Privacy Counsel (Agency Attorney) – Surge Capacity

Role OverviewAs Privacy Counsel, you will serve as a senior legal advisor on complex privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity matters for a New York City government agency. This role demands a seasoned attorney who can operate independently, advise senior leadership, and drive privacy initiatives across a large, multi-agency environment.Key ResponsibilitiesLegal Advice & CounselProvide expert legal advice on complex, sensitive, and urgent privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity matters related to agency priority initiativesAdvise on federal, state, and local privacy laws and regulations impacting city agencies and citywide initiativesPrepare privacy impact assessments and advise on privacy implications of proposed technologies and data use initiativesPolicy & LegislationShape, draft, and review privacy-related policies, legislation, and citywide guidanceMonitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments in privacy, data security, and cybersecurity; brief relevant stakeholders on impacts and required actionsContracts & AgreementsDraft, review, and negotiate MOUs, NDAs, data sharing agreements, terms of service, multi-agency data integration agreements, and related legal documentsCompliance & TrainingDevelop policies, guidance materials, templates, presentations, and training documents to support agency compliance with privacy laws and regulationsDesign and deliver privacy-related training programs for government personnelStakeholder Engagement & RepresentationRepresent agency leadership in national and international privacy organizations, interagency working groups, and senior-level meetingsManage relationships and drive intergovernmental affairs with executive offices, legislative bodies, and key government stakeholders on privacy mattersEngage with the public on privacy matters, including panel participation and publications as directed by leadershipStrategic SupportPrepare legal briefs and provide strategic advice to government officials and city leadership on privacy mattersHandle special projects and initiatives as assigned by program leadershipMandatory QualificationsMinimum 12 years of legal experience, including experience in government, intergovernmental affairs, or implementing and supporting an enterprise privacy programAdmission to the New York State Bar, in good standingActive IAPP certification (e.g., CIPP/US, CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, or AIGP)Demonstrated, hands-on experience advising on complex U.S. privacy and data security laws (e.g., GDPR implications for U.S. entities, CCPA/CPRA, HIPAA, state breach notification laws, and relevant federal, state, and local statutes)Experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating privacy-related legal documents including MOUs, NDAs, data sharing/processing agreements, and terms of serviceTrack record developing organizational privacy policies, compliance materials, internal/external legal guidance, and templatesExperience conducting or providing legal support for privacy impact assessments, data protection impact assessments, or similar privacy risk analysesDemonstrated ability advising on privacy and data security implications of emerging technologies, digital services, or data use initiativesExperience supporting implementation or operation of an enterprise-level privacy programAbility to monitor, analyze, and advise on privacy-related legislative and regulatory developmentsProven ability to provide strategic legal counsel to senior leadership and executive-level stakeholdersExcellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal and policy concepts to diverse audiences, including non-legal and technical stakeholdersDemonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams (IT, policy, operations, legal) to develop and implement privacy solutionsPreferred QualificationsExperience working as an attorney within a government agency (federal, state, or local), or providing extensive direct legal counsel to government agency clientsIn-house experience at a large, complex enterprise or highly regulated industry where policy, legal considerations, and operations frequently intersectJob Type: ContractPay: $70.00 - $85.00 per hourExpected hours: 35 per weekExperience:Legal counsel: 12 years (Required)License/Certification:Good standing with New York State Bar: RequiredWork Location: Hybrid remote in Brooklyn, NY