Chief Strategy Officer

About the Firm

Brown, Hay & Stephens, LLP is a full service law firm based in Springfield, Illinois, serving businesses, institutions, and individuals across Central Illinois and beyond. Our attorneys advise clients on corporate and transactional work, regulatory matters, litigation, and more. We are a growing firm with a collaborative culture, a long record of client service, and a clear plan for the next chapter of growth.

Position Summary

The Chief Strategy Officer is a senior, non-attorney leadership role that helps bring the firm's long-term vision to life by driving implementation of its strategic plan. Reporting to the Managing Partner and working closely with the Management Committee, the Chief Strategy Officer supports firmwide strategic planning, leads implementation of the firm's operating system and goals, serves as the point person for technology, helps lead a software migration and integration planned for 2027, and helps identify and execute growth opportunities.

Approximately one third of the role is dedicated to learning and assuming components of the operational responsibilities of the firm's Chief Operating Officer. The position offers the possibility of moving into the Chief Operating Officer role in the future.

This is a hands-on role for a self-starter who is comfortable with operating in an evolving environment, enjoys building and improving organizational structure, and possesses the interpersonal skills necessary to earn the confidence and trust of attorneys and staff alike. The position is based in our Springfield office.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy implementation. Lead the implementation of the firm's long range strategy, annual goals, and quarterly priorities, support their regular review, and report progress to firm leadership.
• Operating system leadership. Serve as the firmwide point person for the firm's operating system, including leadership meetings, scorecards, priorities, and accountability, and coordinate with outside consultants as needed.
• Growth and combinations. Identify, evaluate, and help negotiate opportunities for growth, including potential mergers, combinations, and lateral additions with other firms or practice groups, and support integration after a transaction closes.
• Practice development. Work with practice group leaders to evaluate markets, build new service lines, and strengthen client relationships and referral sources.
• Technology and AI. Serve as the point person for IT, software, and artificial intelligence integration and planning, including evaluating, selecting, and rolling out practice management and other technology tools. Help lead the firm's software migration and integration planned for 2027.
• Operations leadership development. Dedicate roughly one third of your time to learning and taking on components of the operational responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer, with the possibility of assuming that role in the future. Identify and implement process improvements that create consistency and efficiency across offices and practice groups.
• Data and reporting. Track key performance indicators, analyze firm and practice trends, and prepare clear recommendations for the Managing Partner and Management Committee.
• Special projects. Take ownership of cross functional initiatives and other strategic projects as assigned by firm leadership.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field; an MBA, JD, or similar advanced degree is a plus.
• Five or more years of progressive leadership experience in strategy, operations, or business development, ideally within a law firm or other professional services organization.
• Experience leading strategic planning and implementing a structured operating system or similar management framework.
• Familiarity with mergers, acquisitions, or other business combinations, including evaluation, negotiation, and integration.
• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship skills, with the ability to influence and align partners, attorneys, and staff.
• Sound analytical judgment and comfort with financial and performance data.
• Discretion and high integrity when handling confidential firm and client information.
• Proficiency with common business and practice management software.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $125,000 to $175,000, based on experience and qualifications, plus a competitive benefits package. Benefits are described in more detail during the interview process.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and brief cover letter describing your strategic leadership experience to cdavis@bhslaw.com. All inquiries will be handled confidentially, and we will begin reviewing applications promptly.

Pay: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person