Senior Director, Strategic Intelligence - (Open to various locations)
4 days ago
Pittsburgh
US Job Description Firm Information Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters. Our team of 3,000 people (including more than 1,600 lawyers) across more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, operate as one global partnership to drive progress for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities. Position Summary This position is open in any of our following offices: Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York, Princeton, Global Solutions Pittsburgh, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta The Senior Director of Strategic Intelligence is a new role for a seasoned intelligence leader to take our data-driven decision making to the next level. This is a chance to shape how one of the world’s most forward-leaning law firms turns information into action - helping partners and executives move further beyond reporting and dashboard and into predictive, prescriptive insights powered by AI and modern data science. In this role, you’ll work closely with leaders across Innovation, Business Development, Finance, Legal Operations, IT, and Client Value, ensuring that intelligence doesn’t just inform but directly drives the firm’s growth strategy, pricing models, staffing approaches, and client engagement. This is more than a data leadership role. It’s a chance to redefine how intelligence powers decisions in a global law firm, helping our partners serve clients smarter, compete more effectively, and lead the industry in AI-enabled innovation. This role is a key member of our broad Innovation team, which is positioned horizontally to be an incubator and accelerator of all business and practice areas of our firm. The team includes other market-leading roles including Applied AI, our Anthropology-based Innovation Lab, Practice Innovation, Change Leadership, and Global Research teams. These teams work in close unison with the Strategic Intelligence team as we explore ways of working and design a future where we are pioneers in our market. Job Duties and Responsibilities Lead the firm’s enterprise analytics and intelligence strategy, expanding beyond traditional financial reporting to include predictive, forward-looking insights that support strategic and client-facing decision-making. Evolve and lead a high-impact team spanning data quality, insights, growth tech, reporting, research, and analytics technology—integrating these capabilities into a single, coordinated function. Align intelligence priorities with firmwide strategic initiatives and the Innovation department’s role as a strategic incubator and accelerator—partnering with key stakeholders across Practice Innovation, Applied AI, Legal Operations, Learning & Development, Marketing/Business Development, Finance, and Client Value to ensure insights support enterprise growth and transformation. Apply and oversee the use of large language models (LLMs), machine learning, and other emerging analytics tools to uncover insights that are not accessible through traditional reporting approaches. Guide the team in designing and delivering client-ready intelligence—including dashboards, metrics, and strategic insights—that demonstrate value in areas such as efficiency, predictability, outcomes, and impact beyond internal profitability. Partner with the Chiefs of the firm’s business teams to shape data-informed decisions related to pricing, market positioning, resource allocation, and team design. Monitor competitor activity, legal industry trends, client expectations, and innovation investments to inform strategic planning and maintain a forward-looking view of the firm’s competitive position. Collaborate with Marketing/Business Development and Client Value to enhance the client experience and identify opportunities for new or improved service offerings informed by strategic intelligence insights. Define reporting protocols, success metrics, and delivery cadences to ensure accountability and track the measurable impact of strategic intelligence across business units. Communicate intelligence findings and strategic recommendations to firm leadership, partners, and business stakeholders—translating complex analyses into clear, actionable insights that inform business decisions and drive firmwide performance. Exercise authority to make, or provide significant input into, decisions regarding hiring, performance management, and other key personnel actions for the Strategic Intelligence team. Ensure staffing decisions and talent development align with the firm’s strategic priorities and operating goals. Serve as a senior point of contact for the firm’s intelligence and analytics strategy—providing thought leadership and strategic guidance to executive stakeholders, client teams, and client-facing professionals. Anticipate and adapt to shifting business priorities, emerging trends, and complex challenges—aligning intelligence strategies and deliverables to evolving firm and client needs. Perform other duties as assigned. Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. Requirements Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Data Science, Economics, Business, Law) preferred. Advanced degree preferred. Experience: 10–15 years of experience building and leading advanced intelligence functions within consulting, professional services, or a similarly complex industry. Background in a Big 4 or top-tier consulting environment strongly preferred. A record of taking organizations through the analytics maturity curve—beyond descriptive into prescriptive and automated decisioning. Recent hands-on experience applying AI, large language models (LLMs), and advanced data science to solve real-world business problems. Proven ability to design and manage lean technical teams that deliver impact at scale. Skills: Strong executive presence, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and engage directly with clients. Technical fluency in AI and data science, with the ability to translate complex concepts into business-relevant outcomes. Operational mindset with a focus on execution and building scalable, repeatable systems—not just strategic planning. Natural collaborator who builds trust and communicates effectively across business functions. Forward-thinking and proactive—able to anticipate future needs and strategic opportunities. Client-centered approach, focused on delivering measurable value beyond internal metrics. Demonstrated ability to lead through complexity by applying critical thinking, structured problem-solving, and sound judgment in high-stakes, rapidly evolving environments. Proven ability to lead through ambiguity and organizational change while maintaining clarity, focus, and executive-level decision-making under pressure. Other Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes Equipment To Be Used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc. Essential Job Functions: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use. Use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities. Maintain attention to detail while analyzing complex information, managing multiple priorities, and applying sound judgment to strategic decisions. Engage in effective and professional communication. Work long days as required to meet project or business needs. Travel for meetings and training as required. Flexibility to adjust working hours, including early start times, to support collaboration with international stakeholders in EMEA. In-office work as required to meet business or project needs Working Conditions: You will be required to work in the office at minimum 4 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor. Pay Ranges: This represents the presently-anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith’s pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience. Pittsburgh, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta: $230,000 - $320,000 Chicago, Philadelphia: $240,000 - $342,000 Princeton, Washington, D.C.: $260,000 - $365,000 New York: $270,000 - $377,000 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) College Savings Plan 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.