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Associate Director Administration Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Associate Director Administration information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$105.8K

$178.2K

How much do associate director administration jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate director administration in Chicago, IL is $105,824.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $145,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the roles and responsibilities of an associate director of administration?

An Associate Director of Administration oversees the daily administrative operations of an organization or department. Their responsibilities typically include managing budgets, supervising administrative staff, developing policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards. They also play a key role in strategic planning, process improvement, and resource allocation to enhance efficiency. The Associate Director often serves as a liaison between senior management and various administrative teams, ensuring smooth communication and execution of organizational goals.

What are common challenges faced by an associate director of administration, and how can they be effectively managed?

An Associate Director of Administration often navigates challenges such as balancing competing priorities, managing cross-departmental communication, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. Success in this role relies on strong organizational skills, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to foster collaboration between different teams. Regularly reviewing workflows, establishing clear communication channels, and staying updated on best practices in administrative management can help address these challenges and create a more efficient work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate director of administration, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Director of Administration, you need strong organizational management, budgeting, and strategic planning skills, often supported by a degree in business administration or a related field. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, financial reporting tools, and project management software is typically required. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive team performance and foster effective collaboration across departments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring smooth operations, efficient resource allocation, and achievement of organizational goals.

What is the difference between Associate Director Administration vs Administrative Manager?

AspectAssociate Director AdministrationAdministrative Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree, often advanced degrees or certifications in management or related fieldsBachelor’s degree, relevant experience in office or administrative management
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing multiple departments, high-level decision makingSupervising administrative staff, managing daily office operations
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit, corporate, healthcare, government organizationsCorporate, nonprofit, educational institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in administrationManaging office functions and staff

The Associate Director Administration typically holds a higher strategic role with broader responsibilities and often requires advanced degrees. In contrast, the Administrative Manager focuses on daily office management and supervising administrative staff. Both roles are vital in organizational operations but differ mainly in scope and level of seniority.

How much is the salary of an associate director administrator?

The salary of an Associate Director Administration typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. They often oversee administrative functions, manage teams, and require strong organizational skills, with some roles offering additional benefits or bonuses.

What does an associate director of administration do?

An associate director of administration oversees organizational operations, manages administrative staff, and ensures efficient support for the organization's goals. They often handle budgeting, policy implementation, and coordinate between departments, requiring strong leadership and organizational skills.

What job categories do people searching Associate Director Administration jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Director Administration jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Associate Director Administration job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,824 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Associate Director, Client Development

Simpson Thacher and Bartlett LLP

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Many of the world's largest organizations, including the world's most successful and innovative investment firms, have turned to Simpson Thacher for smart solutions to critical commercial challenges. This role is a high-impact opportunity to partner with senior attorneys and Client Development & Engagement leaders to showcase the Firm's experience, deepen client relationships, and support the strategic growth of the Chicago office. You join a dynamic team that values initiative, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity, and work closely with colleagues who support the Family Office and Private Equity practices, as well as the global Client Development & Engagement team.
The Associate Director serves as the CDE leader in Chicago, driving an integrated client development strategy across the Firm's Private Equity, Family Office, Funds, and related practices for the Chicago office, in coordination with and in support of broader Firm- and practice-level client development strategy. This role partners directly with Chicago office leadership and is responsible for building and executing a cohesive business development program for the Chicago office that strengthens and supports the Firm's global growth objectives. This role will report to the CDE Director, Private Equity, and will work closely with the CDE Directors and teams across M&A, Private Equity and Funds.
The Associate Director is responsible for implementing specific marketing and client development strategies through research and analysis, marketing communications, content administration, events, and presentations. This role provides research and analysis on clients, competitors, markets, and industries and supports the Firm's client development, internal process-building, and branding initiatives to ensure the Firm's high standard of excellence is met. This role will also lead and oversee the preparation of pitches, proposals, and responses to RFPs led by the Chicago office across Private Equity, Family Office, Funds, and related practices, ensuring that materials are compelling, differentiated, and reflective of the Firm's full capabilities and in coordination with broader practice strategies and priorities.
The Associate Director operates with a high degree of independence and judgment, serving as a trusted adviser to partners in the Private Equity, Family Office, and Funds practices on client development strategy, market positioning, and growth initiatives related to the Family Office practice, the Chicago office, and the Midwest region, while also working closely with the CDE Directors who lead these practice groups Firm-wide. This role is responsible for shaping these priorities, integrating cross-practice efforts, and ensuring that the Firm's capabilities are presented clearly, consistently, and competitively to clients and the market.
Responsibilities
Practice & Sector Strategy
  • Serve as the Client Development & Engagement lead for the Family Office practice globally and for Private Equity, Funds, and related practices across the Chicago office in coordination with the CDE Directors who lead these practice groups Firm-wide.
  • Advise partners on client development strategies, market trends, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities across relevant practices, in close coordination with the CDE Directors who lead these practice groups Firm-wide.
  • Support the integration of Family Office, Private Equity, Funds, Exempt Organizations and Personal Planning, Regulatory, M&A, Tax, ECEB, and related practices into a cohesive family office offering.
  • Anticipate and proactively address the business development and client engagement needs of Chicago office leadership, partnering across relevant practices in the Chicago office.

Client Development & Growth Initiatives
  • Lead the development of strategic pitches, proposals, and responses to RFPs for Family Office and related specialist areas, exercising judgment on positioning, messaging, and prioritization.
  • Lead the development of Firm-sponsored events and presentations and oversee event logistics (e.g., invitation formatting, contract review, budget planning, RSVP management, and follow-up assistance).
  • Partner with attorneys to develop tailored client strategies, related plans, and opportunity pipelines.
  • Prepare or oversee the preparation and management of directory submissions and survey responses for legal and business directories and publications relevant to Family Office and Chicago focus areas.
  • Provide strategic guidance on client-facing materials, ensuring alignment with Firm priorities and consistent articulation of capabilities.
  • Work with CDE team members to accurately maintain the Firm's engagement database and relevant experience across all channels, as well as other operations and systems.

Market Intelligence & Insight
  • Oversee research and analysis related to clients, prospects, competitors, and industry trends impacting family offices.
  • Translate complex market and regulatory developments into actionable insights for relevant practices.
  • Ensure intelligence and insights are synthesized at a strategic level, rather than delivered as raw research.

Cross-Practice Coordination & Execution
  • Act as a central point of coordination in Chicago across Family Office, Private Equity, and related practices to support integrated client development efforts with the CDE Directors who lead these practice groups Firm-wide.
  • Collaborate with communications, events, and other Client Development & Engagement colleagues to deliver cohesive, high-impact initiatives.
  • Exercise discretion and prioritization in managing demand, ensuring focus on high-value, strategic work.

Leadership & Team Development
  • Build and develop the Chicago CDE team over time, establishing the infrastructure, talent, and culture needed to support the Firm's Chicago office.
  • Provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to junior Client Development & Engagement team members supporting Family Office, Private Equity, Funds, Exempt Organizations and Personal Planning, Regulatory, Tax, ECEB, and related practices in the Chicago office.
  • Set clear expectations, review work product, and support professional development within the team.
  • Model senior-level judgment, accountability, and partnership with attorneys and internal stakeholders.
  • Work with stakeholders in other departments and offices as needed.
  • Support Transactional Client Development projects and other Firm initiatives as needed.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree
  • JD or MBA preferred

Preferred
  • Major in advertising, marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field preferred

Skills & Experience
Required
  • 11+ years of relevant business experience
  • Demonstrated ability to build and execute strategic business development plans, rather than focusing solely on tactical execution
  • Experience partnering directly with senior lawyers and practice leadership as a trusted advisor
  • Must be able to work independently and collaboratively in a highly competitive and demanding environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and self-motivation to produce accurate, timely, and complete work products
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent research and analytical skills
  • Strong project management skills, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
  • Ability to leverage institutional knowledge in one's own work
  • Must actively leverage AI tools and technologies to drive efficiency, insight generation, and innovation in the role
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the full range of business development skills
  • Proficiency in MS Office programs such as Outlook, Word, and Excel
  • Must be flexible and willing to work outside of business hours as needed

Preferred
  • Previous experience in a law firm, marketing, or professional services environment preferred
  • Familiarity with Content Pilot, Foundation, or another experience database preferred
  • Demonstrated experience using a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system preferred
  • Familiarity with family offices and the private equity industry

Salary Information
IL Only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $235,000 to $285,000 at the time of posting.
The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.
Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, veteran's status or any other legally protected status. This Policy pertains to every aspect of an individual's relationship with the Firm, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.
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