Director of Legal & Governance

Novo Executive Search & Selection Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

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 has 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

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 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. Liaise and effectively instruct 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

Suitable candidates will:

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 the 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 the ability to undertake international travel (with appropriate notice).