Director of Legal & Governance

Job role: Director of Legal & Governance
Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer
Posted: October 2026
Closing date: 28 November 2026
Location: Based at World Sailing headquarters in London, UK.
Starting: Immediate start or as early as possible
How to apply: Applications should be sent to human.resources@sailing.org. Applicants should provide a current CV and covering letter.

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 principal members of World Sailing are the 151 Member National Authorities (MNAs) and the 100+ Class Associations. 

We have a clear and ambitious vision:
A world in which millions more people fall in love with sailing; inspired by the unique relationship between sport, technology and the forces of nature, we all work to protect the waters of the world.  

Our mission:
To make sailing more exciting and accessible for everyone to participate or watch, and use our reach and influence to create a sustainable future for our sport and the waters of the world. 

The Director of Legal and Governance 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 is supported by, and will be responsible for managing, the Integrity and Anti-Doping Manager and a Para Legal. The Director will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

Strategic Leadership: 

• Develop and implement the organisation’s legal and governance strategy.  
• 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 Independent bodies 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. 

Legal Function: 

• Manage the organisation’s legal affairs, including contracts, litigation, and regulatory compliance.  
• Provide legal advice and support to internal stakeholders. 
• Key adviser to World Sailing’s Commercial Team on contractual frameworks with event organisers, sponsors, commercial partners and other suppliers. 
• Work closely with the Technical team and World Sailing classes to develop and implement standardised agreements and ensure quality control and equipment policies are adhered. 
• 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. 
• Maintain the contract register for World Sailing’s group companies. 
• Effectively manage the departments budgets. 

Governance Function: 

• Oversee the organisation’s governance framework, ensuring it is fit for purpose and provides clear accountability.  
• Departmental support for the Athlete’s Committee, Racing Rules Committee, Governance Committee and the Independent Bodies as staff lead.  
• Support the board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.  
• Ensure compliance with constitutional and regulatory requirements. 
• Working on the organisation’s programme of governance reform and modernisation to ensure World Sailing is seen as a progressive international federation.
• Prepare and advise on documentation relating to corporate governance, regulatory issues and liaise with Company Secretaries in IOM for Companies Act and statutory filing compliance.

Stakeholder Management: 

• Maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and legal counsel.  
• Represent the organization in legal and governance matters. 

Risk Management: 

• Identify and assess legal and governance risks, including the management of the Risk Register.  
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies in liaison with the Senior Management Team. 

Strategic reporting to:

• Chief Executive Officer

Support & Guidance to:

• Paralegal 
• Integrity/Anti-Doping manager 
• Legal advice and support to the Chief Executive Officer, Senior Management Team, World Sailing staff, Board, World Sailing Committees (listed above), Independent Bodies, Audit Committee, Member National Authorities and Class Associations 

Essential

• Current practising solicitor in England & Wales (or equivalent in a common law jurisdiction)  
• Have at least eight years’ experience practicing as a lawyer; 
• Have worked in-house for international federations, national federations, sport’s governing bodies or have similar experience. 
• Demonstrable experience of three or more of the following areas: contracts (including commercial), employment, intellectual property, sports law and corporate governance 
• Excellent written and verbal English language skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to confidently advise stakeholders. 
• Solutions focused, pragmatic and practical in approach, with an ability to operate under tight deadlines 
• Evidence of working within and contributing to a team environment 
• A willingness to learn new skills and develop existing competencies 
• Strong negotiation skills  
• Excellent organisation and analysis skills  
• Ability to undertake international travel (with appropriate notice) 

Desirable

• Understanding of and experience in sailing or other Olympic sport. 
• Demonstrable continuous personal development in law 
• Second European language in addition to English. 

• Flexibility to work irregular hours and traveling internationally.