Ethics Specialist

Ethics Specialist

Location: San Jose

Employment Type: Regular

Job Code: A208188

Responsibilities

Team Introduction: The Ethics Office is a global team dedicated to upholding TikTok's commitment to integrity. We champion our Code of Conduct and foster a "Speak Up" culture where every employee feels safe, heard, and empowered to raise concerns. Our work goes beyond simply reacting to issues; we proactively identify and address systemic risks, strengthen our ethical framework, and build a more transparent and accountable workplace for everyone. Position Summary: As an Ethics Specialist, you will serve as a key guardian of the organization's ethical standards. You will independently manage fair, thorough, and empathetic investigations into alleged violations of the Code of Conduct, including bullying, harassment, retaliation, discrimination, and other ethics-related matters. You will also support the consistent and proportionate application of disciplinary actions and remediation following substantiated findings, ensuring outcomes are aligned with policy, due process, and organizational values. We are seeking a team member who can look beyond individual cases to the broader organizational context. You will translate investigation insights into actionable recommendations by identifying patterns, uncovering root causes, and informing improvements to policies, processes, and training. You will also contribute to ethics-related communications and awareness initiatives designed to prevent misconduct and strengthen ethical decision-making. Working closely with partners across HR, Legal, and other functions, you will not only help resolve individual concerns but also contribute to the continuous strengthening of our compliance program and the cultivation of a respectful, ethical workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Case Management - Manage the end-to-end investigation process, from intake and planning to evidence analysis and reporting.
• Ensure all investigations are conducted with the highest degree of confidentiality, impartiality, and respect for privacy.
• Quality and Organizational Capability - Look beyond individual cases to identify root causes and systemic weaknesses in our processes, policies, or controls.
• Propose and help implement updates to our investigation SOPs, case standards, and documentation templates to improve quality and consistency.
• Provide legal advice and guidance on compliance matters to internal stakeholders, including senior management.
• Support the development and delivery of ethics related training, guidance materials and internal communications.
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Trust - Collaborate effectively with partners in HR, Employee Relations, Legal, Business Unit and other teams to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach.
• Serve as a trusted and accessible resource for employees, reinforcing confidence in our "Speak Up" channels and investigation process.
• Consistently uphold principles of procedural fairness throughout all interactions.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives such as policy and process development.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: At least 5 years of experience conducting workplace investigations (e.g., within Ethics & Compliance, Employee Relations, Legal, HR, or relevant government agencies), preferably in an in-house or regulatory environment. Strong understanding of workplace standards and investigation practices, including procedural fairness and case management fundamentals. Demonstrated ability to conduct internal investigations, including whistleblower, fraud, and misconduct cases, while handling sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics clearly and concisely. Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across functions and international teams. Proactive and adaptable, with a hands-on approach suited to a dynamic and evolving environment. Ability to communicate the purpose and value of ethics and compliance policies to employees at all levels, fostering understanding, engagement, and accountability across the organization.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in legal roles within global or regional organizations, preferably in the technology sector. Familiarity with cross-border compliance and regulatory requirements. Proven track record of managing complex internal investigations or whistleblower cases. Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and apply regulatory guidelines.

Job Information

For Pay TransparencyCompensation Description (Annually) The base salary range for this position in the selected city is $108000 - $220400 annually. Compensation may vary outside of this range depending on a number of factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies and experience, and location. Base pay is one part of the Total Package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work, and this role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, and restricted stock units. Benefits may vary depending on the nature of employment and the country work location. Employees have day one access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) savings plan with company match, paid parental leave, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, wellbeing benefits, among others. Employees also receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 paid sick days per year and 17 days of Paid Personal Time (prorated upon hire with increasing accruals by tenure). The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits programs at any time, with or without notice. For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Our company believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: 1. Interacting and occasionally having unsupervised contact with internal/external clients and/or colleagues; 2. Appropriately handling and managing confidential information including proprietary and trade secret information and access to information technology systems; and 3. Exercising sound judgment.

About TikTok

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok's global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we also have offices in New York City, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Why Join Us

Inspiring creativity is at the core of TikTok's mission. Our innovative product is built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and bring joy - a mission we work towards every day. We strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and innovate as one team. We're resilient and embrace challenges as they come. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.

Diversity & Inclusion

TikTok is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.

TikTok Accommodation

TikTok is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our recruitment processes for candidates with disabilities, pregnancy, sincerely held religious beliefs or other reasons protected by applicable laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to us at