Legal Counsel, Data Privacy and AI

Job description

Who We Are International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,300 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable. We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve. The Need For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking Legal Counsel, Data Privacy and AI to serve as IJM's primary legal advisor and domain owner for data privacy, artificial intelligence, information governance, cybersecurity, and related technology matters. This role is responsible for advancing IJM ’ ' s global legal framework for responsible data and technology use, providing both strategic legal leadership and hands-on legal support. Working closely with Global Functions, Regional teams, and senior leaders, this role enables mission-critical data and technology initiatives by delivering practical legal guidance, advising on legal and regulatory risk, and developing scalable governance frameworks that support IJM's work across multiple jurisdictions . The position leads complex or high-risk matters related to privacy, AI, cybersecurity, data sharing, and emerging technologies, helping ensure that innovation and operational effectiveness are pursued in ways that are lawful, ethical, and aligned with IJM's mission and values. This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays) if located in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates. It reports to the Vice President, Legal Affairs and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US. Responsibilities Leadership and Management Serve as IJM’s lead legal counsel for Data Privacy and AI, providing expertise in privacy, AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and related technology matters. Set priorities and lead execution of the Data Privacy and AI legal portfolio in alignment with IJM’s Theory of Change and strategic objectives. Provide legal analysis and guidance on complex, sensitive, and high-risk matters, supporting senior leadership decision-making. Foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, sound judgment, and responsible stewardship of data and technology. Strategy, Knowledge Development, and Implementation Partner with Technology and Legal Affairs colleagues to develop and advance legal strategies related to privacy, AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and enterprise technology. Monitor legal, regulatory, and technology developments and implement proactive approaches that support IJM’s global operations. Lead legal workstreams for AI adoption, digital transformation, data governance, and other enterprise technology initiatives. Develop practical frameworks, tools, and guidance that enable responsible innovation and informed decision-making. Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain trusted relationships with Technology, Information Security, Data Governance, Program, Regional, and Global Function leaders. Serve as the primary legal partner for privacy, AI, and technology matters, integrating legal considerations into organizational decision-making. Collaborate with Legal Affairs, Regional Counsel, Risk, Compliance, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated legal support across jurisdictions. Manage relationships with external counsel, industry peers, and professional networks. Policies, Governance, and Compliance Advise on policies, standards, procedures, governance frameworks, and controls related to privacy, AI, cybersecurity, technology use, and data governance. Provide guidance on the collection, use, sharing, retention, transfer, inventory, access management, and protection of data across multiple jurisdictions. Develop and maintain templates, playbooks, contractual standards, and guidance materials supporting technology and data-related activities. Identify compliance gaps and drive improvements to legal processes, governance structures, and compliance programs. Communication and Advisory Deliver clear, practical, risk-based legal advice on privacy, AI, cybersecurity, and technology governance matters. Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into actionable guidance for stakeholders at all levels. Advise and influence senior leaders by clearly communicating legal risks, options, and recommendations. Prepare legal opinions, briefings, and risk assessments that support effective decision-making. Training and Development Develop and deliver training, awareness programs, and educational resources related to privacy, AI, cybersecurity, and responsible data use. Build organizational understanding of legal and compliance requirements affecting technology and data activities. Equip stakeholders with practical tools and guidance to identify, manage, and mitigate legal and compliance risks. Qualifications: A law degree (J.D. or international equivalent) with active bar membership. At least 7 years of active legal practice experience, including demonstrated experience supporting data privacy, artificial intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, or information governance matters in an in-house, law firm, government, or nonprofit setting. Demonstrated experience advising and influencing senior stakeholders on strategic, operational, or cross-functional issues. Experience supporting complex or international organizations, including for-profit entities, non-profit organizations, development agencies, international bodies, or government institutions. Demonstrated ability to advise and influence with sound judgment and strategic perspective; and strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills. Demonstrated expertise in data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data governance, technology law, or related areas, with the ability to independently lead complex or high-risk matters within these areas. Strong working knowledge of multiple legal disciplines relevant to global operations, such as contracts, intellectual property, regulatory compliance (GDPR) , or cross-border legal considerations, with the ability to operate effectively in an organization with an international footprint . Experience advising on legal and regulatory issues in complex, multinational, or highly regulated environments, including nonprofit, governmental, international, or similarly mission-driven organizations. Critical Qualities: Eager commitment to IJM's Core Values: Christian, Professional and Bridge-Building; Strong judgment, integrity, and discretion, particularly in complex, high ‑ risk, or sensitive situations ; High degree of ownership and initiative, with the ability to operate independently in a lean and evolving environment Emotional intelligence and cultural fluency, enabling effective engagement across regions, functions, and varied stakeholder groups; Strong interpersonal skills and self-awareness; Collaborative, solutions-oriented, and adaptable approach to complex challenges; Effective team player who fosters a collaborative environment; and Adept at creative problem solving and balancing legal risk with practical operational needs. Application Process: Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one PDF document . *What is a statement of faith? A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.* What does IJM have to offer? Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area Retirement benefit options Paid leave starting at 23 days 12 holidays (plus early release the day prior) Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation Robust staff care resources IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidates value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes. At IJM, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That’s why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed. IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.