ABOUT THE JOB
The ACLU seeks a full-time position of Special Counsel for Technology and Data Privacy in the Corporate Counsel’s Office of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month.
The ACLU leverages the resources of outside contractors to supplement the talents of its own staff and maximize its impact. To protect its tax-exempt status and its fundraising, advocacy, and litigation capabilities, the ACLU must maintain rigorous compliance with a myriad of federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Office of Corporate Counsel provides the primary support for both of those efforts. We draft and negotiate contracts that vastly expand the organization’s reach and support the functions of every department. We create compliance programs, train staff, and provide compliance advice, all with the goal of maintaining the highest standards of professional and business conduct.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Reporting to the Co-Chief Corporate Counsel, the Special Counsel for Technology and Data Privacy will manage the team’s practice with respect to technology and data privacy matters, supervise the two team members responsible for that work, and coordinate their work with the work of the Privacy and Data Governance (“P&DG”) team.
YOUR DAY TO DAY
- Manage the team’s practice with respect to all legal aspects of data governance, privacy, cybersecurity, and technology, including:
- contracting for technology tools and services;
- compliance with data privacy, security, and consumer protection laws and regulations applicable to the organization’s handling and use of data and technology (e.g., state data privacy and data breach laws, CAN-SPAM, TCPA, state laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive practices or advertising)
- compliance with relevant industry rules and standards, including, e.g., the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (“PCI-DSS”), and mobile carrier rules for mobile messaging.
- data breach preparedness and response.
- Assign, direct and supervise the work of the Senior and Associate Corporate Counsels for Technology and Data Privacy.
- Coordinate the work of the Tech and Data Privacy team in Corporate Counsel’s Office with the work of the Chief Privacy Officer, Chief Information and Security Officer, Chief Technology and Analytics Officer and their teams, as well as other stakeholders.
- Collaborate with Chief Privacy Officer to set joint goals for and allocate responsibilities between the Counsel’s Office and P&DG Teams
- As needed, provide additional direct legal advice to P&DG
- As needed review/draft and negotiate complex software and technology services contracts;
- Ensure representation by Corporate Counsel’s Office on cross-departmental strategic planning and project teams, including with respect to affiliates.
- Oversee the development and facilitation of cross-departmental trainings on vendor management and compliance with data privacy and security laws and regulations, including new state data privacy laws, privilege, and governance standards.
- Oversee the development of guidance and facilitation of training specific to the Corporate Counsel team in the above subject matter areas.
- Work with outside counsel as needed or appropriate to support the practice area.
FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL
- Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU
- Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
- Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- J.D. from an accredited law school and admitted to practice in New York State.
- 10+ years practicing corporate law in a U.S. law firm or in-house law department, including familiarity with and experience in interpreting and applying requirements of data privacy and security laws and regulations (e.g., the Colorado Privacy Act) and creating data governance standards, and in reviewing, drafting and negotiating technology contracts.
- Familiarity with other consumer protection laws.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all organizational levels.
- Excellent legal research and legal briefing skills.
- Ability to handle confidential organizational matters.
- Ability to make independent decisions.
- Experience directing, training and mentoring junior attorneys.
- Excellent time management skills with an ability to work in a fast-paced environment balancing multiple priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience conducting compliance trainings for non-legal staff
- Familiarity with non-profit law and environments
COMPENSATION
The ACLU is committed to equity, transparency, and clarity in pay. Consistent with our compensation philosophy, there is a set salary for each role based on geographic work location. The annual salary for this position is $220,285 (Level C2), reflecting the salary of a position based in New York, NY. Salaries are subject to a regional pay adjustment if authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.
For details on our pay structure, please visit: https://www.aclu.org/careers/ACLU_Geographic_Pay_Structure-July_2024.pdf
WHY THE ACLU
For over 100 years, the ACLU has worked to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBTQ+ community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people.
We know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and know that what we offer is essential not just their work, but to their overall well-being.
At the ACLU, we offer a broad range of benefits, which include:
- Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy
- Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)
- Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match
- We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops
OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY, EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion are core values of the ACLU and central to our work to advance liberty, equality, and justice for all. For us diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are not just check-the-box activities, but a chance for us to make long-term meaningful change. We are a community committed to learning and growth, humility and grace, transparency and accountability. We believe in a collective responsibility to create a culture of belonging for all people within our organization – one that respects and embraces difference; treats everyone equitably; and empowers our colleagues to do the best work possible. We are as committed to anti-oppression, anti-ableism, and anti-racism internally as we are externally. Because whether we’re in the courts or in the office, we believe ‘We the People’ means all of us.
With this commitment in mind, we strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
The ACLU is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email benefits.hrdept@aclu.org. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
The Department of Education has determined that employment in this position at the ACLU does not qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.