Ai Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.

At McDermott, we don't just invest in your future, we accelerate your career - wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With us, you'll find:

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity - we encourage you to be yourself!

• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We're smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That's why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

Job Description:

McDermott, Will & Schulte LLP is building one of the most forward-looking AI programs in the legal industry - and the financial intelligence layer beneath it demands equally ambitious leadership. The Senior Manager, AI & Analytics owns the Accounting & Finance Systems Reporting, Data & AI Center of Excellence - driving strategy, governance, and delivery of analytics, intelligent automation, and AI capabilities that power the firm's financial operations. This is a senior leadership role: build the roadmap, set the standards, lead the program, and deliver measurable impact.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead the Reporting, Data & AI Center of Excellence - establishing strategy, governance, operating standards, and a multi-year roadmap for the function

• Develop and maintain a prioritized portfolio of reporting, analytics, automation, and AI initiatives across the Accounting & Finance organization

• Define and govern reporting standards, KPI definitions, and semantic models - driving data stewardship, self-service analytics, executive dashboards, and enterprise intelligence

• Own the Accounting & Finance AI program end-to-end - intake, prioritization, governance, implementation, training, adoption, and value realization

• Identify opportunities to apply AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation across Contract-to-Cash, Invoice-to-Pay, and Plan-to-Report

• Establish responsible AI governance including controls, transparency, auditability, risk management, and compliance

• Partner with Information Technology on application strategy, integrations, security, data architecture, and governance

• Lead governance forums to prioritize initiatives, monitor progress, and measure business outcomes

• Develop and mentor team members while fostering collaboration, accountability, and innovation

WHAT YOU BRING

• 10+ years of progressive experience in analytics, reporting, financial systems, automation, AI, or digital transformation

• 3+ years of leadership experience, with a track record of building and developing high-performing teams

• Proven ability to establish governance frameworks, operating models, and strategic roadmaps

• Strong command of accounting principles, financial operations, reporting, internal controls, and data governance

• Working knowledge of generative AI, intelligent automation, prompt engineering, and responsible AI practices

• Exceptional ability to translate complex business requirements into scalable technology solutions - communicating equally well to a CFO and an engineer

• Outstanding communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Business Administration, Data Analytics, Computer Science, or related field required

• Master's degree, MBA, CPA, CMA, or equivalent advanced credential preferred

Preferred

• Professional services or legal industry experience

• Experience supporting enterprise financial systems and reporting environments

• Experience leading enterprise AI adoption or governance initiatives

• Background in systems integration, workflow automation, or modern application delivery

WHY MWS

• Lead one of the most ambitious AI programs in the legal industry - from the financial core outward

• Senior leadership scope - own the full stack from roadmap to delivery to governance

• Strategic partnerships across Accounting, Finance, IT, and executive leadership

• High-impact programs - Contract-to-Cash, Invoice-to-Pay, Plan-to-Report - with executive sponsorship and real investment

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $158,000 - $246,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWS provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.