Sr Director, Innovation & Strategic Transformation

The Position

Michael Best is seeking a Senior Director, Innovation & Strategic Transformation to lead the Firm’s innovation agenda and ensure execution of high-value projects — advancing how Michael Best delivers legal services, runs its business platform, and adopts artificial intelligence (AI) to create durable competitive advantage. This role is accountable for translating the Firm’s Strategic Plan into a disciplined portfolio of initiatives that reduce friction, increase productivity, improve client service, and capture margin-accretive opportunities.

This leadership role will orchestrate a multidisciplinary team spanning Knowledge Management, Process Improvement, AI & Automation, and a set of enabling capabilities (Portfolio & Project Management, Business Intelligence, Strategy, Organizational Change Management, and Technology Adoption). This role is directly accountable for the innovation portfolio, its governance, and the results it produces, and delivers the underlying initiatives through the team and through partnership with functional owners across the Firm. This role will build a close partnership with the Chief Information Officer (CIO): the CIO owns the Firm’s technology, data platform, governance, and data management, while this role owns how the Firm reports on, interprets, and translates data into strategic action.  

The right candidate for this role will be highly organized, an enthusiastic technologist, willing to lead by example, and excited to mentor a growing team. Success will be measured by adoption, efficiency gains, and the business value the Firm’s innovation portfolio delivers to attorneys, clients, and business operations.

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What You'll Be Doing

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as the position and firm needs evolve.

Scope of Accountability

This role blends personal delivery with leadership through a growing team. The following is intended to clarify where this leader is directly accountable, where they deliver through others, and where they enable work owned elsewhere in the Firm.

  • Directly delivers. The innovation portfolio and its governance — including the intake, prioritization, and sequencing process; business cases, benchmarks, and success metrics; build-out of the Firm’s Strategic Plan on behalf of the COO and Chief Growth Officer; and direct counsel to Firm Leadership on the innovation and AI agenda.
  • Delivers through the team. Process improvement engagements, AI and automation sprints, knowledge management, business intelligence and reporting, project and portfolio management, change management, and training and adoption programs — executed by the team under this leader’s direction, standards, and quality expectations.
  • Enables and influences. Adoption within practice groups and business functions; the Firm’s data platform, governance, and management (owned by the CIO); firmwide internal communications channels (owned by Marketing & Business Development); and technology selection and implementation (owned by IT). This leader sets the agenda, builds the case, and drives momentum in these areas without direct authority over them.
  • Player-coach expectation. This is a growing team. In the near term, this leader is expected to personally perform meaningful hands-on work — facilitating sessions, building materials and analyses, and running initiatives directly — while building the capability and bench to scale over time.

Leadership & Team

  • Provide strategic leadership, direction, and day-to-day oversight for the Innovation & Strategic Transformation team, including Knowledge Management, Process Improvement, AI & Automation, and the enabling capabilities (Business Intelligence & Strategy, Portfolio & Project Management, Change Management, and Training & Technology Adoption).
  • Lead the Firm’s Knowledge Management function, with the Knowledge Management Group Chair reporting to this role, aligning firm knowledge, content, and expertise with the innovation and AI agenda and ensuring Practice Group Knowledge Management attorneys are engaged in firmwide strategy.
  • Lead performance management, coaching, mentoring, and professional development; establish team goals, and reporting metrics; and foster a service-oriented, accountable, and collaborative culture.
  • Partner with the Talent/HR team on workforce planning, hiring, and succession to build team capability ahead of the Firm’s needs.

Strategy

  • Serve as the primary builder of the Firm’s multi-year Strategic Plan and its annual refresh: accountability for the plan rests with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Growth Officer, while this role is responsible for project managing the planning process, coordinating executive stakeholders, and producing the plan itself in written and presentation form.
  • Own the Firm’s innovation and special-projects portfolio, aligning it to the Strategic Plan and the priorities of Firm Leadership.
  • Establish and operate a transparent intake, prioritization, and governance process for incoming requests, protecting sufficient dedicated capacity for transformational work so that reactive and day-to-day demands do not crowd out the initiatives that eliminate the underlying sources of friction.
  • Build and manage the Firm’s innovation portfolio and pipeline: researching, prioritizing, sequencing, and resourcing initiatives within funding and capacity constraints.
  • Define the business case, benchmarks, and success metrics for each initiative, ensuring initiatives deliver measurable value and are scaled or retired based on results.
  • Serve as a thought leader on trends across the legal industry, business operations, process improvement, and AI; translating emerging opportunities into actionable strategy and governing the innovation agenda for Firm Leadership.

Practice Innovation

  • Partner with Practice Group Chairs and Practice Group Managers to identify, design, and deliver innovation within and across practices, including: new service-delivery models, improved workflows, and AI/technology-enabled offerings, with practice groups retaining ownership of client-service decisions.
  • Help practices improve profitability and client experience through workflow standardization/optimization and productization of repeatable work.
  • Direct Knowledge Management resources and collaborate with business professionals to define requirements, pilot new approaches, and scale what works across the Firm.

Business Platform Innovation

  • Partner with functional leaders to drive innovation of the Firm’s core business platform and processes, including: Finance, HR, Technology, Marketing, and Procurement, while functional ownership of those areas remains with each leader.
  • Lead the Firm’s process improvement and automation capability, delivering end-to-end improvements in partnership with process owners that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the quality and consistency of firm operations.
  • Partner with IT and Business Leadership to prioritize and sequence platform enhancements and ensure new solutions are integrated, adopted, and sustained.

AI & Automation

  • Lead and champion the Firm’s AI innovation initiatives, including responsible evaluation, piloting, and scaled adoption of AI and automation solutions for internal use.
  • Establish and steward a prioritized pipeline of AI sprints (use cases), balancing value, risk, feasibility, and change impact.
  • Recommend and steward standards and guardrails for responsible, secure, and compliant AI use, with final approval residing with the CIO and the General Counsel.
  • Grow, measure, and report on AI adoption and business impact across practices and business functions.

Stakeholder Partnership

  • Partner with Firm Leadership to set priorities and to build the business case for and secure sponsorship and funding for the Innovation agenda, with budget authority for the innovation portfolio.
  • Work closely with the Chief Information Officer and IT on the trusted data foundation that underpins AI, analytics, and knowledge management: data governance and management reside with the CIO, while this role is responsible for how that data is reported on, interpreted, and translated into strategic action.
  • Collaborate with Practice Group and Business Leadership to align initiatives with firm and practice needs, communicating priorities, progress, risks, and results clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
  • All other duties, as assigned.

Job Requirements

  • This position can be based in any of our offices

  • Bachelor’s degree is minimally required; a relevant advanced degree (e.g., MBA, JD, or a technology, data, or analytics discipline) is preferred.
  • Preferred: professional certifications such as Lean Six Sigma, Project Management Professional (PMP), change management (e.g., Prosci), and/or design thinking.

  • 15+ years of progressive professional experience is minimally required, including significant leadership of innovation, process improvement, and technology- or AI-enabled transformation initiatives.
  • 7+ years in a law firm environment.
  • 5+ years in a Director-level or above leadership role for a growing organization, with accountability for strategy and delivery of enterprise-level programs.
  • Experience building or scaling AI, automation, and/or process-improvement capabilities, along with portfolio and project management.
  • Strong technology fluency, including AI/machine learning, automation, BI and analytics tools, and a demonstrated aptitude for staying on top of evolving AI and technology capabilities.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and enterprise change, from business-requirements analysis through implementation and ongoing management.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at multiple levels, including at the executive level.

  • Strategic thinking paired with strong execution; ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on deadlines.
  • Highly experienced in workflow automation and AI; strongly preferred expertise using MS Power Automate, MS Copilot & Cowork, Harvey, and similar AI tools.
  • Must use approved AI-enabled tools responsibly.
  • Process discipline and attention to detail, consistency, and follow-through.
  • Sound judgment, including knowing when to decide vs. escalate and how to manage risk.
  • Data-informed decision-making and comfort translating data into insight and action.
  • Change leadership: ability to build buy-in and drive adoption of new processes, tools, and ways of working.
  • Must demonstrate a high level of integrity and professional discretion, with the proven ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.
  • Collaborative approach and ability to build credibility and influence with partners, practice leaders, and peers.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with attorneys, business professionals, and firm leadership.

  • Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best.  We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP.  We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals.  Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position can be based in any of our offices.

Learning & Growth

We are committed to fostering an environment where every team member can thrive both personally and professionally. It's why we invest in and provide the following resources and guidance to help you grow your career with confidence.

  • Challenging and Dynamic Role
  • Career Development Planning
  • Professional Growth Opportunities
  • Performance Management and Coaching
  • Specialized Training Programs

Health & Wellness

Our comprehensive benefits support the well-being of our people by prioritizing physical and mental health. From core health coverage to proactive wellness programs, we provide the tools you need to care for yourself at every stage of life.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision Care
  • Health Savings Accounts
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Wellness Program
  • Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

Our approach combines competitive pay with exceptional benefits and meaningful rewards that reflect the value each team member brings to our firm. We ensure everyone has the support they need to be at their best.

  • Competitive Base Pay
  • Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
  • Outstanding Benefits
  • Generous PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays

Planning for the Future

We take a proactive approach to future planning by offering benefits designed to safeguard your financial and personal well-being.

  • 401(k) with Company Contribution
  • Paid Medical Leave
  • Long Term Disability Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave

Culture & Workplace

Our culture is built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. As a growing firm with an exciting vision for the future, we offer a modern, flexible working environment that supports productivity, balance, and connection.

  • Respected Organization with Collaborative Culture
  • Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
  • Contemporary Work Environment
  • Positive and Respectful Work Climate
  • Performance Recognition
Access & Engagement

For California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois applicants only: The annual compensation range for a Senior Director of Innovation & Strategic Transformation in our California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois offices is between $250,000 and $300,000. The salary range reflects our good-faith expectation for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity. Senior Director of Innovation & Strategic Transformation are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, as well as elective/voluntary life, disability, accident coverage, paid holidays, paid time off, and eligible reimbursements. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm's 401k plan. Application review will begin on 8/14/2026 and will continue until the position is filled.  Submit your application by clicking apply now.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal. 

Recruitment Agencies: Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at (414) 271-6560 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. 

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