Director and Chief Executive Officer

British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL); City Of London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal institute in London seeks a new Director and Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic oversight and represent the organization globally. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in international law and proven management experience. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of legal scholarship and policy while leading a vital institution that promotes the rule of law worldwide.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and collaboration skills.
• Ability to articulate complex legal concepts.
• Strategic vision and entrepreneurial drive.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, financial, and operational oversight.
• Lead initiatives for international and comparative law.
• Inspire high-performing teams for academic excellence.

Skills

Intellectual credibility in law

Proven management experience

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Overview

BIICL seeks a new Director and Chief Executive Officer to guide BIICL through a pivotal moment in its history. Reporting to the Chair of Trustees, the postholder will provide strategic, financial, and operational oversight whilst serving as the organisation's principal representative on the global stage.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of international legal scholarship and policy while leading an institution that plays a vital role in advancing the rule of law globally.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, financial, and operational oversight and serve as the principal external representative on the global stage.
• Lead BIICL to advance international and comparative law, safeguarding independence and academic rigour.
• Develop and execute the organisation’s strategic plan and secure sustainable funding through diversified income streams.
• Inspire high-performing teams and uphold BIICL’s reputation for academic excellence.
• Articulate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences and command respect at the highest levels.

Qualifications and Qualities

• Intellectual credibility in international and comparative law through academic scholarship, senior legal practice, or policy experience.
• Proven senior management experience with the ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Strategic vision, entrepreneurial drive, and ability to secure funding while preserving BIICL’s independence and rigour.
• Integrity, collaboration, and leadership; strong ambassadorial skills and capacity to foster a collegial culture focused on openness and accountability.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences and to command respect at the highest levels.

Application and Selection Process

BIICL is being supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role and in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates.

Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae along with a covering letter addressing the role and person specification. Completed applications should be uploaded at the following portal, quoting reference number 8024: https://PLusPortal.PerrettLaver.com

For informal inquiries, please contact Cathy Long at the email address provided by Perrett Laver.

The deadline for applications is 9:00am BST on Monday 13 October 2025.

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