A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. 

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:

  Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 

  Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 

  Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The City’s Law Department is comprised of over 220 lawyers and 100 support staff.  The Law Department serves as counsel to the Mayor, City Council, other elected officials and the City’s departments, agencies, and commissions. The Law Department provides legal representation for the City in matters involving federal, state, and local agency litigation, commercial and real estate transactions, tax, regulatory issues, social services, and legislation.

The Director will work with the First Deputy City Solicitor and department leadership in two main areas: 1) developing, scheduling, implementation and assessment of comprehensive training programs for all practice areas of the Law Department and internal training programs for legal assistants and support staff; and 2) coordinating and overseeing recruitment and retention efforts in the Law Department while ensuring diversity and inclusion. 

The Director will support department leadership, working closely with our committees and professionals to maintain and support an integrated department-wide approach to diversity and inclusion, ultimately creating a culture that values different perspectives and recruits and retains the best talent. The Director will be a strategic partner who will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies relating to department recruitment, retention and promotion of women and diverse individuals across the department.  In addition to these responsibilities, the Director will work to raise the profile of the Law Department in the legal community through the Bar Association, Affinity Groups, and related organizations.  Lastly, the Director will work with the department leadership on a variety of legal and administrative issues.

Essential Functions

In addition to the Position Summary, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work with department staff in developing learning objectives, content and structure for in-house training programs, including coordinating the Law Department annual CLE program
• Implement initiatives related to leadership development, engagement, morale and internal communications, including overseeing all nominations for internal and external awards and recognition.
• Work with the HR Compliance Manager to design, write and revise staff training materials, including instructors’ guides, PowerPoint presentations, participant handouts, and supplemental materials.
• On an ongoing basis, assess effectiveness of in-house training programs and advise on ways to improve them, including working with technology specialists or consultants to develop technology training solutions.
• Keep up-to-date on current trends, developments and best practices in the field of attorney, paralegal and staff development by reading professional journals, articles and books, and attending/ presenting at attorney development seminars, conferences and workshops.
• Assess external CLE opportunities for relevance and when applicable coordinate attendance of law department staff
• Review the department’s Diversity Plan and make recommendations as to best practices to maintain diversity and inclusion as a core value.
• Keep up-to-date on best practices that support the growth, development and advancement of the department’s diverse lawyers and support staff.
• Ensure the Departments compliance with the Mansfield Certification process administered by Diversity Lab.
• Utilize external relationships with the department to create strategies for outreach into diverse communities, including with our Diversity, Professional Development and Public Service Committees
• Support diversity and inclusion within the department’s overall development efforts through training and development of our diverse legal talent.
• Assist in identifying ways to partner with our clients on Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.
• Work closely with the First Deputy to understand department demographics, identify areas for focus, and make recommendations on steps to hire, develop and retain a more diverse workforce.
• Serve as a liaison between the department, department’s Diversity Committee and external organizations.
• Encourage department participation in local and national affinity groups by coordinating meetings with group leaders to develop goals, plan events and programs, and attract new members.
• Attend diversity recruiting and other diversity events as necessary, in consultation with the First Deputy.
• Design, effectively and efficiently coordinate, and evaluate all aspects of the Law Department recruiting program including, pre-arrival processes and communications, orientation, mentoring program, social and community service events, diversity events and initiatives, educational and special department programming.
• Effectively and efficiently coordinate the law school student recruitment process including coordinating all on campus interviews and local area law school career fairs, overseeing the internship program, and developing targeted law school communications.
• Meet regularly with Law Department Chairs to assess the effectiveness of all diversity and professional development efforts.
• Other duties related to the department's diversity and inclusion efforts as required.

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• Law degree preferred.  
• Advanced coursework in adult learning preferred.
• Experience in law firm administration preferred. 
• Active member in the Philadelphia Bar Association and/or Affinity Group preferred.  
• Experience in a law firm or corporate training department a plus. 
• Knowledge of the following is preferred:
  • Adult learning principles and how to apply them
  • Training and development activities, functions and delivery methods  

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work closely and effectively with all levels of department personnel required.
• Management and supervisory skills preferred.
• Excellent organizational and oral and written communication skills required.
• Must be able to prioritize workload and solve problems quickly.
• Strong computer skills required.

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Craig M. Straw, First Deputy City Solicitor ([email protected]).

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected]. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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