Director Of Legal & Governance

Austin Fraser; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a new Director of Legal & Governance to lead their legal and governance functions. This pivotal role involves ensuring compliance with legal standards, advising senior management, and managing the organization's legal affairs. The ideal candidate will be a practicing solicitor with extensive experience in sports law, governance, and contract management. This exciting opportunity allows you to make a significant impact in the world of sailing, guiding the organization towards high standards of integrity and governance. If you are a strong negotiator with excellent communication skills and a passion for sports, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement legal and governance strategy.
• Advise on compliance with laws and regulations.
• Manage legal affairs including contracts and litigation.

Skills

Legal Compliance

Contract Law

Intellectual Property Law

Sports Law

Governance Framework Management

Negotiation Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Skills

Education

Solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

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:

1. Develop and implement the organization's legal and governance strategy.
2. Advise senior management on legal and governance matters.
3. Ensure the organization operates in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
4. 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.
5. Manage the organization's legal affairs, including contracts, litigation, and regulatory compliance.
6. Advise on various areas of law including contract, intellectual property, sports (including disciplinary, ethical and moral matters), data protection, and other regulatory matters.
7. Liaison and effective instruction of World Sailing's external legal advisors and Counsel.
8. Oversee the organization's governance framework, ensuring it is fit for purpose and provides clear accountability.
9. Support the board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
10. Ensure compliance with constitutional and regulatory requirements.
11. Identify and assess legal and governance risks.
12. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Experience & Traits Needed

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