AVP, Privacy Risk & Governance

Pacific Life; Newport Beach (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

401k with company match

Job summary

Pacific Life seeks an experienced AVP, Privacy Risk & Governance to lead the Global Privacy Program from Newport Beach, CA, in a hybrid model with in-office requirement four days per week. The role spans regulatory monitoring, risk assessments, and enterprise governance, partnering with Legal, Privacy, and IT leaders to advance AI governance and records management.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in privacy/risk, 10+ years in people leadership, and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in privacy, compliance, legal, risk management, or related field.
• 10+ years of people leadership experience.
• Certifications in privacy, data governance or AI governance preferred (e.g., CIPP/US, CIPM, CIPT).
• Experience in life insurance, financial services, healthcare, or regulated industries preferred.
• Strong knowledge of privacy, AI, and records retention regulations (CCPA, HIPAA, GLBA, GDPR).

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy and ongoing enhancement of Pacific Life's Global Privacy Program.
• Monitor regulatory developments and translate into actionable compliance initiatives.
• Direct privacy risk assessments and mitigate risks across the organization.
• Oversee privacy incidents with Senior Privacy Counsel and act as escalation point.
• Collaborate with Risk Management, Information Security, and Third-Party Risk teams to strengthen governance.
• Identify emerging risks and implement scalable processes for accountability.

Skills

Privacy governance

Regulatory monitoring

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Risk assessment

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.

How You'll Help Move Us Forward

1. 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
2. Monitor global regulatory developments and translate emerging privacy, AI, and information governance requirements into actionable business strategies and compliance initiatives
3. Direct enterprise privacy risk assessments and partner with stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and mitigate privacy-related risks across the organization
4. Collaborate with Senior Privacy Counsel to oversee privacy incidents through resolution, serving as a trusted advisor and escalation point for complex matters
5. 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
6. Identify emerging risks and implement sustainable, repeatable processes that improve program effectiveness, accountability, and operational efficiency
7. 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 management practices
• Builds trusted partnerships across the organization to enhance compliance effectiveness and business enablement
• Develops a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Delivers sustainable, scalable solutions that effectively balance regulatory obligations with business objectives

Base Salary Range

$200,000 - $230,000 Base Pay Range: The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we're committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V.

Pacific Life is more than a job - it's a career with purpose. For nearly 160 years, we've helped people protect their financial futures through strength, stability, and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact and build a career where you can thrive. Learn more.

Pacific Life's success is driven by our people. We create, embrace and sustain an inclusive workplace where all employees are respected and supported throughout their career. Our values inspire and direct our actions shaping the vibrant culture we proudly uphold. Learn more.

What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife