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Job Title


Senior Manager, Professional Development and Engagement


Company : Pdclegal


Location : Palo Alto, CA


Created : 2026-04-20


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Senior Manager, Professional Development and EngagementCity:San Francisco Bay Area or NYState:CA or NYRemote/WFH?FlexibleWilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Palo Alto, CA 94304United StatesThe Senior Manager of Professional Development and Engagement plays a key leadership role in fostering a culture of excellence, connection, and continuous learning across the firm. This position manages, designs, and delivers professional skills training for attorneys and business professionals while also leading initiatives that strengthen engagement, belonging, and professional fulfillment. This person will work closely with the Director of Legal Education & Development; the Chief Professional Development, Engagement & Inclusion Officer; the Director of DEI; firm management; department and practice group leadership; and the broader PD team to ensure alignment of learning and engagement initiatives with the firm's strategic priorities and core values.Ideally this position will be based in our Palo Alto, San Francisco or New York City office.Other US office locations will be considered.This role follows a hybrid work schedule and requires some U.S. based travel.Primary ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership and AlignmentPartner with PD and firm leadership on a cohesive strategy for professional development and engagement that supports and amplifies the firm's culture of growth and communityIdentify emerging skill and engagement needs"”such as leadership development, client relationship management, innovation, and inclusion"”and proactively build programming to meet themServe as a thought leader and advisor to leadership on learning, engagement, and talent trends in the legal industryProfessional Development and LearningDesign, develop, and deliver professional skills programs for attorneys and business professionals through in-person and virtual formatsCreate innovative learning resources such as e-learning modules, guides, and newsletters to foster continuous learningEvaluate and enhance programs using feedback and data to measure impact and ensure alignment with evolving professional and business needsIntegrate technology and modern adult learning methodologies to drive curiosity, engagement, and retentionEngagement and CultureDevelop and execute firmwide initiatives that promote connection, belonging, and engagement among attorneys and business professionalsPartner with the DEI, Recruiting, and Talent teams to create a seamless and engaging experience across the attorney lifecycleLeverage engagement surveys, focus groups, and feedback mechanisms to understand attorney experience and inform continuous improvement effortsSupport and engage with firm committees (e.g., associates' committee) - ensuring alignment with firm strategy; supporting and enhancing firm initiatives; and enhancing morale, retention, and growthCoaching and Individual DevelopmentProvide coaching to attorneys to support their personal and professional growth, using psychometric tools (e.g., DiSC or other assessments) where appropriateFacilitate small-group coaching, peer-learning circles, and other initiatives to foster connection and career progressionMeasurement and Continuous ImprovementUse data and feedback to assess program impact, identify trends, and communicate results through reports and presentations to firm leadershipEstablish metrics to measure engagement, participation, and professional growth outcomesTeam ManagementSupervise, mentor, and develop team members to ensure exceptional execution and consistent aligning with our core valuesFirm Values and CultureChampion the firm's core values through all programming and interactions and collaborate on approaches to continue embedding the core values into the firm's organizational environmentModel the behaviors that foster a thriving, inclusive, and high-performing professional environmentDesired Skills and Experience10+ years of experience in learning, development, and engagement with experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferredBachelor's degree is required; JD or graduate degree in education, organizational development, psychology, or related field preferredExceptional training and facilitation skills, including delivering learning and engagement programs for diverse audiencesProven training expertise in areas such as communication, management, leadership, time management, organization, and presentation skillsExperience with virtual delivery platforms, learning technologies, and digital content creationCoaching experience required; certification preferredFamiliarity with DiSC, MBTI, or other psychometric assessments is desirableMotivated self-starter with a strong interest in attorney developmentHighly organized, proactive, and capable of managing multiple priorities to completion in a fast-paced, partnership-driven environmentDemonstrated success working cross-functionally with leadership, DEI, Talent, Recruiting, and HR teamsOutstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with a strong ability to influence and build relationshipsDeep understanding of engagement, inclusion, and community-building strategies within professional environments #J-18808-Ljbffr