Senior Counsel, Data Privacy

Avidity Biosciences Inc

121d • $261,000 - $289,000

About The Position

Avidity is seeking a Senior Counsel, Data Privacy to establish and lead our global data privacy program. This role will set the foundation for privacy practices across the company while building scalable processes to support our growth as we transition to commercial stage. The successful candidate will provide strategic, business-focused advice on worldwide data protection laws and lead the development of policies, training, and governance frameworks that safeguard personal data and reinforce trust with patients, employees, and partners.

Requirements

• JD from an ABA accredited law school and member of a state bar.
• Minimum 10 years of experience advising on data privacy issues, with experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare sector strongly preferred.
• Experience in pre-commercial or high-growth company settings a plus.
• Deep expertise in U.S. and European data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, UK GDPR, Swiss FADP, CCPA/CPRA, state breach notification laws, CAN-SPAM, Section 5 of FTC Act); familiarity with Canadian and other international regimes a plus.
• Strong program management skills, with the ability to design frameworks that scale in a growing organization.
• Demonstrated success in leading or building a corporate privacy program.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to distill complex legal requirements into practical guidance for diverse stakeholders.
• Exceptional judgment, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated self-starter, comfortable operating in an emerging and fast-paced biotech environment.

Nice To Haves

• CIPM, CIPP/US, or CIPP/EU certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous evolution of Avidity’s global data privacy program, balancing compliance with agility in a pre-commercial environment.
• Advise cross-functional teams on worldwide data protection laws, including U.S. privacy laws, GDPR, UK GDPR, Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection, Section 5 of the FTC Act, CAN-SPAM, and other relevant applicable laws and regulations.
• Conduct privacy assessments of business processes, systems, and initiatives; develop risk-based solutions that enable innovation while protecting data integrity.
• Serve as subject matter expert and escalation point for data protection issues in contracting, including data processing agreements, collaborations, and vendor engagements.
• Partner with contracting teams to streamline processes and create template language for privacy-related terms.
• Draft and maintain privacy notices, consents, and related disclosures, including those posted on company websites.
• Develop and deliver training and communications that increase organizational awareness of privacy requirements and best practices.
• Guide responsible use of artificial intelligence by advising on data protection implications of AI-driven tools and processes, ensuring compliance with global privacy laws while enabling innovation across Avidity’s research and operations.
• Oversee processes for responding to data subject requests and potential data incidents.
• Collaborate with Internal Audit, Ethics & Compliance, and IT Security teams to monitor and audit compliance with internal data protection policies and controls.
• Stay current on evolving global privacy requirements, regulatory guidance, and emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence) to proactively adapt Avidity’s program.

Benefits

• Base salary range of $261,000 - $289,000.
• Opportunity for annual and spot bonuses, stock options, and RSUs.
• 401(k) with an employer match.
• Comprehensive wellness program including coverage for medical, dental, vision, and LTD.
• Four weeks of time off.
• Commitment to learning and development including job-specific training and an education reimbursement program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees