Executive Director at the International Law Students Association

Executive Director Search

The International Law Students Association (ILSA) is currently conducting a global search for a new Executive Director.

Originally founded in 1962, and an independent corporation since 1995, ILSA is a non-profit organization devoted to the promotion of international law through educational programs for students and lawyers. ILSA is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. The organization’s activities include: organizing conferences, publishing books and periodicals, globally administering the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, and serving as an umbrella organization to ILSA chapters around the world. ILSA currently has more than 200 chapters in 32 countries. It is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of law faculty and practitioners from the United States and abroad. The organization’s day-to-day operations are conducted by the ILSA Executive Office, which currently has four full-time staff members and some student interns. ILSA’s chapter activities are guided by three student officers, who also serve as members of the Board of Directors.

Position Summary

The Executive Director implements the goals and programs of the organization as established by the Charter, the Bylaws, and the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is the head of the ILSA Executive Office and supervises all staff and interns. He or she reports to the Board of Directors and assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to set policy for the organization.

All candidates must be willing to relocate to Chicago, and to begin working by May or June 2012. All candidates must also be willing to attend, at ILSA’s expense, the 2012 Jessup International Rounds, which will take place 25-31 March 2012 in Washington, D.C. Candidates are expected to commit to at least two years of service as ILSA’s Executive Director.

Essential Functions

• principal spokesperson for organization
• main contact to sponsors, sister organizations, vendors, and national administrators
• fundraising for all ILSA Programs, including the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
• international administration of the Jessup Competition
• oversight of conferences, publications, and chapter programs
• coordination of marketing efforts
• budgeting, accounting, and compliance
• management of employees (hiring, monitoring, benefits)
• strategic planning in use of technology (website, databases)
• volunteer recruiting and management
• coordination of meetings, committees, and other activities of the Board

Required Education

• law degree (J.D., LL.M., or equivalent)
• coursework and substantial interest in international law

Required Experience

• participation in and/or volunteer work for the Jessup Competition, or service in a leadership role for a student international law society (staff, student officer, or chapter officer)
• at least two years of work experience, preferably in an international or international law-related field

Required Skills

• commitment to education and desire to work with students, scholars, and practitioners of international law
• excellent organizational and time management skills
• ability to manage staff and volunteers effectively
• ability to communicate with individuals of different cultural and professional backgrounds
• experience in negotiating contracts
• computer skills
  • proficiency in standard computer software programs, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Internet Browser, QuickBooks
  • basic knowledge and willingness to learn about social networking, database management and website content management systems
• accounting
  • basic knowledge of proper bookkeeping procedures and accounting principles
  • ability to formulate an annual budget
• fundraising skills
• willingness to travel extensively

Compensation and Benefits

A salary and benefits package commensurate with experience will be offered to the top candidate.

Timeline

ILSA will be accepting applications until 26 August 2011. The ED Search Committee will narrow the field of candidates, and in subsequent phases of the application process, may require additional materials and/or a personal interview. ILSA anticipates announcing the new Executive Director sometime this Fall.

Contact Information

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, transcript and list of references by 26 August 2011. All materials and inquiries should be directed to the ED Search Committee and sent to edsearch@ilsa.org.