Culture Transformation & Operations, Associate Director

Grant Thornton is seeking a Culture Transformation & Operations Associate Director to join the team. Approved office locations can be found below. 

Grant Thornton is transforming its Communications, Culture Transformation, and Inclusion functions to better support the business and align with the CEO’s and organization’s key priorities. The vision is to deliver global outcomes with improved efficiency, quality, and operational rigor, while expanding the team’s capabilities in areas such as M&A integration, enterprise planning, change enablement, and tech enhancement—including AI tools.

As the Associate Director of Culture Transformation & Operations, you will oversee efficient operations, establish clear processes, and coordinate key initiatives to drive seamless change, clarity, and adoption across the function, on behalf of our multinational organization. 

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic and trusted advisor to the global managing partner, communications, culture, and inclusion, supporting the execution of business-critical initiatives across the combined function. 
• Lead and manage complex, cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment between business objectives, stakeholder needs, and organizational priorities.
• Drive enterprise-wide change enablement efforts, fostering a culture of innovation, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate effective collaboration across business lines and internal functions, breaking down silos to accelerate decision-making and amplify collective impact.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators, providing leadership with actionable insights and data-driven recommendations.
• Champion initiatives that enhance employee engagement and foster an inclusive workplace environment.
• Oversee the planning and execution of high-impact events, campaigns, and projects in support of strategic firm-wide priorities.
• Support the adoption and optimization of technology and tools that streamline processes and increase operational effectiveness.
• Coordinate and track progress on major priorities, anticipating risks and proactively resolving roadblocks.

Qualifications And Technical Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in related field. 
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in communications, change management, business operations, or project/program management, preferably within a matrixed or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, strategic initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to influence and engage diverse audiences, including executive leadership.
• Proven experience in building inclusive cultures and driving change and adoption across complex organizations.
• High degree of intellectual curiosity, adaptability, and sound judgment in fast-paced settings.
• Proficiency with business technology and productivity tools (e.g., MS Office Suite, Smartsheet, Copilot, AI platforms)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, perform under pressure, and deliver results on deadline.
• Prior experience as a chief of staff, in change and/or project management preferred.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

The base salary range for this position in the firm’s Chicago, IL office only is between $184,000 and $276,000 per year.

The base salary range for this position in the firm’s New York, NY office only is between $198,700 and $298,100 per year.

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result – for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It’s what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better. 

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.