CEO
| Req Number: | L50CJO |
| Location: | Washington, DC |
| Posted: | 1/30/2025 |
| Category: | Government/Not-For-Profit : Education |
| Job Type: | Permanent |
Position: Chief Executive Officer
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Organization: Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
Location: Washington, DC
Reporting Relationship: ACC Board of Directors
Website: https://www.acc.com/
THE OPPORTUNITY
The CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) will step into a dynamic leadership role at the helm of a globally influential nonprofit organization. This is a unique opportunity to lead the next chapter of an impactful, membership-driven association committed to empowering, and raising the profile of, in-house counsel across the globe. The CEO will shape the future of ACC, ensuring the highest quality of member services while upholding the fiscal, legal, and ethical integrity of the organization.
Reporting directly to a 24-member global Board of Directors, the CEO will be responsible for advancing ACC’s mission, vision, goals, and objectives, while driving key policies and initiatives. Managing a talented team of approximately 80 employees worldwide and overseeing a $29 million annual budget, the CEO will play a critical role in expanding ACC’s global reach and advancing its strategic priorities. Direct reports will include senior leaders overseeing key functional areas such as membership, legal, technology, content, advocacy, human resources, finance, and executive support.
In addition to providing strategic leadership, the CEO will serve as an ex officio member of both the Board and Executive Committee and will hold the position of President of the ACC Foundation. This is more than just an executive role; it’s an opportunity to lead a transformative organization making a meaningful difference in the corporate legal world. This position offers the chance to leave a lasting impact on the future of corporate governance, business, law, and community, while leading an organization that serves thousands of in-house counsel globally.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
The ACC is a global organization dedicated to serving the professional needs of in-house counsel. With over 48,000 members in more than 117 countries, the ACC provides a robust network and a wealth of resources to support legal professionals working within corporations, associations, and other organizations. The association offers a wide range of services, including continuing legal education, advocacy, networking, and access to a vast library of legal resources. It is committed to promoting the value of in-house counsel, fostering professional development, and advocating for the interests of its members. By joining the ACC, legal professionals gain access to a vibrant community and the tools they need to excel in their careers.
ACC’s headquarters are located in Washington, DC with additional offices in Australia and Belgium. Nineteen languages are spoken by ACC staff.
ACC’s Vision:
ACC aims to be the premier global legal association serving the diversified needs of in-house counsel by:
• Anticipating and understanding the needs of the in-house bar.
• Helping members deliver services to their corporate clients efficiently and promoting the value of in-house services.
• Influencing the practice of law as it affects the in-house bar.
• Delivering a mix of relevant, timely services, including information, education, networking, and advocacy.
ACC’s Values:
ACC’s primary responsibility is to its members. To meet this commitment, ACC has adopted the following core operating values:
- Represent in-house lawyers as full and equal members of the legal profession.
- Foster excellence among in-house practitioners, helping them represent their clients effectively and deliver services efficiently.
- Advance the highest ethical standards governing the practice of law in a corporate setting.
- Promote diversity and inclusiveness within ACC and the in-house community.
- Encourage public and pro bono service.
- Foster a sense of collegiality to facilitate networking and interaction among in-house counsel and foster professionalism, openness, and candor among members.
ACC Foundation
The ACC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the philanthropic arm of the ACC. Established to advance the values and mission of the ACC, the Foundation focuses on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession, supporting pro bono work, and fostering the development of future leaders in corporate law. Through various initiatives, the ACC Foundation empowers in-house counsel to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond, and it also provides grants and scholarships to law students.
ACC KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Global Reach: ACC represents members from 117 countries and 12,500 organizations, including 70% of the Fortune 500 companies. Its members span the Americas, Asia Pacific, and EMEA regions.
Membership Profile: ACC membership is open to individuals actively practicing law within organizations in the private or public sector, excluding those with regulatory, enforcement, or policymaking responsibilities (or work in an institution with such authority). Eligible positions include full-time in-house and contract attorneys on a long-term placement. ACC has maintained a strong retention rate and growth rate.
Values: In addition to the core operating values previously described, ACC is committed to being member-centric, fostering teamwork, future thinking, a global outlook, diversity and inclusion, respect, integrity, and employee success, and making a difference.
Chapters and Networking: With 60 chapters in its global network of in-house counsel, ACC’s chapters offer the unique opportunity for members to connect locally and in-person. ACC also offers 21 practice-based areas, providing the opportunity to connect members with additional shared interests.
Events: ACC organizes a broad range of meetings and conferences, including its Annual Meeting and other conferences that address current issues spanning leadership, technology, legal operations, and cutting edge topics. Events are held in person (including international locations) and live online.
Professional Development: A leading voice in best practices and executive education for in-house counsel, ACC provides resources for professional and career development at all levels, including attorneys new to in-house counsel, mid-career in-house counsel, deputy general counsel, chief legal officers and general counsels, and legal operations professionals. Members have access to a variety of in-person and online accredited continuing legal education programs to help meet requirements for their profession.
Resource Library: Members have access to a substantial variety of valuable resources, including ACC Docket (ACC’s award-winning magazine), curated resource selections on key topics, and tool kits for in-house counsel covering a wide range of areas both professionally and personally.
Advocacy and Initiatives: As the global “voice of the in-house bar” and to ensure in-house counsel voices are heard on public policy issues, ACC advocates on important issues, such as the value the chief legal officer brings to the organization, multi-jurisdictional practice, and legal professional privilege.
Organizational Recognition: ACC has been recognized by outside organizations throughout its history for its impact on the in-house counsel bar and the legal profession. Its most recent awards include:
- 2022 Silver Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for ACC’s programs to improve the participation of under-represented groups within the in-house bar and the legal profession as a whole; and
- 2022 DEI Non-Profit Award from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). This award recognizes boards that have improved their governance and created long-term value for stakeholders by implementing forward-thinking DE&I practices.
Work Environment: Since 2023, ACC has been certified annually as a Great Place to Work. The Certification recognizes employers who create an outstanding employee experience. ACC offers a hybrid work schedule, generous PTO, financial support for professional development, and a supportive, inclusive environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The CEO serves as the executive staff leader of the ACC, working with the Board of Directors to advance the organization's mission and oversee the implementation of its complex work in service to its members and the legal profession. This key position leads all operational activities of the ACC, ensures the financial stability of the organization, leads a high-performing team, and builds organizational culture. The successful candidate will demonstrate fiscal leadership, an innovative, entrepreneurial, and global mindset, and a record of accomplishment for effectively leading change in a complex organization. This person must be able to assess the entirety of the organization’s infrastructure and operations, including its overall business model, revenue mix, resource allocation, staffing models, IT infrastructure, and accountability structures, to build a transformative path forward for the success and longevity of the ACC.
The CEO will also champion the ACC’s commitment to eliminating bias and enhancing diversity, ensuring that every aspect of the organization’s work embraces these values. The successful candidate will bring executive presence, credibility, and maturity to lead a complex organization. They will also bring strong skills in innovation and business transformation, relationship building, and communication skills for successful stakeholder engagement and consensus building across diverse perspectives.
Additional responsibilities will include:
Organizational Leadership:
- Develops a strategic plan in concert with the Board of Directors to advance the organization and meet the needs of the members. Implements approved goals, objectives, and programs. Annually recommends and updates association goals consistent with the strategic plan for approval by the Executive Committee and Board.
- Forges and maintains a collaborative, trusting, and transparent relationship with the Board.
- Provides guidance to the Board of Directors and committee leadership on policy matters, historical perspective, and other issues as appropriate.
- Works closely with the Chair to develop board meeting agendas. Prepares and presents reports on the status of plans, programs, initiatives, services, and other issues to the Board.
- Establishes open communication and cooperation between the Board and all levels of staff and develops high levels of respect and trust among all parties.
- Provides Board with regular communications on the financial health of ACC.
- Maintains regular contact with the ACC Foundation and association committees.
- Leads the staff to ensure the mission and priorities of the ACC are achieved through implementation of the Board approved plan, program implementation, and member engagement.
- Serves as a communicator with members, stakeholders, and staff, actively engaging in the community and partnering closely with ACC stakeholders to enhance membership experience and the ACC’s influence and reach.
Membership:
- Develops and implements a membership model that provides a robust offering of products and benefits, compelling messaging across different audiences, and a customized yet consistent value proposition across diverse demographics. Evaluates value proposition and makes recommendations of new/enhanced products and services to continually strengthen the value of membership.
- Ensures outstanding customer service to the membership and builds and maintains a “member-centric” model of operation, customizing the member experience to the unique needs of the member, to ensure a high level of retention across member demographics.
- Develops customer service and marketing strategies to recruit and retain members, for continued growth in overall membership. Ensures ACC offers an outstanding customer service culture.
- Develops innovative strategies to attract and engage the next generation of in-house counsel, including usage of social media tools, digital transformation, and integrated platforms.
Chapters and Networks:
- Works proactively and collaboratively to support 60 ACC chapters to best serve the membership.
- Fosters collaboration among chapters, networks, ACC national/international organization, and other constituencies.
- Works proactively and collaboratively to support the 21 ACC networks working to support counsel in specific practice areas.
External Relationships and Affairs:
- Serves as media spokesperson for the Association before all audiences.
- Maintains effective public relations; strongly and positively represents and promotes the Association and the profession.
- Maintains an effective interface and appropriate relationships with individuals and organizations with shared interests.
- Serves as the advocate for the in-house bar on policy positions regarding legislation and regulation, and other governmental public policy activities that affect the membership.
Administration/Operations:
- Administers the business and programs of ACC and the ACC Foundation.
- Establishes the organization structure for the headquarters office; develops administrative and human resources policies.
- Recruits, develops, motivates, and leads staff to manage and administer the programs and services of the association in support of the strategic plan, operational goals, and objectives.
- Develops strategies to enhance the overall financial health of the Association. Prepares annual budget that is aligned to ACC’s strategic plan for review and approval by the Board of Directors. Provides fiscally responsible administration; understands all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, and investments in an effort to maintain and enhance the Association’s position.
- Leverages expertise in AI and technology transformation to drive strategic decision-making for the Association's advancement.
- Understands technical, operational, and ethical issues facing the organization and ensures compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local codes, regulations, and ordinances.
- Undertakes additional projects assigned by the Board or as contemplated by the strategic plan, as appropriate.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will be an impactful leader with at least ten (10) years of senior executive leadership experience in an organization of similar or larger scale and scope. Experience working in close collaboration with a volunteer Board of Directors is preferred. They will be an innovative, strategic thinker with strong business and financial acumen, global experience, P&L responsibility, staff leadership, and governance experience, including experience in transformational leadership. The successful candidate will be an advocate for the ACC and in-house counsel constituency and will serve as a key partner for ACC’s Board of Directors in advancing the Association’s mission and priorities. They will have a demonstrated successful track record for collaborating with diverse stakeholders to advance a robust strategic vision for the organization, including a sustainable financial model and clear membership growth strategy.
Additional experience and qualifications will include the following:
- Strong business acumen, including financial management, strategic planning, membership development, marketing, large scale event and program management, technology investment, publications and advocacy are highly desirable.
- Experience building trusting, collaborative, and transparent working relationships with a Board of Directors to advance an organization’s strategy.
- Results oriented and an excellent manager of assets – people, financial resources, and time. Experience growing an organization, leading change, and an ability to drive a positive bottom line.
- Experience attracting, developing, and retaining diverse strong talent, and building and managing a high-performing and accountable team in a fast-paced environment; success as an inclusive culture builder who fosters innovation, instils a sense of urgency, and collaborates while driving organizational evolution.
- A commitment to diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices and a proven record of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of leadership.
- Global business experience preferred. Multicultural savvy.
- Digital acumen with an understanding of how to leverage technology and new tools to better serve members and ensure operational efficiencies.
- Outstanding communications and strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate well to a wide range of diverse constituencies. Active listener. Servant leader. Politically astute. Skilled consensus builder.
- A track record as an effective spokesperson before myriad audiences, including membership, business, media, and government officials. A history of successful engagement, partnering and alliance building with a diverse range of constituencies.
- An understanding of the legal profession, especially as relevant to corporate counsel, is essential.
- A team player and trusted advisor; transparent, trustworthy, inspiring, and charismatic; open-minded and engaging.
- Effective at managing conflict with diplomacy.
- Courage to lead change and make decisions with appropriate risk and high urgency.
- Association or nonprofit leadership experience is a plus.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally. Estimated 30% travel (domestic and international) as needed.
- ACC seeks to hire multi-lingual candidates with fluency in English. A second language is desirable.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Leadership Characteristics
Managing Diverse Relationships: Relates well to a wide variety of diverse styles, types, and classes; open to differences; effective within all levels of the organization; builds diverse networks; quick to find common ground; treats differences fairly and equitably; treats everyone as a preferred customer; experience navigating disruption, setting priorities, and making decisions; skilled in conflict resolution and negotiation.
Inspiring Others
Is skilled at getting individuals, teams, and an entire organization to perform at a higher level and to embrace change; leads by example; negotiates skillfully to achieve a fair outcome or promote a common cause; communicates a compelling vision and is committed to what needs to be done; inspires others; builds motivated, high performing teams; understands what motivates different people.
Acting with Integrity, Honor and Character
Is a person of high character and integrity; is consistent and acts in line with a clear and visible set of values and beliefs; deals and talks straight; walks his/her talk; is direct and truthful but at the same time can keep confidences.
Understanding the Business
Knows the business of ACC and the mission-critical technical and functional skills needed to do the job; understands various types of business propositions and understands how businesses operate in general; learns new methods and technologies easily.
Creating the New and Different
Is able to come up with the next great breakthrough thing to do; is creative, a visionary, and can manage innovation; is an effective strategist full of ideas and possibilities; sees multiple futures; has broad interests and knowledge; can both create and bring exciting ideas to market; comfortable speculating about alternative futures without all of the data.
Getting Work Done Through Others
Manages people well; gets the most and best out of the people he/she has as staff; sets and communicates guiding goals; measures accomplishments, holds people accountable, and gives useful feedback; delegates and develops; keeps people informed; provides coaching for today and for the future.
Communicating Effectively
Writes and presents effectively; adjusts to fit the audience and the message; strongly and clearly gets a message across.
EDUCATION
A Bachelor’s degree is required. Juris Doctorate (J.D.), LL.B or equivalent is preferred. MBA is preferred.
COMPENSATION
A competitive compensation package will be provided to outstanding candidates. The mid-market salary range for this position is $400,000 to $500,000. Salary is dependent on several factors, including previous work experience, specific industry experience, qualifications, and skill set.
KORN FERRY CONTACTS
Divina Gamble
Managing Partner, Washington DC region
Sector Co-Leader, Global Nonprofit Practice
Phone: 202-955-0901
Divina.Gamble@kornferry.com
Lorraine Lavet
Sector Leader, National Association Practice
Phone: 703-919-6540
Lorraine.Lavet@kornferry.com
Kristi Hamilton, JD
Senior Associate
Phone: 713-907-1895
Kristi.Hamilton@kornferry.com
Emily Lynch
Senior Project Coordinator
Phone: 703-498-7227
Emily.Reda@kornferry.com
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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.
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