AVP, Privacy Risk & Governance

pacificlife; Parrog; Hybrid; GBP 113,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Life seeks an AVP of Privacy Risk & Governance to lead the Global Privacy Program, ensuring governance across privacy, data protection, AI governance, and information management. You will partner with senior leaders in the Legal and Compliance Division to advance privacy objectives while managing risk and regulatory readiness.

The role requires guiding a high-performing team, translating regulatory requirements into practical programs, and driving cross-functional collaboration with

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in privacy, compliance, legal, risk management, or a related field.
• 10+ years of people leadership experience.
• Certifications in privacy, data governance, cybersecurity, or AI governance (e.g., CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, AIGP) are preferred.
• Experience supporting privacy programs in regulated industries such as life insurance/financial services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Pacific Life's Global Privacy Program across privacy, data protection, AI governance, and records management.
• Provide strategic direction and governance as part of the Enterprise Compliance Senior Leadership Team within the Legal and Compliance Division.
• Monitor global regulatory developments and translate into actionable compliance initiatives.
• Direct privacy risk assessments and mitigate risks across the organization.
• Collaborate with Senior Privacy Counsel to oversee privacy incidents and serve as escalation point.
• Partner with Risk Management, Information Security, Third-Party Risk Management, and business leaders to strengthen privacy and AI governance capabilities.
• Identify emerging risks and implement repeatable processes to improve program effectiveness.

Skills

Privacy expertise

Leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead - our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate - pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future - including your own.

We're actively seeking an experienced AVP, Privacy Risk & Governance to join our Enterprise Compliance team in Newport Beach, CA; Omaha, NE; or Charlotte, NC. This role follows Pacific Life's hybrid work model, which requires employees to work in the office four days per week. Comprehensive relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Candidates who reside outside of Newport Beach, CA will be expected to travel to Newport Beach at least quarterly for team collaboration, leadership meetings, and key business activities.

In this role, you will lead and oversee Pacific Life's Global Privacy Program, providing strategic direction, governance, and operational leadership across privacy, data protection, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, and records and information management. As a member of the Enterprise Compliance Senior Leadership Team within the Legal and Compliance Division, you will partner closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across the enterprise to strengthen compliance capabilities, mitigate risk, and support business objectives.

How You'll Help Move Us Forward

• Lead the strategy, administration, and ongoing enhancement of Pacific Life's Global Privacy Program while supporting the Chief Compliance, Privacy, and Ethics Officer in executing key priorities and deliverables
• Monitor global regulatory developments and translate emerging privacy, AI, and information governance requirements into actionable business strategies and compliance initiatives
• Direct enterprise privacy risk assessments and partner with stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and mitigate privacy-related risks across the organization
• Collaborate with Senior Privacy Counsel to oversee privacy incidents through resolution, serving as a trusted advisor and escalation point for complex matters
• Partner with Risk Management, Information Security, Third-Party Risk Management, Operational Risk & Resilience, and business leaders to strengthen and scale privacy, AI governance, and records management capabilities
• Identify emerging risks and implement sustainable, repeatable processes that improve program effectiveness, accountability, and operational efficiency
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of privacy professionals by establishing clear expectations, fostering accountability, and supporting ongoing professional growth

The Experience You Bring

• 15+ years of experience in privacy, compliance, legal, risk management, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in privacy and data protection programs
• 10+ years of people leadership experience, including leading and developing high-performing teams
• Relevant professional certifications in privacy, data governance, cybersecurity, or AI governance (e.g., CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, AIGP) are preferred
• Experience supporting privacy compliance programs within the life insurance, financial services, healthcare, or similarly regulated industries is strongly preferred
• Strong working knowledge of privacy, AI, and records retention regulations, including CCPA, HIPAA, GLBA, GDPR, and other applicable global requirements
• Proven ability to assess complex regulatory requirements, identify risk, and develop practical, business-focused compliance solutions
• Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build credibility across all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to lead through ambiguity while balancing competing priorities and business needs
• Bachelor's degree

What Makes You Stand Out

• AIGP (Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional)
• Experience building or transforming enterprise privacy, AI governance, or information governance programs
• Ability to translate regulatory and compliance requirements into practical, scalable business processes
• Strong enterprise mindset with a track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational change
• Trusted advisor who can effectively partner with legal, compliance, technology, risk, and business leaders to achieve strategic outcomes

What Success Looks Like

• Strengthens Pacific Life's Global Privacy Program through proactive risk management, governance, and regulatory readiness
• Drives greater enterprise-wide adoption of privacy, AI governance, and records managem