Senior Counsel, Product (AI)

Zendesk, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 216,000 - 324,000; Full time

Job summary

Zendesk, Inc. is seeking a senior in‑house lawyer to guide AI strategy and regulatory compliance for AI software products. You will partner with product, engineering, and commercial teams to minimize risk while accelerating deals and adoption.

We value a pragmatic, strategic thinker who can translate complex laws into actionable guidance for leadership, regulators, and internal stakeholders. This role supports a fully remote workforce in a fast‑growing tech company.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of legal experience, at least 3+ years in‑house, preferably at a global technology company.
• Licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction.
• Experience advising AI and/or software product development teams.
• Experience and interest in using AI technology to optimize processes and solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance by balancing legal expertise with creative problem‑solving to deliver risk‑calibrated advice to business leaders.
• Make decisions quickly and efficiently so company goals move forward without being sidetracked by low‑risk issues.
• Shape AI strategy & compliance: navigate complex issues around building and selling AI software, pricing, safety laws, privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA).
• Empower Sales & Marketing: support AI trust and customer enablement initiatives and collaborate with Commercial Legal to leverage compliance as a tool for accelerating deals.
• Engage with regulators and industry groups: act as a key liaison with AI regulatory authorities and collaborate with industry groups on regulatory engagement strategy.
• Foster internal innovation: champion AI adoption within the legal department and apply technology creatively to improve review processes and risk detection.
• Educate & communicate: translate complex legal requirements for AI development and internal use into clear, actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders.
• Mentor & lead junior colleagues, fostering overall team growth and development.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Business pragmatism

Strategic vision

Agility

Ownership

Strong prioritization

Adaptability

Technical literacy

Collaborative spirit

Growth mindset

Job description

Job Description: Outstanding candidates will be considered outside of office locations for a fully remote role. Join us at Zendesk, where we are on a mission to power exceptional service for every person on the planet by building AI‑driven products that enhance customer experiences.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide strategic guidance by balancing legal expertise with creative problem‑solving to deliver risk‑calibrated advice to business leaders.
• Make decisions quickly and efficiently so company goals move forward without being sidetracked by low‑risk issues.
• Shape AI strategy & compliance: navigate complex issues around building and selling AI software, pricing, safety laws (e.g., EU AI Act), longstanding privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA), and customer needs.
• Empower Sales & Marketing: support AI trust and customer enablement initiatives and collaborate with Commercial Legal to leverage compliance as a tool for accelerating deals.
• Engage with regulators and industry groups: act as a key liaison with AI regulatory authorities and collaborate with industry groups on regulatory engagement strategy.
• Foster internal innovation: champion AI adoption within the legal department and apply technology creatively to improve review processes and risk detection.
• Educate & communicate: translate complex legal requirements—both for AI development and internal use—into clear, actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders.
• Mentor & lead junior colleagues, fostering overall team growth and development.

What you bring to the role

• Regulatory knowledge: strong grasp of the global regulatory environment, including the EU AI Act, GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and related privacy laws.
• Business‑minded pragmatism: track record of building trust with product and engineering teams by combining legal expertise, data‑driven analysis, and practical problem‑solving.
• Strategic vision: ability to see the big picture and prioritize impactful ways to support company goals.
• Agility & ownership: decisive, action‑oriented, single‑owner mentality that moves complex initiatives to completion even amid uncertainty.
• Strong prioritization: manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment while adapting to evolving priorities and legal developments.
• Adaptability: open‑minded, flexible, and able to adjust strategies as company goals and risk tolerances evolve.
• Technical muscle: understanding of AI technology and attendant legal risks, plus basic product concepts (cloud, APIs, open source).
• Collaborative spirit: strong communication and relationship‑building skills, capable of working cross‑functionally without overreliance on other teams for product legal decisions.
• Growth mindset: interest in continuous learning; no task is too big or small.

Basic Qualifications

• 7+ years of legal experience, at least 3+ years in‑house, preferably at a global technology company.
• Licensed to practice law in your jurisdiction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising AI and/or software product development teams.
• Experience and interest in using AI technology to optimize processes and solve problems.

Compensation

The US annualized base salary range for this position is $216,000.00–$324,000.00. This position may also be eligible for bonus, benefits, or related incentives. The offer will be based on job‑related capabilities, applicable experience, and other factors such as work location.

EEO Statement

Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.

If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here.

Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] with your specific accommodation request.