapolate team projects and assignments from a high volume of emails.
• Continually compare matter progress to budget utilization and convey status, as appropriate.
• Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential risks and devise contingency plans as appropriate.
• Attend client and internal planning meetings, taking note of action items and follow up.
• Actively participate in initiatives set by PE Chair; help define and prioritize objectives, meet with stakeholders, source and analyze data, coordinate participants, monitor milestones, drive progress against plan and provide updates to sponsors and other relevant leaders.
• Enter and release time spent on Project Management and Legal Project Management for clients in the firm's Time Entry system (currently Intapp), such that PE Chair can charge PM/LPM activities to clients as appropriate.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented asnecessary.  Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. 

Requirements

Education: College degree or related experience required.

Experience: Minimum three to five years of relevant working experience, with at least one year of experience managing large scale projects. Experience with use of technology to further project management. Law firm or professional services experience a plus.

Skills:

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail a must.

Ability to quickly and effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure team–based environment is crucial.

Ability to respond appropriately to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Adept at conducting research into project-related issues and products. Willingness to work remotely with the global team and maintain seamless communication.

Computer proficiency with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and MS Project (or equivalent) are required, Power BI and Visio preferred.

Must be able to learn, understand and apply finance skills and new technologies.

Experience at working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is imperative. Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior partners, clients and other constituents.

High level of professional maturity and integrity, demonstrable good judgment in sensitive and/or complex situations and unwavering discretion with confidential information.

Excellent verbal and written business communication skills with extensive experience creating presentations, visual and verbal.

Ability to compile, review, analyze and synthesize data – financial, demographic or otherwise – to determine logical conclusions or provide recommendations based on data and information that is varied in context, content, and format.

Results-oriented self-starter with a high level of initiative who takes ownership, prioritizes, manages multiple complex and time-sensitive projects, and can meet competing deadlines with little guidance or oversight; ability to bring together multiple stakeholders to help drive decision; eager to learn through hands-on hard work and adapting to new responsibilities.

Additional information

Supervisory responsibilities: None.

Equipment used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential job functions

Ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, intense eye usage, and finger, hand and wrist dexterity associated with prolonged computer use.

Ability to utilize technology, including computers and telecommunication devices.

Attention to detail and accuracy are critical skills necessary for ensuring precision and quality in all tasks and responsibilities.

Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations.

Working conditions

Expected to work in person in the New York City (Midtown Manhattan) office a minimum of four days per week, subject to change.  

Pay ranges

This is a non-exempt position. The hourly wage range for this role is $62.09 to $76.92 per hour, with an estimated annual compensation range of $113,000 to $140,000, based on an expected 35-hour workweek. This represents the presently anticipated pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.