AI Enablement & Adoption Manager

About the role

Michael Best is seeking an AI Enablement & Adoption Manager to manage the execution of approved AI deployments, translating firm strategy and selected solutions into implementation plans, rollout activities, adoption programs, and ongoing operational support. This role owns the critical work of turning approved AI capabilities into successfully implemented, adopted, and supported production tools — coordinating implementation strategy, IT and vendor integration, rollout, change management, and adoption across the firm. The position is designed as a mid-to-senior professional role that delivers measurable impact through disciplined planning, cross-functional leadership, and strong execution.

The AI Enablement & Adoption Manager will lead deployments of platforms such as Harvey, Lexis Protege, Microsoft Copilot, and other innovation tools the firm adopts. Reporting to the Innovation & AI Solutions Manager, the role partners closely with IT, information security, practice groups, operations, Professional Development, and external vendors to move solutions from pilot to production, manage risk, and drive sustained adoption. The role provides functional leadership to the team's coordinator and administrative roles on deployment initiatives and is positioned to take on formal supervisory responsibility as the function scales.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned project or program manager with a track record of leading enterprise software deployments and technology implementations, exceptional stakeholder-management skills, and the ability to operate independently and drive initiatives across multiple departments. Experience in AI, legal technology, knowledge management, or professional services environments is strongly preferred.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and own AI deployment plans and implementation strategies for selected solutions, from planning through go-live and stabilization.
• Coordinate IT integration and configuration activities in partnership with IT and information security to ensure solutions are securely and correctly implemented.
• Serve as the day-to-day deployment contact for vendors on approved implementation workstreams, under the direction of the Innovation & AI Solutions Manager.
• Lead solution rollout planning, go-live strategy, and execution across offices, practice groups, and business functions.
• Manage deployment timelines, dependencies, and milestones, proactively identifying and mitigating risks and issues.
• Lead change management and adoption planning in partnership with Professional Development to ensure users are prepared, trained, and supported.
• Manage deployment-level coordination across practice groups, operations, IT, and security, ensuring timely communication, issue tracking, and escalation of decisions requiring leadership input.
• Coordinate governance and compliance requirements for AI deployments, ensuring solutions meet firm policies and security, privacy, and risk standards.
• Own pilot-to-production transition planning, defining the criteria and steps required to scale successful pilots firm-wide.
• Design support models for deployed solutions, defining ongoing ownership, escalation paths, and service expectations.
• Define success metrics and lead post-launch reviews to measure adoption, value delivered, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop process documentation and operational readiness plans to ensure sustainable, well-run production solutions.
• Provide functional leadership to the AI Solutions Coordinator and administrative team members on deployment workstreams, directing their contributions to deployment initiatives.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the firm's AI deployment methodology and innovation operating model.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of this position. Michael Best will always consider candidates with an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education.

Education & Experience

• 5 to 8+ years leading cross-functional technology, innovation, change management, or business transformation initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with attorneys, business professionals, firm leadership, and external partners.
• Experience with change management, adoption, and organizational readiness for new technology.
• Familiarity with AI, legal technology, knowledge management, or professional services environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, cross-functional initiatives across multiple departments or stakeholder groups.
• Strong stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to influence and align both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to operate independently, set direction, and drive initiatives to completion with minimal oversight.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Project management or change-management certification (e.g., PMP, PROSCI) preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay and outstanding benefits
• Challenging and dynamic role with career development planning and professional growth opportunities
• Performance management, coaching, and specialized training programs
• Medical, dental, and vision care
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness program and Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Competitive base pay with annual merit review/incentive pay
• Generous PTO plus 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan, Long Term Disability Plan, Life Insurance, and Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave
• Respected organization with collaborative culture and growing firm with an exciting future
• Contemporary work environment with positive and respectful work climate
• Performance recognition

Pay

Compensation for this position will range from $135,000 - $155,000, depending on experience and location.