Join Crossing Hurdles as our Data Protection Counsel, a critical role dedicated to protecting sensitive data assets and ensuring unwavering compliance with evolving privacy regulations. In this position, you will play a pivotal part in fortifying our company's data governance framework, enabling secure innovation and building trust with customers, partners, and regulators across the United States. Your expertise will directly impact our ability to navigate complex data landscapes while driving business objectives forward in a rapidly digitalizing world. As Data Protection Counsel, your day-to-day responsibilities will encompass a wide range of strategic and operational tasks. You will conduct comprehensive privacy audits and risk assessments on a quarterly basis, identifying vulnerabilities in data handling processes and recommending actionable remediation plans. Daily, you will review and draft data processing agreements, privacy policies, and consent mechanisms to align with laws like CCPA, GDPR, and HIPAA. Weekly, collaborate with IT, engineering, and product teams to integrate privacy-by-design principles into new product developments, ensuring features like AI-driven analytics comply with data minimization requirements. Monthly, lead cross-functional training sessions for employees on data protection best practices, tracking completion rates and effectiveness through metrics such as reduced incident reports. You will also manage incident response for data breaches, coordinating with external counsel and notifying authorities within mandated timelines, while preparing detailed post-mortem reports. On an ongoing basis, monitor legislative changes and advise senior leadership on compliance strategies, including vendor risk management through due diligence questionnaires. Additionally, you will develop and maintain a company-wide data mapping inventory, updating it bi-annually to support impact assessments and demonstrate accountability to auditors. Expect to handle high-stakes projects like preparing for regulatory inquiries, achieving key deliverables such as 100% audit pass rates and zero major compliance violations. To excel in this role, candidates must hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in at least one US state, with preference for bar admission in California or New York due to key regulatory hubs. A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in data privacy and cybersecurity law is required, ideally within tech, fintech, or healthcare sectors where you've handled multi-jurisdictional compliance. Proficiency in privacy frameworks such as NIST Privacy Framework, ISO 27701, and SOC 2 is essential, along with hands-on experience with tools like OneTrust for privacy management, Collibra for data governance, and RSA Archer for GRC. Deep knowledge of US federal and state privacy laws, including emerging regulations like the American Data Privacy and Protection Act, is non-negotiable. Certifications such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), or similar from IAPP will set you apart. Strong analytical skills to interpret complex regulations and translate them into practical business advice are crucial. Success demands a blend of technical prowess and interpersonal strengths. Technically, you should be adept with data mapping software, encryption standards, and DLP tools, alongside familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure for compliance reviews. Soft skills are equally vital: exceptional written and verbal communication to articulate legal risks to non-legal stakeholders, proactive problem-solving to preempt issues, and keen attention to detail in policy drafting. Leadership competencies shine in guiding teams through crises and fostering a culture of compliance. Industry acumen in data protection trends, such as AI ethics and cross-border data flows, will enable you to anticipate challenges and innovate solutions. Crossing Hurdles is a dynamic company revolutionizing challenge-based solutions for personal and professional growth, with a mission to empower individuals and organizations to overcome obstacles through innovative platforms. Our values—integrity, innovation, and inclusivity—define our collaborative culture, where diverse teams thrive in a supportive environment emphasizing work-life balance and continuous learning. Headquartered in the US, we foster a modern workplace blending cutting-edge technology with human-centered design. We offer competitive compensation, with salary not specified but commensurate with experience, alongside comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and life/disability coverage. Enjoy generous PTO with 20+ days annually, flexible hybrid work arrangements, wellness stipends, and professional development budgets. Additional perks include stock options for long-term alignment, performance bonuses up to 20% of base, and tuition reimbursement for relevant certifications. Advance your career with clear paths to Senior Counsel or Chief Privacy Officer roles, supported by mentorship, leadership training, and exposure to executive strategy. We invest in your growth through conferences, IAPP memberships, and internal rotations. To apply, submit your resume and cover letter via our careers portal, highlighting your privacy achievements.