AVP, Privacy Risk & Governance

Pacific Life • Newport Beach, NC

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own. We’re actively seeking an experienced AVP, Privacy Risk & Governance to join our Enterprise Compliance team in Newport Beach, CA; Omaha, NE; or Charlotte, NC. This role follows Pacific Life's hybrid work model, which requires employees to work in the office four days per week. Comprehensive relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Candidates who reside outside of Newport Beach, CA will be expected to travel to Newport Beach at least quarterly for team collaboration, leadership meetings, and key business activities. In this role, you will lead and oversee Pacific Life’s Global Privacy Program, providing strategic direction, governance, and operational leadership across privacy, data protection, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, and records and information management. As a member of the Enterprise Compliance Senior Leadership Team within the Legal and Compliance Division, you will partner closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across the enterprise to strengthen compliance capabilities, mitigate risk, and support business objectives.

Requirements

• 15+ years of experience in privacy, compliance, legal, risk management, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in privacy and data protection programs
• 10+ years of people leadership experience, including leading and developing high-performing teams
• Proven ability to assess complex regulatory requirements, identify risk, and develop practical, business-focused compliance solutions
• Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and build credibility across all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, sound judgment, and the ability to lead through ambiguity while balancing competing priorities and business needs
• Bachelor’s degree

Nice To Haves

• Relevant professional certifications in privacy, data governance, cybersecurity, or AI governance (e.g., CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, AIGP) are preferred
• Experience supporting privacy compliance programs within the life insurance, financial services, healthcare, or similarly regulated industries is strongly preferred
• Strong working knowledge of privacy, AI, and records retention regulations, including CCPA, HIPAA, GLBA, GDPR, and other applicable global requirements
• AIGP® (Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional)
• Experience building or transforming enterprise privacy, AI governance, or information governance programs
• Ability to translate regulatory and compliance requirements into practical, scalable business processes
• Strong enterprise mindset with a track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and driving organizational change
• Trusted advisor who can effectively partner with legal, compliance, technology, risk, and business leaders to achieve strategic outcomes

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, administration, and ongoing enhancement of Pacific Life’s Global Privacy Program while supporting the Chief Compliance, Privacy, and Ethics Officer in executing key priorities and deliverables
• Monitor global regulatory developments and translate emerging privacy, AI, and information governance requirements into actionable business strategies and compliance initiatives
• Direct enterprise privacy risk assessments and partner with stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and mitigate privacy-related risks across the organization
• Collaborate with Senior Privacy Counsel to oversee privacy incidents through resolution, serving as a trusted advisor and escalation point for complex matters
• Partner with Risk Management, Information Security, Third-Party Risk Management, Operational Risk & Resilience, and business leaders to strengthen and scale privacy, AI governance, and records management capabilities
• Identify emerging risks and implement sustainable, repeatable processes that improve program effectiveness, accountability, and operational efficiency
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of privacy professionals by establishing clear expectations, fostering accountability, and supporting ongoing professional growth

Benefits

• Comprehensive relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior