Senior Director, Data & Privacy Legal

The Senior Director, Data & Privacy Legal at Airwallex is tasked with leading a global team to manage data localization, AI, and product-related privacy issues. Responsibilities include implementing compliance with international data regulations, providing privacy counseling to various departments, and supporting the Sales team on data matters. This role is critical to ensuring that Airwallex navigates legal complexities effectively while maintaining integrity in operations.

To qualify for the Senior Director, Data & Privacy Legal role at Airwallex, candidates must possess a J.D. degree and active membership in at least one US state bar. A minimum of 15 years of experience in an in-house legal department focusing on data and privacy issues, particularly in financial services or technology, is essential. Expertise in applicable data laws like PIPL and GDPR is also required, as well as strong leadership skills to manage and mentor a legal team.

Success as the Senior Director, Data & Privacy Legal at Airwallex requires a combination of technical legal knowledge and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates should have extensive familiarity with US and EU data laws, the ability to simplify complex legal concepts for diverse audiences, and the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously. A collaborative mindset, empathy, and a good sense of humor are also key attributes because this role interacts with various teams across the organization.

The Senior Director, Data & Privacy Legal position at Airwallex is unique thanks to its central role in a rapidly scaling fintech environment. It provides the opportunity to drive strategic privacy initiatives and legal compliance in a highly dynamic and innovative industry. The role also offers significant executive visibility and the chance to collaborate with a diverse team, making meaningful contributions to the evolution of global financial tech while ensuring legal integrity.

The Senior Director, Data & Privacy Legal contributes to Airwallex's mission by ensuring compliance with complex data regulations while guiding product development with a focus on privacy by design. This role helps foster a culture of compliance and ethical conduct, directly influencing how Airwallex manages risk and promotes trust among its global customer base. By leading the legal aspect of strategic initiatives, the director plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of data usage within the organization.

In answering this question, provide specific examples of how you've dealt with data localization laws in previous roles. Describe the projects you have been involved in, the challenges you faced, and how you navigated them to ensure compliance. Highlight your understanding of different regions' regulations and your approach to implementing effective data governance strategies.

Discuss your strategies for managing compliance with various data privacy laws, such as PIPL, GDPR, and CCPA. You might talk about developing comprehensive compliance programs, training teams on legal requirements, and employing technology solutions to streamline compliance efforts. Emphasize your ability to adapt to regulatory changes while maintaining best practices in data governance.

Outline your approach to incorporating privacy by design principles into product development. This may involve collaboration with product teams during the early stages, conducting privacy impact assessments, and ensuring that privacy is a core consideration in every phase of product design. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully implemented such strategies in your previous roles.

Describe your experience in facilitating collaboration between legal, product, and engineering teams. Highlight specific examples where you’ve successfully bridged gaps between different departments, managed stakeholder expectations, and ensured a unified approach to addressing privacy challenges while fostering a culture of compliance within the organization.

Be prepared to discuss a specific challenging privacy issue you've encountered during your career. Detail the context of the situation, your analysis of the legal implications, the steps you took to resolve it, and the outcomes. This demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the Senior Director role.

Explain your methods for staying informed about changes in data privacy laws and regulations. This could include attending industry conferences, participating in professional organizations, subscribing to relevant publications, or networking with other legal experts. Showcase your proactive approach to continuous learning and your commitment to implementing best practices within your organization.

Discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) that are vital for evaluating the effectiveness of compliance programs. Examples could include the number of training sessions completed, the frequency of compliance audits, or the percentage of teams adhering to privacy policies. Show how these metrics support continuous improvement in compliance efforts and help mitigate risks.

Share your approach to aligning legal compliance with broader business objectives. Emphasize the importance of understanding the company’s goals and how you advocate for privacy considerations without hindering innovation. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated and negotiated with stakeholders to find solutions that satisfy both legal requirements and business needs.

Articulate your thoughts on current challenges in the privacy field, such as the rapid pace of technological advancement, changing regulations, or increasing consumer awareness. Discuss how these challenges impact organizations and privacy practices, and express your enthusiasm for addressing these issues head-on in your role as a Senior Director at Airwallex.

Describe your leadership style and how it fosters a productive and collaborative team environment. You might discuss your focus on empathy, transparency, and mentorship. Provide examples of how you've successfully developed your team members' skills and how you approach team dynamics, including conflict resolution and motivation strategies.