Director of Legal & Governance

World Sailing; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the sports sector is seeking a Director of Legal & Governance to lead their legal and compliance efforts. This role involves strategic guidance, managing legal affairs, and ensuring adherence to governance standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong legal background, excellent negotiation skills, and a passion for promoting sports integrity. Join this dynamic organization and make a significant impact in the world of sailing, while collaborating with senior management and external legal advisors. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the governance of a globally recognized sport.

Qualifications

• Practicing solicitor in England & Wales or equivalent.
• Experience in international federations or sports governance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement legal and governance strategy.
• Advise senior management on legal matters and compliance.
• Manage legal affairs including contracts and litigation.

Skills

Legal Knowledge

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Flexible Location (Travel to London x2 days per week)

Competitive Base Salary + Package

World Sailing

World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC). World Sailing is responsible for: the promotion of the sport internationally, managing sailing at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, developing the Racing Rules of Sailing and regulations for all sailing competitions, the training of judges, umpires and other administrators, the development of the sport around the world and representing sailors in all matters concerning the sport.

The Requirement – Director of Legal & Governance

World Sailing have the exciting requirement to recruit a new Director of Legal and Governance. This person will have responsibility for ensuring the Federation’s adherence to legal and governance standards, providing strategic guidance, and leading a team to manage legal and governance functions effectively. The Director will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

Core responsibilities will entail:

• Develop and implement the organization's legal and governance strategy.
• Advise senior management on legal and governance matters.
• Ensure the organization operates in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Advise and support to the Board, Senior Management Team, Council, Committees, Commissions, and the Judicial Board on matters relating to corporate governance, World Sailing Constitution and Regulations, Sport integrity, and Risk management to ensure that high standards exist in the discharge of World Sailing’s obligations.
• Manage the organization's legal affairs, including contracts, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
• Advise on various areas of law including contract, intellectual property, sports (including disciplinary, ethical and moral matters), data protection, and other regulatory matters.
• Liaison and effective instruction of World Sailing’s external legal advisors and Counsel.
• Oversee the organization's governance framework, ensuring it is fit for purpose and provides clear accountability.
• Support the board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with constitutional and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and assess legal and governance risks.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Experience & Traits Needed

Suitable candidates will:

• Be a practising solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent in a common law jurisdiction)
• Have a notable amount of experience as a practicing lawyer
• Have worked in-house for international federations, local federations, sports governmental bodies or have similar experience
• Provide demonstrable experience of three or more of the following areas: contracts (including commercial), employment, intellectual property, sports law and corporate governance
• Have excellent written and verbal English language skills
• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to confidently advise senior management colleagues and senior stakeholders
• Be very strong negotiators
• Have excellent organisation and analysis skills
• Be real team players
• Have an ability to undertake international travel (with appropriate notice)

Please email George Woodward from our retained executive search practice (Novo) if this opportunity is of interest. [e-mail] / M. 0771 589 4058

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Spectator Sports and Performing Arts and Spectator Sports

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