Executive Director

About the Role

Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP (BSKB) is a prominent Intellectual Property law firm located in Vienna, VA. We seek an Executive Director to lead and manage all administrative functions in a fast-paced IP prosecution environment. This key leadership role supports various departments including administration, HR, accounting, finance, IT, marketing, and facilities, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and strategic fiscal oversight. The Executive Director reports directly to the Executive Committee and is responsible for guiding firm-wide fiscal management, budgeting processes, expense monitoring, and identifying revenue-impacting factors.

The current Executive Director plans to retire in Spring 2027, with the intention to hire a successor soon to allow for adequate transition and training.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and attend all Executive Committee and Partnership meetings, prepare agendas, record and distribute minutes promptly to partners.
• Lead or assist in developing policies for financial reporting and general administration.
• Supervise and direct non-legal administrative managers and staff including Accounting, HR, IT, Facilities, and Library departments.
• Act as liaison and advisor to legal personnel managers and marketing teams.
• Develop and formulate annual capital and operational budget proposals.
• Prepare, interpret, and analyze management reports.
• Manage expenditures within allocated budgets for personnel, equipment, supplies, and capital.
• Work collaboratively with accounting teams to identify and fulfill reporting requirements.
• Drive strategic planning efforts for the firm and its administrative departments.
• Keep the Executive Committee informed of unusual or significant non-recurring events affecting the firm.
• Monitor the firm’s insurance coverages.
• Foster positive staff relations and support across the firm.
• Utilize law firm management software along with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline is required; advanced degree preferred.
• Five to seven years of experience in accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience within a CPA firm environment is advantageous.
• Strong background in financial management and budgeting.
• Familiarity with systems and reporting tools.
• Prior experience working in intellectual property law firms or professional services environments is preferred.
• Advanced technical skills including Excel and report writing.

Additional Requirements

• Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters.
• Excellent verbal and written communication capabilities.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage workloads efficiently under fast-paced and time-sensitive conditions.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with effective communication across all organizational levels.
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving aptitude.
• Basic understanding of accounting and billing procedures and controls.
• Experience establishing controls to ensure integration between accounting and billing functions.
• Availability to work standard firm business hours with occasional extended hours as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a base salary range from $165,000 to $250,000 annually, dependent on experience, education, and overall qualifications assessed by the firm.

Benefits include a comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance package, paid time off, paid holidays, firm-wide events, a business-casual atmosphere, convenient metro access, and free parking.

About Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch, LLP

Since 1976, BSKB has specialized in intellectual property law services including patent prosecution, post-grant reviews, litigation, counseling, design patents, trademarks, and licensing. Our attorneys and agents hold advanced degrees in fields such as chemistry, electronics, IT, mechanical engineering, and biotechnology.

We pride ourselves on delivering personalized, high-quality client service and educational outreach through seminars attended globally.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BSKB is an equal opportunity employer committed to compliance with all laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected category.