Vice President, Commercial Division

American Arbitration Association; United States; Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary incentive target (20%)

Job summary

The American Arbitration Association seeks a dynamic Vice President, Commercial Division, to lead and grow its core dispute resolution practice. Based in midtown Manhattan with hybrid work, you will guide commercial arbitration and mediation services and strengthen client relationships.

You will collaborate with senior leadership to drive growth, manage teams, ensure adherence to AAA rules, and support a high-performing culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, legal studies, or related field; advanced degree such as a JD, MBA, or LL.M. strongly preferred; or equivalent mix of education and experience
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in alternative dispute resolution, legal services, commercial litigation, dispute management, business development, or related field
• Management or leadership experience, preferably including coaching, developing, and guiding professional staff
• Strong knowledge of arbitration, mediation, and the commercial legal marketplace
• Demonstrated success in business development, relationship management, client engagement, strategic planning, or market expansion
• Excellent communication, presentation, public speaking, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build credibility with senior-level stakeholders (law firms, corporate counsel, executives)
• Strong business acumen and ability to use data/market insights for decisions
• Comfort with technology (case management systems, CRM, data tools) and travel ~20%

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the delivery of high-quality commercial arbitration and mediation services.
• Develop and execute strategies to expand the AAA’s commercial ADR services, strengthen key relationships, and identify new business opportunities.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with law firms, corporate legal departments, business leaders, industry groups, bar associations, arbitrators, mediators, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as a visible representative of the AAA in the commercial dispute resolution community, including at industry events and client-facing programs.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to Directors and team members, including performance management and professional development.
• Oversee and provide guidance on complex arbitration and mediation matters, ensuring adherence to AAA rules and standards.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and internal partners to share insights, strengthen service delivery, and support growth.
• Use data and market insights to inform strategy, improve service quality, and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Support recruitment and development of arbitrators/mediators to meet market needs.
• Manage budgets and financial performance; ensure responsible use of resources.
• Promote a culture of integrity, confidentiality, impartiality, collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.

Skills

Leadership experience

Relationship management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Advanced degree (JD/MBA/LL.M.)

Job description

Pay Range

The salary range for this position is $175,000 to $185,000, with a 20% discretionary incentive target. Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, internal equity, and other relevant factors. The American Arbitration Association is seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President, Commercial Division, to help lead and grow the AAA’s core dispute resolution practice areas. This is an opportunity for a strategic, relationship-focused leader to play a key role in advancing the AAA’s mission and strengthening its position as a trusted leader in commercial arbitration and mediation. In this highly visible role, the Vice President will provide leadership for commercial arbitration and mediation services, support operational excellence, deepen relationships with clients and stakeholders, and help identify new growth opportunities. The successful candidate will bring strong business judgment, a deep understanding of dispute resolution or legal services, and the ability to engage credibly with law firms, corporate counsel, industry organizations, arbitrators, mediators, and the broader business community.

Work Arrangement

This position is based in midtown Manhattan and follows a hybrid schedule, with an expectation of two to three days per week in the office.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support the delivery of high-quality commercial arbitration and mediation services.
• Develop and execute strategies to expand the AAA’s commercial ADR services, strengthen key relationships, and identify new business opportunities.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with law firms, corporate legal departments, business leaders, industry groups, bar associations, arbitrators, mediators, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a visible representative of the AAA in the commercial dispute resolution community, including at industry events, conferences, meetings, and client-facing programs.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to Directors and team members, including performance management, professional development, and support for a high-performing and engaged team culture.
• Oversee and provide guidance on complex arbitration and mediation matters, ensuring consistent adherence to AAA rules, procedures, service standards, and best practices.
• Collaborate with senior leadership, business development, Panel Resources & Development, regional leaders, and other internal partners to share insights, strengthen service delivery, and support organizational growth.
• Use data, market intelligence, client feedback, and operational insights to inform strategy, improve service quality, and identify opportunities for innovation.
• Support the recruitment, engagement, and development of arbitrators and mediators to ensure the AAA’s roster continues to meet the needs of the commercial marketplace.
• Manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and help ensure responsible and effective use of resources.
• Promote a culture of integrity, confidentiality, impartiality, collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, legal studies, or a related field; advanced degree such as a JD, MBA, or LL.M. strongly preferred; or equivalent mix of education and experience
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in alternative dispute resolution, legal services, commercial litigation, dispute management, business development, or a related field.
• Management or leadership experience, preferably including responsibility for coaching, developing, and guiding professional staff.
• Strong knowledge of arbitration, mediation, and the commercial legal marketplace.
• Demonstrated success in business development, relationship management, client engagement, strategic planning, or market expansion.
• Excellent communication, presentation, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build credibility and trusted relationships with senior-level stakeholders, including law firm leaders, corporate counsel, business executives, neutrals, and internal partners.
• Strong business acumen, sound judgment, and ability to use data and market insights to support decision-making.
• Comfort with technology, including case management systems, CRM tools, data analysis tools, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Ability to travel as needed, approximately 20%, for client meetings, conferences, industry events, and internal meetings.

About the American Arbitration Association

The American Arbitration Association is the leading provider of arbitration and mediation dispute resolution services. Named one of the 50 best nonprofits to work for by the NonProfit Times, our employees enjoy rewarding careers in a fast-paced, mission-driven, and results-oriented environment. We offer a competitive compensation package, including incentive opportunities.

Eligible employees also participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, orthodontia, and vision coverage; student loan repayment; a 403(b) retirement plan with a substantial company match; discounted pet insurance; and generous paid-time-off benefits.

The American Arbitration Association is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and we value diversity in our workplace. We consider all employees and applicants for positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) and its global division, the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), are global leaders in arbitration, mediation, and online dispute resolution. For over a century, we have helped resolve complex disputes with fairness, efficiency, and integrity — earning the trust of businesses, organizations, and individuals worldwide.

Today, we are transforming how disputes are resolved. As a digital-first, solutions-driven organization, we are integrating advanced technology, data, and AI-enabled tools to improve speed, accessibility, and the overall user experience.

Our culture is grounded in purpose, innovation, and continuous improvement. We are proud to be recognized as a best-in-class employer, offering meaningful careers where employees can grow, collaborate, and make a measurable impact.

Our comprehensive benefits include health coverage, a 403(b) with strong employer contributions, student loan assistance, and generous paid time off — supporting both professional success and personal well-being.