Director of Technology Infrastructure & Operations

Faegre Drinker is a firm designed for clients and designed for you. We understand that our people are critical to our success and we are committed to investing in our paraprofessional, administrative and operations professionals. We are always looking for talented, service-focused individuals to join our flexible and high-performing culture. With technology tools and resources that support our hybrid work environment, our colleagues enjoy a culture of learning, support for work and personal goals, opportunities to give back to our communities, and competitive benefits and rewards programs. At Faegre Drinker, you will have the opportunity to share your expertise within and across teams and contribute to our success.

Job Description Summary:

Faegre Drinker has an opportunity for a Director of Technology Infrastructure and Operations to work within our Technology & Innovation department in our Minneapolis or Philadelphia office. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to serving as the senior technical leader responsible for the hands-on design, implementation, and ongoing operation of the firm's infrastructure operations. This position will work with other talented individuals who share a passion for doing great work in the best interest of our clients.

Job Description:

What you would do:

• In partnership with the Senior Director, the Director develops (and then independently executes) a multi-year Technology infrastructure strategy aligned with the firm's business objectives, growth plans, and client service standards
• Oversee the design, deployment, and management of the firm's hybrid IT environment, including hosted data centers, cloud platforms (Azure preferred), networking, storage, virtualization, and telecommunications systems
• Ensures 24/7/365 availability, optimal performance, and reliability of all production systems, including servers, networks, VoIP, video conferencing, and end-user computing environments
• Leads capacity planning, infrastructure lifecycle management, and technology refresh initiatives to maintain a modern, supportable environment
• Manage the firm's enterprise collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint) and ensure seamless integration across all office locations
• Oversees vulnerability management, patch management, and security hardening of all infrastructure components
• Leads the planning, execution, and delivery of complex, cross-functional IT infrastructure projects, including data center migrations, cloud transitions, network upgrades, and system implementations
• Assists the Senior Director in development and management and be accountable for the annual IT infrastructure and operations budget, including both capital expenditures (CapEx) and operating expenditures (OpEx)
• Special projects and other duties as assigned

What is expected:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and diplomacy skills
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a virtual environment (e.g., via phone, web/videoconference)
• Ability to concentrate on tasks, make decisions and work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-oriented environment
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgment in taking initiative while asking for direction or clarification and consulting others, as appropriate
• Willingness to be flexible with time and adjust to a changing work environment
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships, both internally and externally, while maintaining a client service orientation in a collaborative environment
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented, understand when urgency is required and use good judgment in varied situations

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment for work-life success
• Opportunity to participate in firm-sponsored volunteer events
• Wellness programming with personalized content and activities
• Professional environment and the opportunity to work with experts at the top of their fields
• Variety of health plan options, as well as dental, vision and 401(k) plans
• Generous paid time off

The anticipated initial annual salary range for someone who is hired into this position is $215,133.33 – $248,466.66.

Actual initial salary may be above or below the above-identified range and will be based on the relevant skills, training, experience, and other job-related factors, including the location where the position is filled, in all cases consistent with applicable law.  This is an exempt role and the initial salary range listed above is just one component of Faegre Drinker's total compensation and benefits package for professional staff, which includes, but is not limited to, a discretionary bonus; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.

What is required:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure and operations, with at least five years in a senior manager or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience working in a law firm, legal services, or professional services environment.
• Deep technical knowledge of hybrid cloud environments (Microsoft Azure preferred), on-premises data center operations, enterprise networking (LAN/WAN/SD-WAN), virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), and enterprise storage solutions.
• Proven track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder IT projects from planning through delivery, with strong project management discipline.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing, multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Experience developing and managing IT budgets of $10M or more, including CapEx/OpEx planning, vendor negotiations, and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of ITIL service management framework and experience implementing ITSM processes and tools.
• Experience with cybersecurity principles, compliance frameworks, and risk management as they relate to infrastructure.
• Proven experience in effectively managing multiple assignments/projects at a time to successfully meet client needs, sometimes on accelerated schedules and with reprioritizing projects.
• Excellent communication skills, with proven experience translating legal and business workflows into scalable, production-grade technology solutions in collaboration with attorneys and professional staff.
• Experience managing strategic vendors
• Demonstrated experience leading change management and technology adoption programs, including stakeholder communication and training.
• Experience in a professional services or legal industry environment with strict data classification, client confidentiality, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Apply now if you are ready to join the Faegre Drinker team!

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of employment, including retirement, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline and termination.