Assistant General Counsel, Privacy & AI Governance | Reston, VA (Washington)

About The Opportunity

Ellucian is seeking a strategic, collaborative and business‑oriented Assistant General Counsel, Data Privacy & AI to join our Legal team. The role reports to the Deputy General Counsel, Compliance, and serves as the company’s lead legal advisor on global privacy, data protection, AI governance, and data ethics, partnering with Product, Engineering, Information Security, IT, HR, and executive leadership to enable innovation while managing legal and regulatory risk.

Responsibilities

• Privacy & Data Protection
  • Lead the global privacy legal strategy and advise on privacy‑by‑design, cross‑border data transfers, and evolving global regulations.
  • Translate emerging privacy laws into practical guidance that enables responsible innovation.
  • Advise stakeholders on privacy principles throughout the product lifecycle.
• AI Governance & Emerging Technology
  • Provide legal support for AI governance, including generative AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies.
  • Shape governance frameworks and counsel on transparency, intellectual property, bias, accountability, and regulatory requirements.
  • Monitor AI legislation such as the EU AI Act and provide guidance to business leaders.
• Cybersecurity, Data Governance & Risk Management
  • Advise on cybersecurity, incident response, data governance, and legal obligations related to personal and sensitive information.
  • Assess legal risks of new products and initiatives, developing policies that strengthen compliance.
  • Support enterprise data governance initiatives on ownership, classification, retention, and responsible data use.
• Strategic Business Partnership
  • Partner with Product, Engineering, Information Security, IT, HR, Sales, Procurement, and executive leadership to balance innovation with legal risk.
  • Advise on technology transactions, AI‑enabled products, customer commitments, vendor relationships, and strategic initiatives.
  • Support privacy, data sharing, technology licensing, and vendor relationship transactions.
• Leadership & Operational Excellence
  • Drive the continued evolution of the global privacy and AI governance program, ensuring scalable governance.
  • Develop scalable legal processes, manage outside counsel, and contribute to initiatives that enhance operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• 10+ years of legal experience with expertise in privacy, data protection, cybersecurity, technology, or regulatory law.
• Strong knowledge of global privacy regulations including GDPR, UK GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, FERPA, and other frameworks.
• Experience advising SaaS, cloud, software, or technology companies on privacy, data governance, cybersecurity, and AI legal matters.
• Deep understanding of AI governance, emerging technology regulation, cybersecurity, and data governance principles, including the EU AI Act.
• Proven ability to partner with cross‑functional leaders while balancing legal risk with business objectives.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into actionable guidance.

Bonus Qualifications

• Significant in‑house legal experience at a global SaaS, cloud, software, or technology company.
• Experience building enterprise‑wide privacy compliance, AI governance, and data governance programs.
• Certifications such as CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM or other IAPP certifications.
• Experience supporting global operations and cross‑border privacy matters.
• Familiarity with higher‑education technology or regulated environments.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, and vision.
• Flexible time off.
• Thrive Flex Lifestyle Account (LSA) for health, financial or learning interests.
• 401(k) with match & BrightPlan savings plan.
• Parental leave.
• 5 charitable days.
• Telemedicine.
• Wellness programs (Headspace Care, Wellbeats).
• RethinkCare & Wellthy caregiver support.
• Diversity and inclusion programs with employee resource groups.
• Employee referral bonuses.
• Learning culture with education assistance, professional development, LinkedIn Learning.