Secretary-General
About VanIAC
Established in 1986, our client, the Vancouver International Arbitration Centre (VanIAC) is a national leader in international and domestic dispute resolution.
With a long-standing reputation for excellence, VanIAC provides innovative and efficient dispute resolution services to businesses and individuals worldwide. Its mission is to promote the effective resolution of disputes by offering a flexible framework and rules tailored to the needs of parties, along with a diverse panel of expert arbitrators and mediators.
Located in downtown Vancouver, VanIAC is strategically positioned to serve as a bridge between global markets, fostering a culture of trust, neutrality, and expertise in dispute resolution.
The Opportunity
Secretary-General
The Secretary-General (essentially the Executive Director) serves as the senior executive leader and public representative of VanIAC, responsible for shaping and executing its strategic vision while overseeing day-to-day operations. The Secretary-General reports directly to the Board and leads a team of two employees and several part-time contractors.
This pivotal role combines strategic leadership, expertise in arbitration, and managerial acumen to further VanIAC’s mission of advancing domestic and international dispute resolution. Among other objectives, the Secretary-General will be expected to network, domestically and internationally, with law firms, corporations, and other stakeholders to promote VanIAC as the preferred venue for dispute resolution. Moreover, the Secretary-General will identify and drive internal process improvements, modernization opportunities, and new value-add services within the organization.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Leadership and Strategic Vision:
Define and implement the organization’s strategic goals in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
Identify opportunities to strengthen VanIAC’s position in the global arbitration community.
Represent VanIAC in domestic and international forums to enhance its reputation and promote its rules for arbitration.
2. Operational Management:
Oversee all day-to-day activities, ensuring the smooth functioning of VanIAC’s operations.
Supervise and manage staff, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and productive work environment.
Provide oversight and guidance on cases administered by VanIAC, ensuring adherence to its rules and procedures and applying sound judgement while managing potential conflicts or other ethical considerations.
3. Strategic and Financial Planning:
Develop and manage budgets in alignment with the organization’s strategic priorities.
Lead financial planning efforts, ensuring sustainability and growth.
Prepare and present financial and operational reports to the Board of Directors.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Promotion:
Build and maintain relationships with key players in the arbitration community, including legal professionals, industry leaders, and policy-makers.
Promote VanIAC’s arbitration rules through targeted outreach, publications, and conference participation.
5. Domestic and International Representation:
Represent VanIAC at conferences, seminars, and industry events to advocate for its rules and services.
Travel domestically and internationally as needed to strengthen VanIAC’s presence and partnerships.
Essential Qualities and Experience
The ideal candidate for this role comes with a background in arbitration combined with leadership and management experience. Experience with non-profit leadership, either as a Board Member, Committee Member, or reporting to a non-profit board, would be a major asset.
This is a rare opportunity for a private practice or in-house litigator, mediator, or arbitrator to pivot into a non-contentious executive role, with an emphasis on business development, profile building, and management.
Our client inclusively encourages any interested and reasonably qualified candidates to apply for the position, but will prioritize candidates who demonstrate the following qualities.
Knowledge and Experience:
At least eight years of relevant legal experience, preferably in commercial arbitration.
Understanding of domestic and international arbitration, including procedural rules, best practices, and trends.
Experience with case management or administering arbitration proceedings is an asset.
Leadership and Management Skills:
Proven ability to successfully manage teams, set priorities, foster a positive culture, and achieve organizational goals.
Experience with strategic and financial planning.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Experience working with Boards or Committees.
Professional Attributes:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
A proactive and visionary approach to organizational leadership.
Comfort with public speaking and representing the organization at high-profile events.
Educational Background:
A degree in law or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications in arbitration or dispute resolution are an asset.
This role is based at VanIAC’s headquarters on a hybrid arrangement, with domestic and international travel required for networking and business development opportunities.
Search Process
The Secretary-General position is a high profile leadership role within the arbitration community and VanIAC is budgeting a salary range of $225,000-$250,000+ for this role, depending on the candidate’s qualifications, in addition to a discretionary bonus and extended benefits.
We will require finalists to offer comprehensive recent references and complete a background check. Finalists may also be asked to complete a leadership assessment. We expect to process our first review of applications by January 15, 2025.
In accordance with provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by VanIAC and Mosaic Executive Search throughout the recruitment, selection, and assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities.
Applications (cover letter and resume or nominations for the Secretary-General opportunity with VanIAC) should be submitted in confidence to: info@mosaicsearch.ca
You are also welcome to email questions and submissions to:
Dave Namkung (dave@mosaicsearch.ca or dave@smithlegalsearch.com)
*This opportunity is presented and marketed jointly with Smith Legal Search
