Senior Privacy Counsel

Job Description Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is seeking an experienced and strategic privacy and data protection attorney to join its Legal team. This role reports to the Managing Director, Associate General Counsel, Enterprise Legal, and offers the opportunity to lead and continue maturing Ares’ global privacy program within a dynamic and fast-growing alternative investment management platform. Reporting Associate General Counsel, Enterprise Legal Key Responsibilities Global Privacy Program Leadership Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the firm’s global privacy and data protection program, including enterprise-wide policies, procedures and governance frameworks. Provide strategic oversight of privacy compliance across the firm’s operations in the U.S., EMEA, APAC and LATAM, ensuring alignment with applicable local laws and regulatory expectations and partnering with local external counsel as needed. Coordinate with regional Legal and Compliance teams to address local privacy law requirements and implement consistent firmwide standards. Develop and deliver privacy training and awareness programs across the firm. Legal Advisory & Regulatory Compliance Advise the business on the application of global privacy and data protection laws, including but not limited to: GDPR and UK GDPR CCPA/CPRA and other U.S. state privacy laws GLBA and financial sector privacy requirements APAC privacy regimes (e.g., Singapore PDPA) Monitor developments in global privacy regulations and translate regulatory changes into practical guidance for the business. Support expansion into new jurisdictions by advising on privacy regulatory requirements. Provide privacy guidance for new business initiatives and ensure that privacy considerations are incorporated using privacy-by-design principles. Data Governance & Risk Management Oversee Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and privacy risk assessments for new systems, vendors, or processing activities. Establish and maintain data inventories, record retention schedules, records of processing activities, and related documentation as required by applicable regulations. Partner with cybersecurity and information technology teams on data protection strategy and risk mitigation. Provide privacy guidance on the firm’s artificial intelligence strategy. Incident Response Advise on data breach response, investigation, and regulatory notification requirements across relevant jurisdictions. Serve as a key legal advisor for privacy incidents in partnership with cybersecurity, risk and compliance teams. Contracting & Vendor Management Review and negotiate privacy and data protection provisions in vendor contracts, including data processing agreements. Oversee privacy diligence in third-party vendor risk management processes. Qualifications Education Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school Bachelor’s degree required Required Skills & Experience 8+ years of legal experience in privacy, data protection, or cybersecurity matters Experience in financial services, preferably at a bank, asset manager, fintech, or similarly regulated institution Demonstrated experience advising organizations processing large volumes of personal data Deep knowledge of global privacy frameworks and cross‑border data transfer issues Experience leading enterprise privacy programs and complex cross‑functional initiatives Strong stakeholder management experience including interaction with senior leadership CIPP certification(s) preferred but not required General Requirements Experience providing practical, solutions‑based legal advice and strategically collaborating with business partners to navigate legal landscapes and commercial considerations Ability to operate autonomously as well as part of a larger team Ability to plan, execute and manage projects, getting buy-in from relevant stakeholders Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills Excellent time management and organizational skills Excellent contract review, drafting and negotiation skills Critical thinker and skilled issue spotter with high attention to detail Ability to successfully manage/prioritize multiple priorities and competing/shifting demands Growth mindset with the desire to learn and take on new challenges Drive to further develop data privacy and protection subject matter expertise Compensation Salary: $250,000 – $300,000 annual base. Total compensation may also include a discretionary performance‑based bonus. Benefits include Ares U.S. Core Benefits: Comprehensive Medical/Rx, Dental and Vision plans; 401(k) program with company match; Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA); Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSA) with company contribution; Basic and Voluntary Life Insurance; Long‑Term Disability (LTD) and Short‑Term Disability (STD) insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and Commuter Benefits for parking and transit. Additional benefits: access to a world‑class medical advisory team; a mental health app that includes coaching, therapy and psychiatry; a mindfulness and wellbeing app; financial wellness benefit with a financial advisor; new parent leave; reproductive and adoption assistance; emergency backup care; matching gift program; education sponsorship program; and more. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ares Management