Sr. Vice President, Legal & Compliance

Applause; Belmont (MA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Discretionary annual/semianual bonus

401(k) matching

Job summary

Applause is seeking a strategic Sr. Vice President of Legal & Compliance to lead our global legal function. This hands-on role requires deep expertise in software, IP, AI regulation, and data protection, guiding commercial negotiations and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

You will advise senior leadership, partner with Product, Engineering, Sales and Finance, and shape scalable legal processes, governance frameworks, and technology strategies to support rapid growth.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active U.S. state bar in good standing.
• 8+ years progressive legal experience in software/SaaS/technology.
• Expertise in commercial technology transactions, IP, licensing, and software/IP law.
• Strong understanding of AI regulation and governance issues.
• Experience advising on privacy, data protection, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to negotiate sophisticated enterprise agreements.
• Ability to lead independently and drive urgent, business-aligned legal guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead global legal & compliance function for Applause.
• Negotiate complex enterprise agreements including SaaS, MSA, and data processing agreements.
• Advise Sales, Product, Engineering, Finance and executives on legal risk and strategy.
• Develop scalable contracting frameworks to accelerate deals and revenue growth.
• Oversee IP, tech licensing, open-source, and technology-related matters.
• Lead governance, regulatory compliance, and privacy programs globally.

Skills

Juris Doctor

8+ years legal experience

Commercial technology transactions

AI regulatory knowledge

Privacy and data protection

Negotiation of enterprise agreements

Independent leadership

Clear communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Job description

Sr. Vice President, Leagal & Compliance

Applause is seeking a highly motivated, commercially minded Sr. Vice President of Legal & Compliance to lead our global legal function. This is an opportunity for an accomplished attorney with deep expertise in software, technology, intellectual property, and emerging AI regulations to play a critical role in shaping the future of a global technology business.

As a leader in digital quality, software testing, and AI evaluation, Applause operates at the intersection of enterprise technology, innovation, and a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. We are looking for a legal leader who understands these markets, embraces emerging technologies, and brings the judgment, urgency, and business acumen needed to support our continued evolution.

This is a hands-on leadership role within a private equity-backed organization. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while remaining actively engaged in commercial negotiations, technology and IP matters, regulatory compliance, and day-to-day legal operations.

We are particularly interested in an ambitious, high-performing attorney who is ready to take the next step in their career, expand their leadership responsibilities, and make a meaningful impact on the business.

Responsilities:

Commercial Legal & Business Partnership

• Lead legal support for complex enterprise customer agreements, strategic partnerships, vendor contracts, and commercial transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate SaaS agreements, master services agreements, licensing agreements, data processing agreements, and other technology-related contracts.
• Partner closely with Sales, Product, Engineering, Finance, and executive leadership to accelerate commercial execution while managing legal and business risk.
• Develop practical, scalable contracting frameworks that improve deal velocity and support revenue growth.
• Provide commercially focused legal advice that balances risk mitigation with business objectives.
• Support strategic corporate initiatives, business development opportunities, and potential M&A activities.

Software, Intellectual Property & Technology Law

• Serve as the company's primary legal expert on software, intellectual property, licensing, and technology-related matters.
• Advise on software development, ownership, licensing, open-source software, proprietary technologies, and protection of intellectual property.
• Partner with Product and Engineering leadership on new product development, platform capabilities, and technology commercialization.
• Evaluate intellectual property risks associated with third-party technologies, AI models, software integrations, and strategic partnerships.
• Support the protection and commercialization of Applause's intellectual property, proprietary methodologies, platforms, and technology assets.
• Provide guidance on technology-related disputes, contractual obligations, and intellectual property enforcement.

Artificial Intelligence, Data Privacy & Emerging Regulation

• Lead legal guidance on the development, deployment, evaluation, and commercial use of artificial intelligence technologies.
• Maintain strong knowledge of evolving AI laws, regulatory frameworks, intellectual property considerations, and responsible AI practices.
• Advise Product, Engineering, and business leaders on AI governance, model evaluation, training data, intellectual property ownership, and technology-related risk.
• Assess legal considerations involving generative AI, third-party AI platforms, customer data, and AI-enabled products and services.
• Oversee compliance with applicable global privacy and data protection requirements, including GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and emerging AI legislation.
• Establish practical legal frameworks and policies supporting responsible innovation, data protection, and secure technology adoption.
• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to integrate legal and regulatory considerations into product strategy and business operations.

Global Compliance, Risk & Corporate Governance

• Lead and continuously improve the company's global legal and compliance programs.
• Advise executive leadership on regulatory obligations, corporate governance, contractual risk, and emerging legal developments.
• Support corporate governance activities, Board-related legal matters, and private equity sponsor requirements.
• Oversee legal considerations associated with Applause's global operations and uTest community, including independent contractor relationships, worker classification, participant agreements, and applicable compliance requirements.
• Partner with operational teams on fraud prevention, community integrity, investigations, and risk mitigation.
• Identify potential legal and regulatory exposures early and develop practical strategies to address them.

Employment & Global Workforce Matters

• Partner with People Operations and leadership on employment-related legal matters across global jurisdictions.
• Provide guidance on employment agreements, restrictive covenants, employee relations, workplace investigations, and organizational changes.
• Oversee external employment counsel on complex or jurisdiction-specific matters.
• Advise on independent contractor relationships, contingent workforce models, and related regulatory requirements.

Legal Operations & Functional Leadership

• Lead and develop a responsive, efficient, and business-oriented legal function.
• Build upon existing legal processes, contract templates, policies, and governance structures to support scalability.
• Champion the adoption of AI-enabled legal tools, contract automation, and modern legal technology to improve efficiency and execution.
• Manage external legal counsel, ensuring appropriate expertise, cost discipline, and measurable value.
• Establish clear legal priorities, service expectations, and practical risk-management processes.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented legal culture focused on accountability, speed, and continuous improvement

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with a U.S. state bar.
• 8+ years of progressive legal experience, including substantial experience advising software, SaaS, technology, or technology-enabled services businesses.
• Demonstrated expertise in commercial technology transactions, enterprise contracting, software licensing, and intellectual property law.
• Strong understanding of artificial intelligence legal issues, including emerging AI regulation, data usage rights, IP ownership, and AI governance.
• Experience advising on privacy, data protection, and regulatory compliance matters.
• Proven ability to negotiate sophisticated commercial agreements with large enterprise customers and technology partners.
• Strong business judgment and the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, prioritize competing demands, and execute effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• A hands-on, accountable leadership approach with a strong sense of urgency and ownership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Combination of law firm and in-house legal experience.
• Experience in a high-growth software, SaaS, AI, or technology services organization.
• Exposure to private equity-backed businesses, corporate transactions, or M&A.
• Experience advising Product and Engineering teams on software development, AI-enabled products, and intellectual property strategy.
• Familiarity with international commercial transactions, global privacy regulations, and cross-border legal matters.
• Experience supporting global workforce and independent contractor compliance matters.
• Experience implementing AI-enabled legal tools, contract lifecycle management systems, or other legal process improvements.
• Prior experience leading a legal function or managing outside counsel.

Who Will Thrive in This Role

We are looking for a legal leader who combines strong technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset and a genuine interest in helping a business grow.

You are intellectually curious, commercially astute, and energized by the pace of technological change. You understand how software and AI businesses operate and recognize the importance of providing legal guidance that is timely, pragmatic, and aligned with business priorities.

You are comfortable rolling up your sleeves, taking ownership of complex matters, and working directly with executives, customers, and cross-functional teams.

You bring confidence without ego, challenge conventional thinking when appropriate, and take pride in finding thoughtful solutions to difficult problems.

Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to grow professionally, broaden your impact, and help build a high-performing legal function within an evolving global technology organization.

Compensation:

Annual range based on experience: $250,000 - $400,000

In addition to base salary, Applause offers a semi-annual discretionary bonus, a 401(k) contribution, and a competitive benefits package. Actual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, experience, skills, and the scope of the role.

Our Core Values:

• At Applause, our core values guide how we work, collaborate, and deliver results.
• Be Accountable: Take ownership, follow through on commitments, and hold yourself and others accountable for results.
• Celebrate Authenticity: Bring your authentic self to work and build meaningful relationships rooted in trust and respect.
• In It Together: Collaborate across teams, support your colleagues, and succeed together.
• Create Value for Our Customers: Focus on meaningful outcomes and deliver solutions that help our customers succeed.
• Crush Your Goals: Set ambitious objectives, pursue excellence, and continuously improve.