Office Administrator, Washington DC

Job Description At Norton Rose Fulbright, people thrive because of a shared commitment to quality, unity and integrity. The highly regarded law firm consistently receives recognition from Great Place to Work and Top Workplaces, two companies that specialize in assessing organizational culture. Teams collaborate across regions, value new ideas and deliver meaningful client solutions, supported by a culture that embraces ambition, development and shared success. With more than 3,000 lawyers and 3,000 business services professionals working together across 50 offices worldwide, this global law firm provides a full range of legal services to leading corporations and financial institutions operating in key markets and sectors. Norton Rose Fulbright is seeking an Office Administrator to oversee day‑to‑day operations of the Washington, DC office and serve as the primary point of contact in that office, ensuring administrative functions run smoothly so lawyers can focus on the practice of law. The Office Administrator regularly liaises with the Partners-in-Charge of the office to keep them informed of operational matters and business challenges. The role oversees on‑site administrative support services, including reception, conference services, mail and digital services, office services, and records, and provides direct operational support to legal and administrative personnel. This position is based in Washington, DC and requires a minimum of four days per week in the office. The role reports to the Director, Administration and Legal Support, with an indirect reporting line to the Partners‑in‑Charge of the office. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Serve as a trusted advisor to Partners-in-Charge and firm leadership on office operations, performance, and strategic priorities. Provide insight and recommendations on business challenges, operational improvements, and resource alignment. Partner with leadership to align administrative support and services with client and practice needs. Lead and support change management initiatives, including implementation of new service delivery models, technologies, and operational improvements. Identify opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness and proactively drive continuous improvement initiatives. Oversee the day-to-day management of office operations to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery to lawyers and business services professionals. Establish and maintain standards of operational excellence, client service, and responsiveness. Coordinate office-wide activities in alignment with firm policies and best practices. Ensure seamless onboarding and offboarding processes, including coordination of logistics and cross-functional support. Lead, develop, and manage a team of administrative and legal support professionals, including assigning work, setting expectations, and evaluating performance. Oversee staffing strategy, including recruitment, workforce planning, and appropriate staffing ratios. Drive performance management, employee development, and training initiatives. Partner with Human Resources to address employee relations matters, performance concerns, and organizational changes. Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace culture that supports engagement and retention. Oversee all facilities operations, including space planning, design, and utilization. Manage office construction, renovations, relocations, and lease-related matters. Partner with building management to address day-to-day facilities issues and ensure a safe, functional work environment. Maintain responsibility for workplace health, safety, and physical security in alignment with firm standards. Inform, manage, and monitor the office administrative budget, including forecasting and cost control. Approve expenses and oversee reimbursement processes. Identify opportunities for cost optimization while maintaining service quality and operational effectiveness. Oversee relationships with external vendors and service providers, including contract negotiation and performance management. Coordinate procurement activities in alignment with firmwide strategies. Manage community relations and charitable giving initiatives, including budget oversight, sponsorships, and engagement with local organizations. Support coordination of client-facing and internal events, conferences, and firm-sponsored activities. Ensure compliance with firm policies, procedures, and operational standards. Oversee office-level risk management, including business continuity planning and incident response coordination. Support adherence to health, safety, and security protocols. Support adoption of tools and systems that enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery. Leverage data and metrics to monitor performance, inform decision-making, and improve operational outcomes. Actively participate in firmwide and cross-functional initiatives, working groups, and operational projects. Collaborate with peers across offices to promote consistency, best practices, and alignment with global strategies. Support partner meetings and office leadership activities, including coordination of agendas and logistics. Perform other duties and lead special projects as required to support office and firm objectives. Other duties Please note this job description does not cover or contain all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree is preferred. Prior law firm or professional services experience is required. Minimum of ten years of work experience, including at least five years of supervisory experience, is preferred. Ability to work discreetly with confidential information and sensitive situations. Ability to quickly identify and analyze issues and problems, reco