Legal Counsel, Data Privacy and AI

Who We Are International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,300 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable. We are a global community that cares for one another.

We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve. The Need For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence.

9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking Legal Counsel, Data Privacy and AI to serve as IJM's primary legal advisor and domain owner for data privacy, artificial intelligence, information governance, cybersecurity, and related technology matters.

This role is responsible for advancing IJM’'s global legal framework for responsible data and technology use, providing both strategic legal leadership and hands‑on legal support. Working closely with Global Functions, Regional teams, and senior leaders, this role enables mission‑critical data and technology initiatives by delivering practical legal guidance, advising on legal and regulatory risk, and developing scalable governance frameworks that support IJM's work across multiple jurisdictions.

The position leads complex or high‑risk matters related to privacy, AI, cybersecurity, data sharing, and emerging technologies, helping ensure that innovation and operational effectiveness are pursued in ways that are lawful, ethical, and aligned with IJM's mission and values. This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays) if located in the Washington, DC area or remote for non‑local candidates. It reports to the Vice President, Legal Affairs and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.

• Leadership and Management Serve as IJM’s lead legal counsel for Data Privacy and AI, providing expertise in privacy, AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and related technology matters. Set priorities and lead execution of the Data Privacy and AI legal portfolio in alignment with IJM’s Theory of Change and strategic objectives. Provide legal analysis and guidance on complex, sensitive, and high-risk matters, supporting senior leadership decision-making.
  
  Foster a culture of integrity, collaboration, sound judgment, and responsible stewardship of data and technology.
• Strategy, Knowledge Development, and Implementation Partner with Technology and Legal Affairs colleagues to develop and advance legal strategies related to privacy, AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and enterprise technology. Monitor legal, regulatory, and technology developments and implement proactive approaches that support IJM’s global operations. Lead legal work streams for AI adoption, digital transformation, data governance, and other enterprise technology initiatives. Develop practical frameworks, tools, and guidance that enable responsible innovation and informed decision‑making.
• Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain trusted relationships with Technology, Information Security, Data Governance, Program, Regional, and Global Function leaders. Serve as the primary legal partner for privacy, AI, and technology matters, integrating legal considerations into organizational decision‑making. Collaborate with Legal Affairs, Regional Counsel, Risk, Compliance, and other stakeholders to ensure…