Lead Attorney, Data & Privacy

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves?

As a global leader in advanced mobility solutions, our outstanding team of legal professionals helps us navigate the continually changing legal and regulatory landscape. In our Office of General Counsel, you’ll be part of an organization that collaborates with outside counsel to operate as a global team and deliver world-class legal, tax and audit services to client groups throughout the company.

You will be an integral member of a team of legal and other privacy professionals dedicated to helping Ford deliver great products and services, drive compliance and privacy by design, and champion customer trust.

• JD degree, and active member of a U.S. state bar association, in good standing.
• Subject-matter expertise in global data and privacy laws in major jurisdictions, including GDPR, CCPA and other US state privacy laws, FTC Act, GLB Act, CAN-SPAM, EU AI Act, EU Data Act, and PIPEDA.
• Top-notch oral and written communication skills, including an ability to communicate complex legal requirements into actionable and easy-to-understand guidance and to adapt messaging for diverse audiences.
• Deep understanding of consent strategies, particularly in an automotive or Internet-of-Things (IoT) setting.
• 5+ years at a major law firm or large corporation providing data and privacy legal advice, or supporting data and privacy compliance strategy and implementation.
• Availability for meetings during Dearborn, MI working hours.
• Ability to travel as needed for in-person meetings (approx. 1-2 times per year).

• Passion for privacy and building privacy into the design of everyday products.
• Experience with privacy, cyber and/or AI impact assessments, with a strong understanding of data governance, compliance controls, and risk mitigation.
• Ability to adapt and stay current with the evolving data and privacy legal requirements.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple, complex projects under product development deadlines, with flexibility as to the types of projects assigned.
• Solid business acumen and the ability to offer pragmatic advice to business, product, design, and engineering teams.
• Ability to interact comfortably with executives and senior managers.
• Ability to work well independently and in collaboration, including with cross-functional, global teams.
• Technical fluency and experience with emerging technologies.
• OEM experience a plus.
• IAPP certifications preferred.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized backup child care and more.
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Established and active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a leadership level 5.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1‑888‑336‑0660.

• Provide comprehensive legal counsel on a wide range of cutting‑edge privacy, AI and data protection matters, ensuring compliance with global laws and regulations.
• Attend client meetings to spot potential data and privacy issues early and proactively develop winning strategies to address potential risks.
• Work collaboratively with legal, policy, and operational teams to create and implement effective risk mitigation approaches.
• Lead compliance efforts in collaboration with a global team of privacy professionals to support worldwide projects and enterprise solutions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and update internal standards, frameworks, and other requirements as needed.