Senior Counsel, Privacy

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

At Sun Life, we're driven by our Purpose: helping our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. Our values shape how we work: caring, authentic, bold, inspiring, and impactful.

When you join Sun Life, you'll work with passionate colleagues and empowering leaders who support your growth and celebrate your contributions, so you can make a meaningful difference in our Clients' lives.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.  

Job Description:

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Our team members and leaders are expected to foster connection and teamwork by being present in the office at least 2 days per week. ​

The Opportunity:

Sun Life’s U.S. Law Department is seeking a Senior Counsel, Privacy to join its corporate legal team.  In this role, you will advise on legal and compliance issues relating to privacy, information security, and responsible use of data and artificial intelligence, supporting all aspects of the company’s U.S. business.  You will partner with business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to develop practical and compliant solutions in support of key business initiatives.

How you will contribute:

Working closely with the managing Vice President & Associate General Counsel, the essential functions of this role include:

• Provide advice and guidance related to federal and state privacy and information security laws, including HIPAA, Gramm-Leach Bliley, California Consumer Privacy Act, and New York State Cybersecurity Requirements for Financial Services Companies.

• Provide day-to-day legal counsel on data collection, use, disclosure, and analytics practices, and the use of artificial intelligence.

• Assist with responding to data subject rights requests.

• Draft, review, and negotiate privacy and data protection terms in commercial agreements with vendors, clients, and others, as well as data security agreements, business associate agreements, and other similar agreements. Provide related guidance and support to business and functional leaders throughout the company.

• Deliver legal advice and counsel to the compliance and incident response teams to evaluate privacy and data security incidents and notification obligations under applicable state and federal laws. 

• Monitor changes in laws and regulations relating to privacy, information security, and artificial intelligence, including through active participation in relevant industry groups.  Evaluate the impact of these changes on contracts and business practices and provide proactive, clear, and actionable guidance to internal stakeholders. 

What you will bring with you: 

• J.D. degree and an active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction in good standing.

• At least 7 years of relevant legal experience with substantial focus on privacy and data protection; knowledge and experience in insurance and/or financial services is strongly preferred. 

• Adept at applying relevant laws to matters and providing proactive, practical advice to colleagues and business clients clearly and concisely.

• Proven track record of establishing excellent team-oriented and collaborative interpersonal working relationships.

• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• A hands-on, collaborative, and curious learner, proactively engaged to keep up with a dynamic and changing business and legal landscape.

• Strong analytical, legal research, writing, and communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.

• Certified Information Privacy Professional or similar certification by the International Association of Privacy Professionals is strongly preferred.

Salary Range: $172,300 - $258,500

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

Not ready to apply yet but want to stay in touch?   Join our talent community to stay connected until the time is right for you! 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive.  We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate.  We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program.  Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account.  Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth.  We’re proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer.  Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we’ve also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row.  Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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