Head of product/privacy legal

As the Head of Product/Privacy Legal at Writer, you will be tasked with developing and scaling our legal function, particularly in areas related to product and privacy. This will involve working closely with multiple departments such as product management, engineering, and marketing to craft strategies that comply with regulations while supporting our innovative AI platform. You'll also guide teams through evolving laws and best practices, ensuring that both internal and external stakeholders are well-informed and prepared to navigate the complex landscape of AI governance.

To qualify for the Head of Product/Privacy Legal position at Writer, candidates should have a law degree from an accredited institution and be admitted to practice law in the U.S. You will need at least 10 years of progressive experience in an in-house legal role, ideally supporting enterprise SaaS or similar software platforms. Experience in leading legal functions related to product privacy and AI compliance is essential. Additionally, the ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with various teams is crucial for success in this role.

Writer is committed to supporting its employees in the Head of Product/Privacy Legal role with a robust benefits package that includes generous paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and family planning support. You'll also have access to funds for learning and development, wellness initiatives, and flexible spending accounts. Beyond compensation, we foster a collaborative work environment that encourages innovative thinking and professional growth, ensuring our employees feel valued and supported.

The Head of Product/Privacy Legal at Writer plays a pivotal role in AI governance by developing comprehensive compliance frameworks that meet existing regulations and anticipate future changes. You will be responsible for implementing privacy-by-design principles within our products and guiding teams through best practices in AI governance. This role requires a strategic mindset to integrate legal considerations into the product development process effectively, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry's legal standards.

The ideal candidate for the Head of Product/Privacy Legal position at Writer should embody qualities such as effective communication skills, a proactive and self-starting attitude, and the ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments with ease. Curiosity and a low ego are crucial traits as you collaborate with various teams and bring them along with you in the legal process. Being a business-savvy lawyer who understands how to add value to the organization will set you up for success in this role.

When answering this question, outline your relevant legal work history, particularly focusing on roles where you advised on product confidentiality and data privacy issues. Discuss specific projects or cases that highlight your expertise in navigating product and privacy law, showcasing your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

Explain your methods for staying informed, such as attending legal workshops, being part of professional legal associations, or subscribing to relevant industry publications. Showcase your initiative in conducting research and engaging with peers to understand evolving standards in AI governance.

Discuss how you can forge partnerships with product teams to establish a culture of compliance from the outset. Recommend implementing checkpoints in the development process to assess adherence to privacy principles, as well as training sessions for teams on compliance methods aimed at embedding these principles into product design.

Share your approach to balancing compliance with business needs, such as promoting open dialogue between legal and operational teams. Use examples from your previous roles where you've navigated similar challenges, emphasizing negotiation skills and creative problem-solving.

Highlight a leadership style that fosters collaboration and open communication. You might describe your philosophy of empowering teams through trust and accountability, providing feedback, and encouraging professional development. Bring attention to your approach for integrating legal insights into product strategy while leading by example.

Articulate your understanding of current challenges such as regulatory ambiguity, issues of bias in AI algorithms, and privacy concerns. Discuss how you envision addressing these challenges and strategies for proactive governance through policy development and stakeholder education.

Explain how effective communication and training sessions can keep internal teams informed and compliant. You could mention the importance of creating accessible materials that translate complex laws into clear guidelines, ensuring that all team members are equipped to respond to regulatory updates promptly.

Share a concrete example that demonstrates your role in a successful AI product launch, focusing on your contributions to compliance and governance. Illustrate how your legal expertise ensured that the product adhered to relevant laws while supporting the business objectives.

Discuss relevant metrics such as the number of compliance training sessions completed, improvements in data handling practices, or reduction in data breaches. Explain how these metrics can provide insights into the effectiveness of compliance programs and areas needing improvement.

Share your strategies for effective collaboration with external advisors, emphasizing clear communication and alignment on objectives. Mention the importance of building trustworthy relationships that facilitate knowledge sharing and problem-solving, ensuring that your team's needs are met effectively.