Office Manager

Office Manager

Boutique Law Firm |Durham, NC

About the Opportunity

Boutique law firm in Durham is seeking a dynamic, tech-savvy Office Manager to become the firm's operational leader and strategic partner. This is a rare opportunity to step into a role with genuine influence—you'll work directly with firm partners to shape culture, implement cutting-edge systems, and create the operational excellence that allows attorneys to focus on what they do best. If you're energized by autonomy, love solving problems before they arise, and want to make a meaningful impact every single day, this role was designed for you.

What You'll Own

• Financial Operations: Take charge of payroll processing (bi-weekly), accounts payable/receivable, budget tracking, and vendor management. Partner with the firm's external accountant on month-end close, quarterly reports, and annual compliance—you'll be the financial operations expert.
• Human Resources Leadership: Champion the employee experience from day one. Manage full-cycle HR including onboarding/offboarding, benefits administration, PTO tracking, performance reviews, and employee relations. You'll be the go-to person who makes everyone's work life better.
• Technology Innovation: This is where you'll shine. Lead the firm's technology strategy—evaluate and implement new solutions, manage relationships with IT providers, troubleshoot issues, oversee all software and licenses, and continuously find ways to work smarter through technology. Your tech-forward mindset will modernize how this firm operates.
• Operational Excellence: Create the seamless day-to-day experience everyone depends on. Manage facilities, supplies, equipment, vendor relationships, and office maintenance with an eye toward efficiency and proactive problem-solving.
• Culture Architect: Foster the collaborative, positive environment that makes people excited to come to work. Bridge communication between attorneys and staff, lead team-building initiatives, and resolve conflicts with empathy and professionalism.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Maintain impeccable personnel files, coordinate insurance renewals, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage all firm policies and procedures with meticulous attention to detail.

The Ideal Candidate

You're someone who gets energized by variety and thrives when you have ownership. You're not waiting to be told what to do—you're three steps ahead, anticipating needs and implementing solutions. You're equally comfortable diving into QuickBooks as you are evaluating new practice management software or coaching someone through a difficult situation.

You bring:

• 5 years of office management experience in professional services (law firms, accounting firms, consulting, or similar fast-paced environments)
• A passion for technology and proven experience implementing software systems—practice management platforms, HRIS, accounting software, cloud-based tools—you're the person everyone asks for tech help
• Hands-on payroll and accounting experience (AP/AR, reconciliation) with confidence in financial operations
• Strong HR fundamentals including benefits administration, onboarding, and employee relations
• Expert-level proficiency with QuickBooks (or similar), HRIS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and natural troubleshooting instincts
• Exceptional people skills—you build trust easily, communicate clearly, and connect authentically with everyone from senior partners to newest hires
• The ability to juggle multiple priorities without breaking a sweat, stay organized in chaos, and maintain absolute confidentiality
• Bachelor's degree preferred

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: $70,000 - $85,000 based on your experience and expertise
• 100% employer-paid health insurance premium for employee—a significant benefit that adds real value
• Generous paid time off and holidays to recharge
• Professional development opportunities to keep growing your skills
• Welcoming, collaborative work environment in the heart of Chapel Hill

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you're looking for a role where you can truly own operations, drive innovation, and build something meaningful, we want to hear from you.

This position is being handled exclusively by Ave Staffing. For confidential consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter. We're excited to meet candidates who are ready to step into this leadership opportunity.